• Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Login
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Home 2017 London World Championships

Does Ajée Wilson have the Mettle for the Medal? Wilson’s Monaco AR Suggests She’s Ready

Dave HunterbyDave Hunter
August 11, 2017
0
0 0
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

IMG_8744.jpgAjée Wilson taking USATF title, June 2017, photo by PhotoRun.net

Ajée Wilson has looked great in her round and in her semi-final. She is in the final. So, David Hunter asks the big question, can she get a medal?

RelatedPosts

Catching Up With World Champion Emma Coburn!

Conseslus Kipruto thinks WR!

Nike Talks World Indoors 2018: Week 3, Day 6: a look back with Bernard Lagat’s win over 3000 meters in Istanbul 2012

August 10th, 2017

London, England

Over the years we have observed 800 meter specialist Ajée Wilson as she has won important races, developed as an athlete, and matured into an accomplished and confident young woman. We’ve watched her win national titles. We’ve seen her deliver poised performances on the world’s biggest stages. And recently – in Monaco’s Diamond League gathering – we witnessed her battle Olympic medalists down to the wire as she clocked 1:55.61 to break Jearl Miles Clark’s nearly 18 year old American record. The stars and planets seem to be aligning perfectly. Might this be the moment when Ajée Wilson wins an outdoor world championship medal?

Of course, Wilson was on the medal stand at the Portland’s 2016 world indoor championships where she was the 800 meter runner-up behind Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba. The silver was an important milestone for Wilson to be sure. But to win a medal at an outdoor global championship against a robust field where every elite athlete is present would represent a much more difficult – and a more meaningful – accomplishment than an indoor medal earned in a 6-athlete final in March.

In her opening round heat of the 800 meters here in London, the 5-time USA national champion gave every indication that she is at the top of her game and ready to battle against the world’s best for a medal. Immediately rushing to the front, Wilson took command. Looking relaxed, the New Jersey native ran unthreatened as she led the field through the first 400 in 59.92. After splitting 600m in 1:30.01, Wilson – whose 6th place finish in 2013 world championship 800m final was recently upgraded to 5th – needed only the slightest tempo increase to fend off all challengers over the final furlong and glide past the finish line in 2:00.52 for a wire-to-wire win. “I was just trying to win the race,” stated the always-composed Wilson. “It felt really easy until the last 200 to go and I just had to get a little turnover and get into a slightly different gear. Definitely with 300 to go, it changed. But it still felt comfortable,” she explains. “It was also just good to kind of get my legs going and get used to the speed that we’re probably going to have in the finals.” Wilson’s win gave her an automatic qualifier to advance to Friday’s semi-final round where she will be joined by her USA teammates Charlene Lipsey [who also won her heat in 2:01.74] and ’13 world championship medalist Brenda Martinez [who clocked 2:01.53 to advance on time].

There can be no question that Wilson’s Monaco race – where she pressed South Africa’s Caster Semenya and Niyonsaba all the way to the line to finish 3rd in her record-breaking performance – was the perfectly-timed confidence-builder for the young middle distance star just before she headed to London. “It was great just to be able to mix it up and kind of get it in my head before coming here that ‘Hey, you can compete. You can run with them,'” acknowledges Wilson. “My training has gone really well. I kind of knew the shape I was in. The goal has always kind of been the same since the beginning: to come here and try to get a medal.”

It has been a patient process to build toward that intersection where Wilson has both achieved pinnacle fitness level and developed an authentic confidence that she is in the same competitive class as the 3 Olympic medalists: Semenya, Niyonsaba, and Kenya’s Margaret Wambui – all of whom easily advanced to the semis. “Since last year, my coach has kind of been drilling in my head that I can compete, that they are beatable, and that I can do it,” notes Wilson who has been brilliantly tutored by the low-profile Derek Thompson. “Last year, I was kind of in the shape I am now. I think we pushed a little too hard and I ended up having an iron deficiency,” explains Wilson on her 2016 health before turning to her newly-acquired confidence. “I definitely know it’s there. I’ve known it for a while. So it is just nice to finally get there this year.”

Earlier in these championships, Semenya – the Rio gold medalist at 800 meters – ran 3 rigorous rounds on the 1500 meters on her way to capturing the bronze medal. It is unclear what lingering fatigue from those three efforts remains. “I think racing as she has is going to take some type of toll on her. I don’t know how much it will. But I’m going to be ready and prepared because she’s going to have her A game ready.”

Wilson – whose Monaco American record clocking is #3 on the world list and #20 on the all-time scroll – does not anticipate any major tinkering on her race as she looks ahead to Friday’s semi-final round. “I think we’ve done the work that we need to get here,” states Ajée. “I think from here it’s just recovering and running smart.”

