TAKEAWAY BUDAPEST- 2023

World Championships – 2023 was exciting with surprising results in some finals. The experience required more recovery time than anticipated. Jamaican Athletes are ahead of schedule for Paris 2024. Below are takeaways from Budapest.

Women 100m finals saw a surprising winner Shacari Richardson. If ETH was in Track shape the result would have been different. Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce fitness was exposed and Shericka Jackson lacks the ferociousness of a 100m sprinter. To be a 100m champion you must run through the finish line and not to it. Because of that error in execution Shericka Jackson failed to be a double Gold medalist. Congratulations to Shacari Richardson. She is better than she was at Prefontaine Classic 2021 but still not better than 10.54.

MVP Track Club is not a need or of value in the way forward for Elaine Thompson Herah (ETH). Elaine Thompson Herah will be fine. In 2024, she will realize that she has an opportunity to accomplish something that has never been done and no chance of being repeated. She will have a chance to complete a Triple Double of the 100M and 200M at the Olympics. She will have an opportunity to add some granite to her already cemented Track and Field career. Her Legacy, despite a disappointing 2023 season will be forever known. Newcomers to the Sport will aspire to win doubles and not just a gold medal in an event. That mindset will add another level to Track and Field.

Men 100m Finals looked like a best of the rest competition.  Noah Lyles ran an exceptional race but there was the looming specter of where was everyone else. The event had a slow motion feeling. Oblique Seville appears to be comfortable with 4th place finishes in finals. Glen Mills has work to do. Congratulations to Noah Lyles. 

Women 200m Finals was the Shericka Jackson Invitational. Gabby Thomas has significant psychological work to do.  Shacari Richardson is unlikely to contend for the Gold medal in the 200m. When ETH returns in 2024 the excitement level will rise in this event.  Don’t be surprised if Shericka Jackson is challenged.  21.53 seconds is not far from 21.41. Hold on to your hats if you need them for Church Services. When those two Stars come around the bend at Paris 2024 all hats are off. Congratulations to Shericka Jackson for a stellar performance in Budapest 2023. 

Men 200m was the Noah Lyles clinic. Apparently the preliminary rounds eliminated the Legs of everyone except Noah.  Erriyon Knighton has seemingly reached his zenith. The rest of the competition need to rediscover themselves before Paris 2024. There is talk about Antonio Watson throwing is beret into the 200m mix but fans not sure he can run sub 20.00 seconds for the event. Regardless congratulations to Noah Lyles for his performance and victory in Budapest

Women 100m Hurdles was the Blue Ribbon event. The competition was fierce.  The field was very talented. Expect more of the same at Olympics 2024. On any given day anyone of the participants can win that race.  The margin for error is low. It came down to whoever cleared the 3rd Hurdle first.  Danielle Williams did and thereafter everyone was playing catch up. Jasmine Camacho Quinn did well to fight back but it was Danielle Williams day. Congratulations to Danielle Williams.

Women 400m Flat saw Mari Leidy Paulino from the Dominican Republic dominate the competition. With a winning time of 48.77 seconds Paulino is ahead of the competition. The question now is can she run faster than 47.60 seconds. When Sydney McLaughlin, Salwa Eid Naser, Gabby Thomas, and Shaunae Miller- Uibo are ready to perform it would be interesting to witness performances and result. Despite said speculation, Congratulations to Mari Leidy Paulino

Men 400m Finals was a thriller. Antonio Watson of Jamaica delivered a fantastic victory in a time of 44.22 seconds. That victory could not have been scripted. Expectations were that Jamaicans would deliver in this event next year.  To that end they are ahead of schedule. Too bad Sean Bailey was not able to run a better race.  Antonio Watson ran the perfect race under the circumstances.  Congratulations to Antonio Watson for his Tactical performance. Those who have been asking Glenn Mills for 400m Stars will see this victory as Redemption -“One Bob”. Making the Jamaican 400m Team for Olympics 2024 should be interesting and competitive. Anticipation is Jamaica Men 4 X 400m Relay team for Paris 2024 will be strong

Women 400m Hurdles saw Femke Bol win in a time of 51.70 seconds. Shamir Little took second and Rochelle Clark took third. Quite frankly the result was not impressive. The finish of that race was interesting. Rochelle Clayton can win this race in Paris 2024. She has to work on her race between the 200m and 300m section. She has a faster finish than Bol and Little. Great things are possible for Rochelle.  Regardless congratulations to Femke Bol. 

