Asafa Powell, 2011 Shanghai DL, photo by PhotoRun.net
After the notice went out on twitter last night that the fastest sprinter of the year was indeed, out of the 100 meters in Daegu, someone noted that the 100 meters had become, and I quote, "a war of attrition."
Here's an observation: all World Champ and Olympic races are wars of attrition. To get one's body into world leading shape is one thing, to keep it there is entirely another matter. Asafa has run 76 sub 10 second 100 meters races in his career. He felt a twinge in Budapest, and then withdrew from London, and he has not recovered.
The 100 meter and 200 meter fields have been decimated, but still, they will be deadly fields. The women's 10,000m field is looking more and more like a good place for Shalane Flanagan to get a medal.
Here's an observation: all World Champ and Olympic races are wars of attrition. To get one's body into world leading shape is one thing, to keep it there is entirely another matter. Asafa has run 76 sub 10 second 100 meters races in his career. He felt a twinge in Budapest, and then withdrew from London, and he has not recovered.
The 100 meter and 200 meter fields have been decimated, but still, they will be deadly fields. The women's 10,000m field is looking more and more like a good place for Shalane Flanagan to get a medal.
Asafa Powell, 2011 Lausanne, photo by PhotoRun.netPOWELL NOT RUNNING THE 100 M
DAEGU (KOR): World leader Asafa Powell decided today not to run the 100 m at the World Championships due to his continuing injury problems. He hopes he will be able to compete in relay. In Jamaican team he will be replaced by another sub 10 runner and 2005 world 100 m medalist Michael Frater. That was confirmed by his agent Paul Doyle. "Asafa has officially withdrawn from the 100m event in Daegu citing a continued groin strain. Powell suffered a groin strain in Budapest on July 30th and has had reoccurring tightness and pain ever since. After Budapest, Asafa missed 8 days of training before he could attempt to sprint again. When he returned to the track he was able to sprint but it caused the groin to flare up. He has received all sorts of treatments over the past 2 weeks in hopes to be prepared to run the 100m here in Daegu but today Asafa made the final decision not to run. He feels he would not be at 100 percent, and may have trouble coming back after each round. Asafa is very disappointed to say the least. He was really hoping to be able to run in what was going to be one of the most anticipated races of the championships. He is still optimistic to be able to run the relay," says Doyle in his statement.
HEIDLER TO VILLAGE EARLIER
GERMANY: Hammer world record holder Betty Heidler changed her plans and will travel already on Friday (four days earlier) than planned from German Team Camp at Jenju Island to Daegu. She said the reasons were not good conditions for hammer training and weight-lifting room there. Also Kathrin Klaas and their coach Michael Deyhle will come earlier to Athletes Village in Daegu.
QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
STANDARDS: Qualification standards were set for technical events. Men events are having 231 in high jump, 570 in pole vault, 815 long jump, 17.10 triple jump, 20.60 shot put, 65.50 discus, 77.00 hammer and 82.50 javelin. In women events 195 - 460 - 675 - 14.45 - 18.65 - 62.00 - 71.00 - 61.00. In men events improved standards compared to Berlin 2009 are HJ, PV, SP, DT, JT and on the women side SP and DT. The same are men´s LJ and all women jumps. Lower standards than Berlin 2009 are men´s TJ and HT and women´s HT and JT.
ELECTIONS: FREDERICKS NEW COUNCIL MEMBER
CONGRESS:
Individual council members elected at 48th IAAF Congress are as new
member Ahmad Al Kamali of United Arab Emirates, former sprint world
champion Frankie Fredericks and French Bernard Amsalem. Also elected
were previous members Helmut Digel, Alberto Juantorena, Jung Ki Park,
Jose Maria Odriozola, Katsuyuki Tanaka and Isaiah Kiplagat. Female
council members are Anna Riccardi, Sylvia Barlag, Nawal El Mouatawakel,
Abby Hoffman and Pauline Davis-Thompson with Irena Szewinska. Valentin
Balakhnichev was elected IAAF Treasurer over Jose Maria Odriozola
(100:93). Claire Chehab of Lebanon is the new chair of women´s
committee, Jorge Salcedo remains the head of technical committee, race
walking will continue to be led by Maurizio Damilano, new cross country
committee chairman is Kenyan David Okeyo. Masters committee leader is as
before by Cesar Moreno Bravo from Mexico.
