Top Elite Track Athlete of the Year: The Next Challenge

For the next couple weeks everyone will be talking about who had the biggest season. And for good reason. Usain Bolt had a mind boggling season that shocked even his most ardent critics. Yes, Sanya Richards sealed her legacy in the sport and Kenenisa Bekele added another chapter to an already hall of fame career.

But this debate is officially closed.

This year Usain Bolt’s answered the one of the last questions for the Jamaican superstar. The Jamaican megastar proved that he can win great competition in the 100 meter race and also shattered his own 100 and 200 meter world records. It’s the litmus test of greatness. Carl did it. Michael did it. At the World Champions in August, Bolt bettered a Tyson Gay who said before the meet that he was in the best of his life by a comfortable margin.

That’s what the great ones do.

The other pressing issue is whether Bolt is big enough to save the sport. Sure it’s a lot of pressure for any athlete and especially in track and field. Legend Michael Johnson remarked this summer that he believes the sport is in decline. Rather than another article bemoaning the sport’s ills, we should focus on the man who can do something about changing the tide.

Sure Usain Bolt astonishes every time he gets in the blocks. But can the three-time world record holder put butts in the seats, sell overpriced hot dogs, and give the average sports fan a single reason to care even a morsel about the goings on in elite track and field?

That’s what the great ones do.

Bolt puts on a show and that is good for the sport. He is not afraid to pull up before the finish line or strike a pose after a win. He is quickly becoming a global superstar on the track. The next challenge is to do so off the track.

Considering his track record, you would be a fool to beat against him. Stay tuned and you may want to get your popcorn ready.

Bolt vs. Gay Begs More Questions

The prevailing wisdom after watching the 22-year-old Jamaican sprint to 9.58 seconds and 19.19 seconds in the 100 and 200 meters respectively at the World Championship is that every race under 400 meters is a rap. Usain Bolt has the ability to challenge every world record under 800 meters, bring about world peace, and deliver on universal health care and still have time to for some dance hall moves.

After setting two world records in Berlin, nothing is too far of a stretch. Really.

It is difficult to argue with nearly a two meter victory in the 100 meters at the World Championships.

But a closer looks reveals the story involving the story between the two spring giants is not complete.

The presence of Tyson Gay in the race propelled Bolt to lower his world record. There was no showboating, no shutting it down two meters from the line. Because Bolt knew that anything less than his best could threaten the chance for victory.

How fast can Gay ultimately go? I don’t think it’s unrealistic that his personal best is sub 9.70 seconds over the next two seasons.

And in the Berlin race, Tyson Gay’s 9.71 is a time that would have been a world record 13 months ago. That is still only good for a silver but news is coming out that the ever classy Gay was not 100% in the World Championship final. In fact, his groin injury requires surgery after the season. I know, some you’re thinking it is just another excuse. But the American Record holder was not at his best and one can only imagine if Gay can close some of the gap.

But track is arguably the most fickle of lovers. Hot today and then small injuries such as of the groin, foot or hamstring after running a number of fast races has slowed down some of the sports best. Think Maurice Greene.

The rivalry is not over. The fact is that every season starts completely new and fans can look forward to Bolt dueling it on the circuit in 2010. The finals left more questions about who will win the next match up and the meet after that.

PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show, Episode #40

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The World Athletic Finals (WAF) provides to be a successful venture for the U.S. envoy. Is Sanya Richards latest feat good enough for her to be considered the greatest 400 meter runner ever?  Which performance was more impressive?  Kenenisa Bekele or Usain Bolt had impressive performances at the World Athletic Finals.

Send an email to comments@preracejitters.com to have your comments and questions discussed on the show.

PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show…where the real playas come to hang out!

PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show - Podcast #38

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After a brief break, track and field’s top internet radio show returns with two weeks until the World Championships to discuss track and field’s hottest stories. Jay Hicks and John W. Davis chop up the issues.

-Gay vs. Bolt
-Is Allyson Felix unbeatable?
-Can the U.S. 1,500m women medal in Berlin?

PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show…where the real playas come to hang out!

