It may be the first time I watched World Championships for track & field this year.
Except for figure skating, I don’t usually watch any other sports competitions and I only watch Olympics.
I have been a fan of Jeremy Wariner (400m) since 2004 Olympics but since watching last Beijing Olympics ( 2008), and his struggle to get gold medal, and rivalry between LaShawn Merritt and him at that time, I became more concerned about his competition.
They showed the first round ( rehearsal ) two days ago, and Jeremy’s time was 44.64 or something like that, and he looked like he was not seriously running and I thought it just for warm-up before the final.
And in the final, he placed second with the time 44.60 !
LaShawn Merritt won with the time 44.06.
I was wondering what was wrong with Jeremy ???
Then in the interview, he said he has been having an ankle injury.
That’s why…
The time 44.60 is slow compared to his usual time he had been having in the past.
It’s really a shame, but besides mind set, avoiding to get health issue is the most important.
But how to avoid it ?
That’s one of the reason we can not know what will happen every competition.
If Jeremy Wariner was in best condition including his mind set, I really think he would be unbeatable.
In the last part, he already looked no power to kick in, which he usually had. So he might be protective for his ankle ?
Tyson Gay also got an injury after finished 100m final and had to withdraw from his other competition.
Even though Tyson could not beat Usain Bolt, he achieved the best USA time record ( plus his personal best ).
Rivalry can push each other and good for both of them to improvement. Without Usain Bolt, I doubt Tyson could get that time.
Unless Usain get health issue, I guess he is unbeatable in 100m & 200m.
For women, I was interested in Allyson Felix 200m in last Beijing Olympics.
I don’t know why, but I thought her running is beautiful to watch. Something about her, she is an attractive person.
When she was just standing, the way how she stands looks like a model. Her proportion is so well-balanced with long legs, not too macho, and not too skinny.
I was inspired by her win in this competition ( women’s 200m ).
She was so strong with confidence, with her elegant beautiful running !
Looked perfect mind set while running especially in the final part.
And that gave me and Ray power. Amazing !
Ray also was inspired by her running.
And her personality reflecting in her face.
Nothing arrogant, just naturally pure happiness.
It always great to see this kind of athlete.
I felt bad for Jeremy Wariner, but hope next time will be his day.
I still believe he is the fastest runner in 400m men nowadays. Before, it was Michael Johnson.
Top is still Michael Johnson’s 43.18 ( 1999 ), second is Harry Butch 43.29 (1988).
Jeremy’s personal best time record is 43.45 and still holds the World Record as third best in the world.
I hope Jeremy will break the record someday.
And Congratulations to Allyson Felix. I will always root for her.