I am just like you. You. And you, and you, and you. I am a dream jock. As a failed athlete, I have dreams of performing amazing feats in front of large crowds that I know will never be realized. Some spend hours wishing they can hit one out of Yankee Stadium or catch the game winning touchdown in the Super Bowl. My never-will-happen ambition occurs five out of seven days a week, every time I go running. Each stride hopefully longer, each kick wishfully stronger, and each finish faster.
Nothing brings that out more than Olympic Track. Crossing the line first, in front of 60,000 fans all screaming for you. Basketball, baseball, football; all of those take drowning out the crowd for supreme concentration. Ask many athletes about the crowd and they'll respond that they don't even know it's there. Running means building off of the noise, using it to propel you down the track along the last turn. Giving the final boost on the last straightaway, because sometimes 100 mile weeks sometimes aren't enough. And pushing you across the tape first despite all the times you practiced finishes and lunges. Sometimes sprinters win by a nose, sometimes by a pitch.
Nothing brings that out more than Olympic Track. Crossing the line first, in front of 60,000 fans all screaming for you. Basketball, baseball, football; all of those take drowning out the crowd for supreme concentration. Ask many athletes about the crowd and they'll respond that they don't even know it's there. Running means building off of the noise, using it to propel you down the track along the last turn. Giving the final boost on the last straightaway, because sometimes 100 mile weeks sometimes aren't enough. And pushing you across the tape first despite all the times you practiced finishes and lunges. Sometimes sprinters win by a nose, sometimes by a pitch.
These Olympics are not short on compelling races and running events.
100 Meters- The most exciting and highly awaited race is easly the 100 meter dash. The final should have the three fastest men on the planet.
Jamaican Asafa Powell is the former world record holder who at one point seemed unbeatable in the event and seemed destined to put his career in the memory books as one of the best ever. But injuries and a penchent for choking on the big stage slowed down the runner with a best time of 9.74 seconds.
Fellow Jamaican Usain Bolt came out of nowhere to set the world record in the 100 with a time of 9.72 seconds in New York. Formally a 200 runner, Bolt was using the race as speed workout. Now Bolt has a world record and is the prohibitive favorite in Beijing. I have never seen a sprinter make it look so easy. Money may not grow on trees, but in Jamaica, 100 meter runners do.
American Tyson Gay seemed ready to pounce on Powell's claim as best in the world. While Powell was recovering, Gay was making his move. But just as it seemed Gay would be hitting his stride, he was outgunned in May by Bolt. Then during the US Olympic Trials Gay barely made it out of the pre-final heats. He made up for it by running a wind-aided 9.68, the fastest ever but not a world record. Unfortunately Gay will only be running the 100 in Beijing despite being a better 200 meter runner as he injured his hamstring during the 200 meters qualifying races and has not raced since.
200 Meters- The time is now for Allyson Felix. She is the new American "It Girl" in track and field. She won the silver medal in this event in Athens as a 18 year old and now comes back this year as the favorite. Commercials and World Championship medals will only get you so far. In track, notoriety and names are made with Olympic Gold.
1500 Meters- Bernard Lagat is the main story here. The former Kenyan, now US citizen, is trying to get a third Olympic medal and his first gold. The previous two were won for Kenya. He won this race at the World Championships but we'll see how he does here under the bright lights.
Steeplechase- This is easily the most enjoyable race to watch. As if running 3000 meters at an Olympic speed isn't painful enough, having to hurdle and jump over puddles makes it hell. This is a race for the true warriors and sadists.
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1 comment:
Hey Mike !
I really like how you're mixing up free style writing and sport reporting.Feels like I'm chatting to a trusted sport insider in a cozy uptown piano bar.Good bar tending M.V. !Thanks !
Y. Von Ukrov Sr.
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