PreRaceJitters’ Off the Track with John W. Davis Podcast # 38 featuring Joe Battaglia

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For the 5th Episode of ” PreRaceJitters’ Off The Track with John W. Davis”, I collaborated with a highly respected Track and Field Journalist.

My guest, none of than Universal Sports Senior Producer, Joe Battaglia.

You probably know Joe as the lead reporter of Universal Sports’ Track and Field section.

I know Joe as a respected colleague, who I wanted to team up with, to breakdown T&F.

So, we decided to record an audio version of Joe’s weekly Inside Track interview/recap/preview article.

Here’s our podcast rundown:

1. Bolt v. Gay
2. The American Distance Scene
3. Marathon Match ups
4. The State of the Long Jump
5. Is Jelimo Back?
6. Who’s the Best Hurdler in The World?

Off the Track with John W. Davis. My Style… Their Stories… For Your Ears Only!

Don’t forget, Off The Track with John W. Davis is a PreRaceJitters.com exclusive.

Tyson Gay’s 9.77 AR, Rearranging the Game

I never thought Tyson Gay was done. No way.

Tying his own American Record in 9.77 seconds, ahead of long time foe Asafa Powell in Rome is a precursor for Berlin. Only the blind and foolish thought that some how Gay was going to disappear silently into the night after his Beijing experience.

Tyson Gay is responsible for one of the all-time return seasons in the sport’s history. His pride and coaching are too strong. Gay ran a personal best 19.58 seconds at the Reebok Grand Prix and followed up with a 9.77 second return performance in Rome.

Don’t think for a second that Usain Bolt isn’t watching his every move on the track and a tad nervous about the looming match up. There’s no telling who will win a show down but you can bet your house that Gay will run his best in the race.

Watch out! Sanya Richards is unstoppable on the Golden League circuit, keeping her unbeaten streak on the circuit alive while making history running 50 second 400 meters for the 36th time. With Allyson Felix (50.94) in the race, Richards churned out 49.4, cruising to victory and last week Richards beat rival Christine Ohuruogu by nearly two seconds and in the process is establishing herself as the favorite for Berlin.

She broke the 4:00 minute barrier. It was so not much if, but when Christin Wurth-Thomas deliver the 3:59.98 race. She finished second in the race against an impressive field.

Kerron Clement is not so quietly piecing together one of his best season’s to date. Today’s 48.09 is another step towards getting to the next level of 400 meter hurdle consistency for the Olympic silver medalist.

Usain Bolt run 19.59 at Lausanne Super Grand Prix

PreRaceJitters’ Off The Track with John W. Davis: Interviews Jason Richardson, South Carolina

Photo courtesy of University of South Carolina.

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For the Inaugural Episode of Off the Track with John W. Davis, I linked up with “Super Senior” Jason Richardson of South Carolina.  In April 2009, Richardson became one of the only three-time individual event champions in the storied history of the Penn Relays. His only loss, a 2nd place finish his freshman year in 2005.

Often injured, Richardson comes into the 2009  outdoor season with intense focus and a renewed spirit after missing the final NCAA Indoor Championship meet of his collegiate career due to a strained left hamstring. Overall, Jason is definitely a great interview and a knowledgeable Track fan with great insight and analysis on and off the track.

With an improved start, Richardson hopes to lower a PR of 13.21 in the 110m Hurdles at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

Tune into Off the Track with John W. Davis, exclusively on PreRaceJitters.com, on the 1st and 15th of every month.

Off the Track with John W. Davis.

My Style… Their Interview… For Your Ears Only!

• Jason Richardson Named Gamecock Athlete of the Week
• Usain Bolt: The 10 Million Dollar Man?
• Lolo Jones: Running Injured at Drake

Special thanks to Jason Richardson.

PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show with Brianna Glenn

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Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren.

Jay Hicks and guest Brianna Glenn discuss the latest news and preview the Mt. Sac Relays. Plus, Brianna Glenn on Usain Bolt and her plans for the 2009 season. The longer jumper and sprinter shares her insights and much more.

-Usain Bolt
-Mt. Sac Relays
-ACC Championships
-Brianna Glenn

Specials thanks to Brianna Glenn.

Share your comments and questions at comments@preracejitters.com.
PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show, where the real playas come to hang out!

PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show - Episode 7

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