Men 400m Hurdles has become a Karsten Warholm affair. Running this event in 46.89 seconds is fast.  Use to be 47.00 seconds would get the Gold medal but not anymore.  McMaster finishing second appears to be doing something right in training. Rai Benjamin with a 3rd place finish held form but was unable to close the performance gap between himself and Warholm. McMaster will be the Athlete to watch in Paris 2024. Clarke gave a good account of himself and produced a Valiant effort.  Great things are in store for the young man in this event. Regardless congratulations to Karsten Warholm.

Men 110m Hurdles saw Grant Holloway outclass the field but at the end Hansel Parchment and Daniel Roberts decided to join the competition. Winning the event in time of 12.96 seconds is exceptional.  While Rasheed Broadbell might have turned in a time of 12.93 seconds the margin of victory would have been negligible.  With Gravity in control of the times in this event, it’s possible that we are unlikely to see a sub 12.90 seconds run for this event.  Congratulations to Grant Holloway in his victory. 

Women 800m saw Mary Moraa, Athing Mu, and Keely Hodgkinson in a battle to the finish.  The winning time of 1:53:03 is remarkable. Athing Mu was challenged and may need to reconstruct her preparation.  Athletes like Natoya Goule – Topping with a PB of 1:57:00 has significant background work to do.  Congratulations to Mary Moraa for a Tactical performance. 

Men 800m was an event many Fans were not keen on. Fans could not discern any one “fire in the belly competitor “. Arop of Canada came away with the victory in a time of 1:44:24 but Track fans think the event can be run faster, probably in a time of 1:43:00. Except for Arop it is hard to imagine an athlete who might produce that time by Paris 2024. Congratulations to Arop of Canada. 

Women 1500m saw Faith Kipyegon and Sifan Hassan continue their battles but they now have company in a spirited competitor- Welteji. Until Kipyegon and Hassan are not in the top 3 finishing positions, the status quo remains. Congratulations to Kipyegon for a well run race. 

Men 1500m or Mile saw Josh Kerr of Great Britain survive to win the event in 3:33:00. Ingerbrightsen of Norway gave it a Valiant effort but ran out of energy. Fans expected a faster time but apparently the competitors were victims of the rounds. The winning time in Paris 2024 is expected to be in the neighborhood of 3:20 to 3:25. Congratulations to Josh Kerr

Women pole Vault is an event that does not get much attention. Next year at the Olympics the event is expected to draw a strong following. The competition was a hard fought battle between USA Katie Moon and Australia Nina Kennedy. In the end the Ladies agreed to accept a tie. Both Competitors were credited for a Vault of 4:80m. Congratulations to USA Katie Moon and Australia Nina Kennedy. 

Men pole Vault was an exciting competition. EJ Obiena got the Silver medal. He is on pace to get the Gold medal in Paris 2024. The Philippines is preparing for another magnanimous Olympic moment. Congratulations to Mondo Duplantis for winning the event with a Vault of 6:00m

Women High Jump is popular.  Mahuchikh, Patterson, and Olyslagers put on a good show for the fans. The Jamaican- Distin looks very good.  Expectations are Lamara Distin will be a factor in Paris 2024. The event exhibited excellent performances. Congratulations to Mahuchikh for surviving the challenge with a Jump of 2.01m

Men High Jump, Tamberi, Harrison, and Barshim were triumphant 1, 2, and 3 respectively in the competition. The results might be the same in Paris 2024 but fans anticipate a shuffle in the standings with Harrison given a slight edge.  Congratulations to Tamberi with the winning height of 2.36m.