WORLD PLAN TO END IN 2012
WORLD PLAN: The IAAF Athletics' World Plan was launched by the IAAF President Lamine Diack in 2003 at the 44th IAAF Congress in Paris, France. The Plan aims to provide guidance for all those working to further develop and grow the sport of Athletics. Since 2003, many great results have been achieved by the Plan and its various implementation teams. As the Plan in this current form comes to an end in 2012, the 48th IAAF Congress in Daegu was the last opportunity for the President Diack to report to all IAAF Member Federations on its progress. To celebrate the "final lap" of the Athletics' World Plan 2003-2012 and report on the Plan's achievements, the President Diack was joined on stage at the Congress by some of Athletics greatest stars, including Meseret Defar, Allyson Felix, Fabiana Murer, Steven Hooker, Koji Murofushi, and Andreas Thorkildsen.
BUBKA'S COMMENT
BUBKA: Sergey Bubka, NOC of Ukraine President and re-elected IAAF Vice-president, commented on the voting at the first day of 48th IAAF Congress: "It was a long day. Electronic voting system has become the top-story of the day. Nobody noticed the miscalculation at first. But the elections of the Honorary Treasurer showed a total of 210 votes instead of 199 eligible, the results differed massively between two rounds. Even more strangely, votes for vice-president position were cast by 201 and a half (!) delegate according to the machine. The system's problems were clear. There was common embarrassment about the whole situation as the credibility of the voting procedure was lost. The logic consequence was a simple ballot-voting necessary to also protect the authority of our congress. After a long night, I am very pleased and honored to continue serving for the good of the IAAF together with my colleagues and friends." Bubka than added that he is in a good mood despite a hard day. This is because his native Ukraine celebrates a great holiday on Wednesday (August 24) - the 20th anniversary of Independence. Informs Ukrainian NOC website.
OTHER DAEGU NEWS
USAIN BOLT: "I will be ready to run fast, but main goal is to win. I know Im not in 9.5 shape, but still can produce good races. I want to be a legend and titles from Daegu are very important for that aim."
AUSTRALIA: Australian record holder and long jump world leader Mitchell Watt says that the pressure to win gold at the world championships in Daegu is an added motivation. Watt continued: "I remember doing a thing with you guys [the media] and just thinking there was talk of a medal and I thought you guys were joking. I was honestly not expecting to get a medal there and it's definitely a lot different this time around. I've said it a few times but I'll be disappointed if I don't end up with the gold and that's kind of put a bit of extra pressure on me saying that, but it's the truth. He's (Irving Saladino - PAN) definitely got the potential to jump big and also the two British guys (Chris Tomlinson and Greg Rutherford). They've sort of been finishing top 1-2-3 in the Diamond Leagues all year, pretty much. Then there's Dwight Phillips, the reigning champion, he hasn't jumped since I think Shanghai, he's just been back home preparing, But I think as well that you can tell by the Diamond League points, it's so spread out, that everyone's sort of spread out the wins and the seconds and thirds. There could be another new guy that comes up and breaks his personal best by a big way, so you never know."
ALLYSON FELIX: On tougher event from 200 m and 400 m: "I'd say the 400m because it's new territory for me. I've never ran it at a championship event. The competition is very fierce; it is in the 200m as well, but I feel more experienced in that event." (IAAF)
FABIANA MURER: On what it will take to clinch a medal: "I think to get a medal we have to jump 4.80m so that's my goal." Her primary competition: "I think there are six girls who have a very good chance at a medal: Yelena (Isinbayeva), Svetlana (Feofanova), Jennifer (Suhr), Anna (Rogowska), and Silke Spiegelburg, and me." (IAAF)
MESERET DEFAR: " I feel very good. I ran a few races this year, then I went back to Ethiopia to train and now I'm feeling very good. In Daegu there will be many big competitors from Kenya and Ethiopia. It will be difficult running both the 5000m and 10,000m again, but I've trained hard to try to beat them and I will do my best." (IAAF)
KOJI MUROFUSHI: "Depends on the weather and the condition but a throw of 80 metres should be enough for a medal. I don't know which one, but it should be enough. I haven't thrown that yet this year but I'll try my best to get that." (IAAF)
DAVID RUDISHA: ""I've trained hard, I'm ready. That is the only formula.. I have prepared since for a different way of running, running from the front. When you run from behind, that is when you can get problems fighting for position." (IAAF)
TRINIDAD: National 400 metres hurdler champion Jehue Gordon will take his place in the 400 metres hurdle at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu South Korea. In a release from the NAAA, team manager Dexter Voisin said the situation regarding Gordon's entry has been resolved and he will compete. Local media are informing.
USA: Website polevaultpower.com had on message board informations which are putting into doubt the participation of Jenny Suhr in the pole vault competition.
