by Larry Eder
REVENGE AFTER PRE CLASSIC, MEN’S HIGH JUMP TOP EVENT
ROME (ITA): Since 1980 is Golden Gala guarantee for good weather conditions, despite the huge Olympic Stadium always superb spectators. This year they in 4th IAAF Diamond League meet as Golden Gala Pietro Mennea will watch specially high jump men with all the best in the world. On the women side 100 m hurdles is the special event. Great clashes are expected in all middle distance races. Technical events are also offering nearly all the best on the planet. Some revenges after Eugene are also possible (men 800, men 1500, women 400mH). Meet records have top quality, realistic to go is women 5000 m, the others tough, but of course possible. More World leads could be expected.
Event by event
Men
100 m (non-DL): Gatlin plans to continue in winning and sub 10 times. WL under threat. Brits coming in (Gemili, Kilty). Carter will be dangerous.
200 m: Edward has the best shape, Lemaitre wants also win.
400 m: Merritt coming from Eugene, Santos is more fresh.
800 m (non-DL): Superb field. Aman can take revenge on Amos, Solomon and Kaki also there.
1500 m: Kiprop as Aman can take revenge on Souleiman, but also running Makhloufi, S. Kiplagat, Wote from fast Pre Mile.
SC: Kemboi to clash with B. Kipruto and Kipsiele, will somebody from the second level attack them? Will they pay attention to each other or run fast (WL 8:04.12).
HJ: For first time this year all top ones: World leader Ukhov, World champion Bondarenko, World indoor champion Barshim, World and Olympic medalist Drouin, Olympic medalist Kynard. MR of 238 should go, this stadium has the women WR. Outdoors never and indoors only once two athletes went over 240 in one competition (Arnstadt 2014 Ukhov and Dmitrik). It looks like this can change here. Will Sotomayor be watching?
TJ: Claye should confirm Pre. Taylor can attack him even with shorter approach, Italians have home stars here. Adams won Shanghai.
DT: Malachowski vs Harting, Wierig goes from behind, also newcomers getting the chance (Stahl, Gudzius).
Women
100 m: How will SAFP run against Ahoure, Bartoletta and sensational 200 m winner at Pre Bowie? First sub 11 of the year?
800 m: Cuban junior sensation Diago against Sum, Jepkosgei, Martinez. Also Semenya returns to the circuit.
5000 m: Genzebe wants to win here, danger from Kenya possibly M. Cherono and Kibiwot. Here some chance for MR 14:32.57, WL for sure 14:59.23.
100mH: Women field of the day with World champ Rollins, Oly winners Pearson and Harper. In shape Porter and Billaud. They should break WL 12.58.
400mH: Can Spencer continue in winning after Eugene?
PV: Russians are in shape, Silva slowly, Spiegelburg, Svobodova, Murer not to forget.
TJ: Ibarguen vs Koneva, that is the clash.
SP: Adams to continue in winning streak. Schwanitz to come close. MR 20.46 possible.
JT: Return of Spotakova, World leader is Mickle, Doha winner is Ratej.