So many track & field aficionados who have followed the career of Ajée Wilson sense the time is right for her to deliver a medal-winning performance in the final. But does Ajée think it is? “I’m hoping,” notes Wilson with a smile. “I trust God’s timing. So if He thinks I’m ready, then I’m ready, too.”

Author

  • Dave Hunter
    Dave Hunter

    Dave Hunter is an award-winning journalist who is a U.S. Correspondent for Track & Field News.  He also writes a weekly column and serves as Senior Writer for www.RunBlogRun.com, and covers championship track & field competition domestically and in such global capitals as Moscow, Birmingham, Zurich, Brussels, Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, Zagreb, Ostrava, and Doha.  Hunter frequently serves as the arena or stadium announcer for championship track & field gatherings, including the Ivy League, the Big East, the Mid-American Conference, the NAIA, the Big Ten, and the Millrose Games.  Hunter has undertaken foreign and domestic broadcast assignments.  He ran his marathon P.R. 2:31:40 on the Boston Marathon course back in the Paleozoic Era.  To find out more about Dave, visit his website: www.trackandfieldhunter.com  He can be reached at: dave@trackandfieldhunter.com

    View all posts

Previous Post

London 2017 World Championships, Preview, Day 8! It’s day 1 of Decathlon!

Next Post

The Mo & Larry Show: How to watch the 200 meters!

Dave Hunter

Dave Hunter

Dave Hunter is an award-winning journalist who is a U.S. Correspondent for Track & Field News.  He also writes a weekly column and serves as Senior Writer for www.RunBlogRun.com, and covers championship track & field competition domestically and in such global capitals as Moscow, Birmingham, Zurich, Brussels, Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, Zagreb, Ostrava, and Doha.  Hunter frequently serves as the arena or stadium announcer for championship track & field gatherings, including the Ivy League, the Big East, the Mid-American Conference, the NAIA, the Big Ten, and the Millrose Games.  Hunter has undertaken foreign and domestic broadcast assignments.  He ran his marathon P.R. 2:31:40 on the Boston Marathon course back in the Paleozoic Era.  To find out more about Dave, visit his website: www.trackandfieldhunter.com  He can be reached at: dave@trackandfieldhunter.com

Similar Post

Cofffee With Larry, Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country, NB Indoor Grand Prix, Millrose Games, Dubai Marathon, USATF Indoors
News

Cofffee With Larry, Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country, NB Indoor Grand Prix, Millrose Games, Dubai Marathon, USATF Indoors

January 30, 2023
2023 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, Week 4, Day 7, Sunday is a long run…
Winter Training

2023 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, Week 4, Day 7, Sunday is a long run…

January 30, 2023
Yared Nuguse sets AR for 3,000m in 7:28.24 at Boston Terrier Classic (updated with event photos)
American Records

Yared Nuguse sets AR for 3,000m in 7:28.24 at Boston Terrier Classic (updated with event photos)

January 29, 2023
The Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour is expected to be bigger this year
African Athletics

The Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour is expected to be bigger this year

January 29, 2023
Woody Kincaid sets AR for 5,000m, 12:51.61,  in titanic struggle with Joe Klecker, 12:54.99, both under 13 minutes!
American Records

Woody Kincaid sets AR for 5,000m, 12:51.61, in titanic struggle with Joe Klecker, 12:54.99, both under 13 minutes!

January 29, 2023
Coffee With Larry: Yared Nuguse’s AR 3,000m in 7:28.24, Woody Kincaid’s 12:51.61, 5000m AR, HOT Karlsruhe Meeting, Keely Hodgkinson runs fast 600 meters, sets meet record!
News

Coffee With Larry: Yared Nuguse’s AR 3,000m in 7:28.24, Woody Kincaid’s 12:51.61, 5000m AR, HOT Karlsruhe Meeting, Keely Hodgkinson runs fast 600 meters, sets meet record!

January 28, 2023

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe to RunBlogRun's Global News Feed

Wake up to RunBlogRun’s news in your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter and we’ll keep you informed about the Sport you love.

*we hate spam as much as you do

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
USATF / Day Four:  USA’s Assembled Team Is Ready!