Women Long Jump could benefit from a little more excitement. Fans are concerned that competitors are not offering much of a challenge. In the end Ivana Vuleta, Tamara Davis, and Rotaru – Kottman took Gold, Silver, and Bronze respectively.  Congratulations to Vuelta with the winning Jump of 7:14m. There is a strong feeling that the result will be different in Paris 2024.

Men Long Jump was a demonstration that Jamaican athletes are rediscovering the Field events.  Wayne Pinnock, Tajay Gayle, and Carey McLeod finished 2, 3, and 4 respectively. With a little bit of luck it would have been a 1, 2, and 3 finish for the Jamaicans. Congratulations to Militadis Tentoglou who won the event.

Most Athletes are taking time off before Training and preparation for Olympics 2024 but the Tail Gate Party continues.

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ARE WE THERE YET – BUDAPEST – 2023

All Flight Paths end in Budapest, Hungary for Track and Field World Championships August 19, 2023. Jamaica Men 4x100M squad, should medal in Budapest but it will take excellent baton passing. Four men capable of 9.9X with a running start should produce a time of 36.XX to 37.XX seconds for the event through the rounds. Regardless which Athletes are selected to run the final, they should be able to accomplish a time between 36 and 37 seconds. That should be good enough to get on the podium. Except for the USA, not many countries have two athletes who can run sub 10.00 seconds for the 100M event.

Jamaica Men 4x400M squad, should medal in Budapest. Four men capable of 45.XX with a running start should produce a time below 3:00 minutes for the event. Are we there yet?

Expectations by Key Events and Gender are as follows:

In the Women 100M Final, Shericka Jacko Jackson, and Shelly Ann Fraser – Pryce should medal. The Men 100M Final will be a different story. Fans fail to fathom a scenario in which Jamaican Men will earn a medal. However, strange things happen in Track and Field.

In the Women 200M Final, Shericka Jacko Jackson should medal. The Women 200M Event has a Looming cloud. Fans are having difficulty determining if Gabby Thomas is ready. Can Julien Alfred run a sub 22.00 seconds? Where does Dina Asher Smith factor in this mix? May the best Woman win on that day. Men 200M Final, is still wide open. Some Fans are not willing to declare Noah Lyles the winner. However, astute Fans know that 20.XX is not going to win that Event. Fans fail to fathom a scenario in which a Jamaican will win the event. No, I am not bashing, Track Fans welcome the facts every time.

The Women 400M Final is a Crapshoot. With Sydney McLaughlin – Levrone out of the Event there is new life for all Participants. Gabby Thomas would have had a Ball and ¾. Fans are bumming out on missing a thriller 400M event. Fans can envision a scenario in which a Jamaican could win the event. The Men 400M Final should be a Steven Gardiner affair but if he cheats on the backstretch, he will have a rude awakening.

The Women 800M Final should be interesting but there is rumor that Athing Mu might skip the Event. Natoya Goule is a star. She will be a force to reckon with. For The Men 800M Final take your Pick or root for your kind of Athlete.

The Hurdles will be the Blue Ribbon Event. The Women 100M Hurdles have a Cast of characters who could win the Event. Expectations are it will be a Jamaica versus USA rivalry. Whoever gets over the Third Hurdle first wins the Event. The Men 110M Hurdles should be a battle between Grant Holloway and Rasheed Broadbell

 Women 400M Hurdles could see Femke Bol win Gold but there could be a surprise. Probably best to see how the Rounds shake out. Men 400M Hurdles could see Rai Benjamin produce a spectacular performance but expect competition from the Jamaicans.

