It’s finally here! The World Championships in London, where Usain Bolt says he is ready to run his final 100m race and win!
Will Gatlin stand in his way? He has been unusually quiet this season but he is in good shape for the win and says he feels like the last time he won Worlds. But will he be a ‘bus conducta’ to collect silver just one more time?
Andre DeGrasse of Canada certainly won’t be standing in Bolt’s way. He didn’t even make it on the bus. He pulled out of the Championships officially yesterday with a hamstring strain.
Anyone else on the London bus? Ivory Coast’s Simbine always runs his best and a good race. But Suga doesn’t think he has what it takes for the win.
Young Coleman of the USA faded at US trials, tiring at the line to finish 2nd to Gatlin. So that is an indication that he needs to eat more cassava and is not ready for Jamaica’s Usain Bolt either.
Last but not least, let’s not forget Yohan Blake, formerly known as The Beast, now The Blessed. When he decides to just be himself he may have a good chance at Gold if it’s not too late.
Women’s 100m
Looking forward to see our Sprint Queen, Elaine Thompson light up the track in the Women’s 100m. She is currently in a class by herself.
Men’s 400m
Wayde Van Niekerk is also in a class by himself for the Men’s 400m. He’s entered to run the Men’s 200m too, which should be am easier task with DeGrasse out of the way.
Women’s 400m
Suga doesn’t think Bahamas’ Shaunae Miller is going to get past USA’s Allyson Felix this time, dive or no dive. Felix is in great shape for the win and will have fresh legs since the 400m is her only individual race.
Jamaica’s veteran, Novelene Williams-Mills may be competing for the last time but has been running well on the circuit. Suga hopes she can come away with the Bronze.
However her own compatriots, Shericka Jackson, Ristananna Tracey and Ronda Whyte may stand in her way. Ronda Whyte created quite an upset at the Jamaica trials, passing Ristananna Tracey and Shericka at the finish.
Women’s 200m
The Women’s 200m should be a showdown with USA’s Tori Bowie, Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas, Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou and the ‘Dutchie’, Daphne Schippers.
Men’s 5000m and 10000m
Mohammed Farah aka Mobot of Great Britain should shine in his long distance races. He, like Usain Bolt is looking to cement his legacy on the track before hanging up his spikes and moving on to racing gear. He is going for the big Five, as he has already doubled twice at the Olympics and Worlds in the 5000m and 10000m.
Thanks for making Long Distance races entertaining Mo!
Women’s 800m
Caster Semenya, another long distance fave, is in position to win the Women’s 800m. Suga sees noone challenging her.
Men’s 400m Hurdles
If age doesn’t play a number, the race for Gold should be between Olympic Champ, USA’s Kerron Clement (31 years) and young BVI’s Kyron McMaster (20yrs).
Jamaica’s National Champ, Jaheel Hyde and Kemar Mowatt also have a chance to medal.
Women’s 400m Hurdles
Olympic Champ, Dalilah Mohammad of the USA looked unbeatable at the US trials, clocking 52.64. However in recent performances she has failed to run below 54s.
Of the two other US athletes who looked strong at trials, both under 53s, only Kori Carter has been running at a high standard.
So Suga thinks, if the others peaked too early and fail to get back into form, Jamaica’s Janieve Russell has a good chance to get the Silver.
Men’s 110m Hurdles
Reigning Olympic Champ, Omar McLeod of Jamaica is the favourite for the Men’s 110m Hurdles but others are in good shape including former Olympic Champ, Aries Merritt. With Hurdles, anything can happen.
Women’s 100m Hurdles
It’s the same with the Women’s 100m hurdles. World record holder, USA’s Kendra Harrison should win on paper, but she choked at the US Olympic trials failing to even make the team to the Olympics. Does she have it in her to finally win gold?
Defending World Champ, Danielle Williams is in good shape but we all know she got that title by ‘buck ups’ due to a string of false starts, falls and injuries. Her competitors are in another league. However, if she keeps full focus and runs her race, she has the potential to go for at least the bronze medal. Don’t get your hopes up for her though.
Former Olympic Champ, Sally Pearson from Australia is back after a nasty fall that injured her arm severely. She is back but not fully back. She is definitely a contender for the podium though. So is, USA’s Sharika Nelvis.
Men’s Discus Throw
Will Jamaica’s Fredrick Dacres throw to his full potential this time around? If so, he has a good chance of getting the Silver with a SB of 68.88. Sweden’s Daniel Stâhl has thrown over 71 this season!
Our other Jamaican Competitor, Traves Smikle has been doing well and so have the Polish duo of Robert Urbanek and Piotr Malachowski.
Lithuania’s Andrius Gudžius and Belgium’s Philip Milanov also have a chance to medal.
What times are the big races? Here is your Schedule up to Tuesday, showing the races you should not miss!
***Usain Bolt will be running the 100m today and God’s willing tomorrow, as well as the 4×100m relay.
Well that’s your Pre-Champs low down folks. Stay tuned to Suga for more and enjoy the long weekend!
Drink responsibly.
By: Gabrielle Burgess
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