TYSON GAY: American record holder Tyson Gay has picked Usain Bolt to win the men's 100m, but believes the Jamaican who will defend his sprint double titles, will get strong competition from compatriot Nick Ashmeade in the 200m. Gay, who said he is here in Daegu to support his teammates and friends, told the Adidas media conference on Thursday, that his training partner Ashmeade will be there in the 200m final. "In the 100m, I think Bolt has to be the favourite, and in the 200m, Bolt and Ashmeade ... it will be a battle between those two," he said. Informs TrackAlerts.
RUSSIA: Rusathletics.com informs that two day before the World Championships starts tv deal was done for Russian territory. The event will be broadcasted by Russia 2 channel.
FRANCE: In the new situation in the men´s 100 m European Champion Christophe Lemaitre sees his chance to shine in the 100 m. Yet he sees himself as an outsider in the 100 m and thinks the podium is closer for him in the 200 m. French media are informing.
GREAT BRITAIN: Andrew Lemoncello has withdrawn from the men's marathon through injury reducing the squad size by one to 66. Dave Webb and Lee Merrien will form the remainder of the team that will run on the final day of the Championships.
OTHER NEWS
NEW YORK (USA): Carl Lewis is at the centre of a row after a Republican representative in the New Jersey Assembly resigned after his wife sent an e-mail to the nine-time Olympic gold medalist that was allegedly racist. Lewis, who is hoping to stand for the state Senate, received the e-mail from Patrick Delany's wife, Jennifer, who was also hoping to stand. Informs insidethegames. In a statement issued shortly after the story appeared on the website, Delany, who resigned earlier this month, acknowledged the e-mail's authenticity and said it was the reason he resigned, not personal reasons as he originally claimed.
BUDAPEST (HUN): Respected website All-Athletics.com offer currently during the World Championships free access to very interesting sections. All-Athletics.com is the most comprehensive worldwide database and with the recently introduced new services and the on-going developments the website intends to be the premier meeting point for all participants and lovers of our sport. The Athlete Profiles have been re-structured and now lots of free information and services are available.
ZAGREB (CRO): The IAAF World Challenge Meet in Zagreb (Sep 13) recieved additional funding from the Croatian Government worth of 500 000 kuna. This adds to previous support of the city and different sponsors. Also a world record sponsor is secured. The main star is Usain Bolt running for second time at the meet after 2006. He will contest the 100 m.
WORLD PLAN TO END IN 2012
WORLD PLAN: The IAAF Athletics' World Plan was launched by the IAAF President Lamine Diack in 2003 at the 44th IAAF Congress in Paris, France. The Plan aims to provide guidance for all those working to further develop and grow the sport of Athletics. Since 2003, many great results have been achieved by the Plan and its various implementation teams. As the Plan in this current form comes to an end in 2012, the 48th IAAF Congress in Daegu was the last opportunity for the President Diack to report to all IAAF Member Federations on its progress. To celebrate the "final lap" of the Athletics' World Plan 2003-2012 and report on the Plan's achievements, the President Diack was joined on stage at the Congress by some of Athletics greatest stars, including Meseret Defar, Allyson Felix, Fabiana Murer, Steven Hooker, Koji Murofushi, and Andreas Thorkildsen.
BUBKA'S COMMENT
BUBKA: Sergey Bubka, NOC of Ukraine President and re-elected IAAF Vice-president, commented on the voting at the first day of 48th IAAF Congress: "It was a long day. Electronic voting system has become the top-story of the day. Nobody noticed the miscalculation at first. But the elections of the Honorary Treasurer showed a total of 210 votes instead of 199 eligible, the results differed massively between two rounds. Even more strangely, votes for vice-president position were cast by 201 and a half (!) delegate according to the machine. The system's problems were clear. There was common embarrassment about the whole situation as the credibility of the voting procedure was lost. The logic consequence was a simple ballot-voting necessary to also protect the authority of our congress. After a long night, I am very pleased and honored to continue serving for the good of the IAAF together with my colleagues and friends." Bubka than added that he is in a good mood despite a hard day. This is because his native Ukraine celebrates a great holiday on Wednesday (August 24) - the 20th anniversary of Independence. Informs Ukrainian NOC website.
OTHER DAEGU NEWS
USAIN BOLT: "I will be ready to run fast, but main goal is to win. I know Im not in 9.5 shape, but still can produce good races. I want to be a legend and titles from Daegu are very important for that aim."