In the 1500M or Mile, I have no picks

Where it relates to the Relays there are four events and Jamaica has a slight edge in one, the Women 4 X 100M relay. Baton passing will be Key in the 4 X 100M relay. Whoever runs Legs 1 and 2 will be crucial to the result. My assumption is Elaine Thompson Herah will run the second Leg, Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce will run the third Leg and Shericka Jacko Jackson will run the Anchor Leg.

Fans are calling for an end to the drought of victories and a return to performances consistent with Heritage. Fans anticipate Jamaica’s male Track and Field athletes to resume dominance at Olympics 2024. From this perspective, World Championships 2023 will not be the venue for Signature Performances. We know things will get better but it is time to get to work. Fans will patiently wait and provide pens for Signature performances at Olympics 2024.

Let us agree to dis-agree, World Championships 2023 will be a dress rehearsal for Olympics 2024. Fans anticipate improvement in Field events such as Long Jump, Triple Jump  Javelin, Discus, Shot Put, Hammer throw, and High Jump. Hurdling has caught on. Jamaica’s Male Hurdlers are demonstrating what Fans expected in this Event. Learn the Technique and use your speed. Track and Field is hard work and Perseverance.

Is it possible that Rasheed Broadbell, Hansle Parchment, and Ronald Levy or someone else could produce a 123 in the 110M hurdles, Olympics 2024? Fans think it is possible. The Tail Gate Party continues to Olympics 2024.

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REMATCH AND REDO

Elaine Thompson – Herah (ETH), presumably has two new Coaches, Derron Herah, and Bert Cameron. Who are they, what is their Track and Field experience? Can they train an exceptional female athlete? Derron Herah has some Track and Field experience but not a Star or Household name.  Bert Cameron was successful in his own right as a 400M talent. Athletes who were not Household Names are often good Coaches. Therefore, Fans will step out on the Limb and anticipate a successful campaign for both men. The first opportunity to Grade will be at World Athletic Championships 2022.

Rematch: Fans are in anticipation of a rematch between Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce, and Shericka Jackson at World Athletic Championships 2022 in Eugene, Oregon. Elaine will keep focus on the prize and stay hungry. If training is somewhat regimented and structured, preparation should be fine. Despite the presumed lack of experience of her new coaches, Fans anticipate Elaine will be ready to perform at World Athletic Championships 2022, July 15 to July 24.

The Athletic season starts in February. Fans are pleading with the Stars to avoid Indoor competition. Avoid feet and Achilles heel injury for the next three years. Even if Elaine, Shelly, and Shericka have a slow start to the season, nothing to be nervous about they will hit their stride by April in time to search for Easter Eggs. The psychological preparation begins in the month of May, speed will be on display in June, and Athleticism will be ready for Prime Time in July.

Athletes planning to be in the Women 100M Finals in Oregon with a Personal Best (PB) slower than 10.7X should STAY HOME or skip the event. Participating in the event with a PB south of 10.7X, will make you late for Dinner. The Women 100M Final in Oregon 2022 is on Track for a Time of 10.47 or better. The Tail Gate Party has begun.

World Athletic Championships – 2022 should be entertaining. There is a possibility that Elaine Thompson – Herah will run 10.47 and 21.2 for the 100M and 200M respectively. Fans anticipate Shericka Jackson will join the 100M 10.6X club. A review of Olympics 2021 and Prefontaine Classic 2021 show Shericka Jackson closing fast at the end of each race. This is confirmation that Shericka Jackson is making progress with her Speed. There is work required on her start. Start is not limited to getting out of the Blocks it includes forward progress by or about 30 Meters into the 100M and 200M events.

Some athletes could have a career-challenging year in 2022. For example if Shacari Richardson finds it difficult to beat 123, she may not participate in World Athletic Championships – 2022. Will Christine Mboma get faster and allowed to compete in the 400M? Will Gabby Thomas decide to compete in the 100M? Fans of Gabrielle Thomas are not keen on her ability to be a Star in the 100M. Her Athletic history seems best suited for the 200M. Gabrielle Thomas can be a star in the 400M event if she studies this race. Regardless she will compete.