AUSTRALIA: Australian record holder and long jump world leader Mitchell Watt says that the pressure to win gold at the world championships in Daegu is an added motivation. Watt continued: "I remember doing a thing with you guys [the media] and just thinking there was talk of a medal and I thought you guys were joking. I was honestly not expecting to get a medal there and it's definitely a lot different this time around. I've said it a few times but I'll be disappointed if I don't end up with the gold and that's kind of put a bit of extra pressure on me saying that, but it's the truth. He's (Irving Saladino - PAN) definitely got the potential to jump big and also the two British guys (Chris Tomlinson and Greg Rutherford). They've sort of been finishing top 1-2-3 in the Diamond Leagues all year, pretty much. Then there's Dwight Phillips, the reigning champion, he hasn't jumped since I think Shanghai, he's just been back home preparing, But I think as well that you can tell by the Diamond League points, it's so spread out, that everyone's sort of spread out the wins and the seconds and thirds. There could be another new guy that comes up and breaks his personal best by a big way, so you never know."
ALLYSON FELIX: On tougher event from 200 m and 400 m: "I'd say the 400m because it's new territory for me. I've never ran it at a championship event. The competition is very fierce; it is in the 200m as well, but I feel more experienced in that event." (IAAF)
FABIANA MURER: On what it will take to clinch a medal: "I think to get a medal we have to jump 4.80m so that's my goal." Her primary competition: "I think there are six girls who have a very good chance at a medal: Yelena (Isinbayeva), Svetlana (Feofanova), Jennifer (Suhr), Anna (Rogowska), and Silke Spiegelburg, and me." (IAAF)
MESERET DEFAR: " I feel very good. I ran a few races this year, then I went back to Ethiopia to train and now I'm feeling very good. In Daegu there will be many big competitors from Kenya and Ethiopia. It will be difficult running both the 5000m and 10,000m again, but I've trained hard to try to beat them and I will do my best." (IAAF)
KOJI MUROFUSHI: "Depends on the weather and the condition but a throw of 80 metres should be enough for a medal. I don't know which one, but it should be enough. I haven't thrown that yet this year but I'll try my best to get that." (IAAF)
DAVID RUDISHA: ""I've trained hard, I'm ready. That is the only formula.. I have prepared since for a different way of running, running from the front. When you run from behind, that is when you can get problems fighting for position." (IAAF)
TRINIDAD: National 400 metres hurdler champion Jehue Gordon will take his place in the 400 metres hurdle at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu South Korea. In a release from the NAAA, team manager Dexter Voisin said the situation regarding Gordon's entry has been resolved and he will compete. Local media are informing.
USA: Website polevaultpower.com had on message board informations which are putting into doubt the participation of Jenny Suhr in the pole vault competition.
TYSON GAY: American record holder Tyson Gay has picked Usain Bolt to win the men's 100m, but believes the Jamaican who will defend his sprint double titles, will get strong competition from compatriot Nick Ashmeade in the 200m. Gay, who said he is here in Daegu to support his teammates and friends, told the Adidas media conference on Thursday, that his training partner Ashmeade will be there in the 200m final. "In the 100m, I think Bolt has to be the favourite, and in the 200m, Bolt and Ashmeade ... it will be a battle between those two," he said. Informs TrackAlerts.
RUSSIA: Rusathletics.com informs that two day before the World Championships starts tv deal was done for Russian territory. The event will be broadcasted by Russia 2 channel.
FRANCE: In the new situation in the men´s 100 m European Champion Christophe Lemaitre sees his chance to shine in the 100 m. Yet he sees himself as an outsider in the 100 m and thinks the podium is closer for him in the 200 m. French media are informing.
GREAT BRITAIN: Andrew Lemoncello has withdrawn from the men's marathon through injury reducing the squad size by one to 66. Dave Webb and Lee Merrien will form the remainder of the team that will run on the final day of the Championships.
OTHER NEWS
NEW YORK (USA): Carl Lewis is at the centre of a row after a Republican representative in the New Jersey Assembly resigned after his wife sent an e-mail to the nine-time Olympic gold medalist that was allegedly racist. Lewis, who is hoping to stand for the state Senate, received the e-mail from Patrick Delany's wife, Jennifer, who was also hoping to stand. Informs insidethegames. In a statement issued shortly after the story appeared on the website, Delany, who resigned earlier this month, acknowledged the e-mail's authenticity and said it was the reason he resigned, not personal reasons as he originally claimed.
BUDAPEST (HUN): Respected website All-Athletics.com offer currently during the World Championships free access to very interesting sections. All-Athletics.com is the most comprehensive worldwide database and with the recently introduced new services and the on-going developments the website intends to be the premier meeting point for all participants and lovers of our sport. The Athlete Profiles have been re-structured and now lots of free information and services are available.
ZAGREB (CRO): The IAAF World Challenge Meet in Zagreb (Sep 13) recieved additional funding from the Croatian Government worth of 500 000 kuna. This adds to previous support of the city and different sponsors. Also a world record sponsor is secured. The main star is Usain Bolt running for second time at the meet after 2006. He will contest the 100 m.
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