Redo: Natoya Goule is a Fan favorite. She has a chance to redo her attempt to deliver victory. Despite a disappointing performance in Tokyo, she is still highly regarded in the 800M event. While she did not make the Podium in Tokyo, Fans believe she has a Championship run in her. It could well be in the 800M Final at World Athletic Championships – 2022.

Goule should be ready to win the 800M at World Athletic Championships – 2022. It is refreshing to see an athlete step away and establish a new frontier. She is a Burning Spear. She will be a force to reckon with. Her mission is to stay away from the Lead, and maintain striking distance until the last 100M. Will she accept the mission? Your guess is as good as her Fans.

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GOULE ON TRACK FOR TOKYO OLYMPICS – 2021

There is hope all Athletes despite the impact of COVID-19 were able to stay mentally and physically fit. Natoya Goule is fit and in Track shape. Her performances in Boston and London were stellar. She has done well in preparing to be an Olympian. She has been training and is psychologically prepared. There is Local opposition to the staging of Olympics 2021 but the Athletes in Japan are ready and Natoya Goule will be.

Natoya Goule is a star. She will be a force to reckon with in Japan. She has improved her display of confidence at the start Line and now wave with exuberance. Despite finishing sixth in Doha 2019, she continues to improve her performance in the 800 Meters. Goule will be ready to win at Olympics 2021. She will make more VLOGS after the Olympics. It is refreshing to see an athlete step away and establish a new frontier. She is a Burning Spear and has my vote for flag bearer in the opening ceremony. Below are things that Natoya Goule can do to ensure victory.

Training should not be fun. It should be hard work but NO Pain, NO Gain. She has my vote for flag bearer in the opening ceremony.

Work on a Sprint Finish.

Develop more confidence in her stride or Form

Believe in herself and tune out opponents or the competition

Think of Olympics 2021 in Training

Think of the Records for the event and aim for the fastest time. World time is 1:53:28. Olympics is 1:53:43.

The following Splits are recommended, First 100M – Next 600M – Next 50M – Final 50M. Do not run in the Pack. Do not engage in a Jog in the park. Run the Race, get into the heads of the competitors, and run the splits. Mentally and physically, practice the splits. Get to the point where there is no thinking, just running.

First 100M establish Momentum

Next 600M maintain Momentum, follow the leader, and always stay in striking distance of the Leader but at her Pace. If the Lead changes, follow that leader. If the Pace is too slow, go by and stay at her Pace (one she has proven she can maintain during Training). Do not Jockey for the lead it will ruin Stamina.

Only exert enough energy to maintain Momentum. The mission is to win and break the Record if she can.

Next 50M (100M to the Finish Line) get ready to sprint. This is like a running start in Relays but longer. Ask a member of the 4 x 100 Relay team to work with her on that in Training. Be serious it will make a difference.

Final 50M run as fast as she can to the Finish. Leave it all on the Track. Focus on the Finish Line. The only Race she is running is the current. Past and future races are of no concern. This is where work on Sprinting will help.

In Training and Competition Imagine, she is in the Olympics 2021 800M Final. See herself winning the ultimate Prize.

Develop that strategy and run every Race accordingly. Tweak it a little where necessary.

COVID-19 caused the rescheduling of Olympics 2020 but Athletics is essential. Sports Fans look forward to seeing Olympic caliber Athletes perform, especially those who compete in Track and Field including the Marathon. There are many things happening in the world, from the Caribbean to South China Sea but now is the time to support and encourage all Athletes preparing to perform in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. Olympics 2021 is schedule for July 23 to August 8 2021. There are Geo-Political issues in the Region that could have an impact on the event but conditions not expected to deteriorate significantly, before September 2021.

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