Abby Steiner replies via twitter, on the curiosity about her new professional running contract

July 5, 2022
What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

July 17, 2022
Oregon 22 World Athletics Champs: False Starts reconsidered

Oregon 22 World Athletics Champs: False Starts reconsidered

November 18, 2022
Wanda Diamond League Final plans, 2023-2027, from World Athletics Website

Wanda Diamond League Final plans, 2023-2027, from World Athletics Website

October 14, 2022
Asafa Powell, Considering Longevity in Sprinting

The RunBlogrun Interview: Asafa Powell

5
What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

5
TCS New York City Marathon Broadcast to be Available in More Than 530 Million Homes Around the World on Sunday, November 6

RunblogRun Editorial: The Sorry State of Running Television Coverage, by Peter Abraham, note by Larry Eder

4
Cary Pinkowski did the Heroic Thing–My letter to CNN on the LSB Chicago Marathon

Cary Pinkowski did the Heroic Thing–My letter to CNN on the LSB Chicago Marathon

3
Cofffee With Larry, Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country, NB Indoor Grand Prix, Millrose Games, Dubai Marathon, USATF Indoors

Cofffee With Larry, Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country, NB Indoor Grand Prix, Millrose Games, Dubai Marathon, USATF Indoors

January 30, 2023
2023 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, Week 4, Day 7, Sunday is a long run…

2023 RunBlogRun Winter Training Block, Week 4, Day 7, Sunday is a long run…

January 30, 2023
Yared Nuguse sets AR for 3,000m in 7:28.24 at Boston Terrier Classic (updated with event photos)

Yared Nuguse sets AR for 3,000m in 7:28.24 at Boston Terrier Classic (updated with event photos)

January 29, 2023
The Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour is expected to be bigger this year

The Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour is expected to be bigger this year

January 29, 2023

Popular Stories

  • USATF / Day Four:  USA’s Assembled Team Is Ready!

    Abby Steiner replies via twitter, on the curiosity about her new professional running contract

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What happened to the crowd at Eugene?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Oregon 22 World Athletics Champs: False Starts reconsidered

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Wanda Diamond League Final plans, 2023-2027, from World Athletics Website

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Howard Slusher, RIP, 1937-2022, the man behind the new Hayward Field

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Recent Tweets

RunBlogRun Follow

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. RunBlogRun is the voice of the sport.

RunBlogRun
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
6h

High school athletes and coaches, do not miss the http://www.nbnationals.com, March 10-12, 2023, #nbnationals, #newbalance, #americantrackandfield,

Reply on Twitter 1619937216876412930 Retweet on Twitter 1619937216876412930 1 Like on Twitter 1619937216876412930 Twitter 1619937216876412930
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
6h

Athanas Kioko, 2023 Boston Terrier Classic, January 27, 2023, photo by #KevinMorris, #BostonTerrierClassic, #tracklife, #trackandlife, #usatf, #WAIndoorTour, #bostoncollege,

Reply on Twitter 1619928050669441024 Retweet on Twitter 1619928050669441024 Like on Twitter 1619928050669441024 Twitter 1619928050669441024
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
6h

Woody Kincaid sets AR at 5000m in 12:51.61, 2023 Boston Terrier Classic, January 27, 2023, photo by #KevinMorris, #BostonTerrierClassic, #tracklife, #trackandlife, #usatf, #WAIndoorTour, ...@nikeathletics, #woodykincaid, #bostoncollege,

Reply on Twitter 1619927187402162180 Retweet on Twitter 1619927187402162180 Like on Twitter 1619927187402162180 1 Twitter 1619927187402162180
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
6h

Woody Kincaid sets AR at 5000m in 12:51.61, 2023 Boston Terrier Classic, January 27, 2023, photo by #KevinMorris, #BostonTerrierClassic, #tracklife, #trackandlife, #usatf, #WAIndoorTour, ...@nikeathletics, #woodykincaid, #bostoncollege,

Reply on Twitter 1619926967616442369 Retweet on Twitter 1619926967616442369 1 Like on Twitter 1619926967616442369 1 Twitter 1619926967616442369
runblogrun RunBlogRun @runblogrun ·
6h

Hobbs Kessler, 2023 Boston Terrier Classic, January 27, 2023, photo by #KevinMorris, #BostonTerrierClassic, #tracklife, #trackandlife, #usatf, #WAIndoorTour, @adidasrunning, #verynicetrackclub, ...#ronwarhurst,

Reply on Twitter 1619923327266734080 Retweet on Twitter 1619923327266734080 Like on Twitter 1619923327266734080 3 Twitter 1619923327266734080
Load More...
Next Post

The Mo & Larry Show: How to watch the 200 meters!

runblogrun

RunBlogRun comments on the global world of athletics, sports & ethics, and the Olympic movement. @runblogrun

Browse by Category

Newsletter

Subscribe to our mailing list to receives daily updates direct to your inbox!

  • Home
  • Archive
  • Contact Us

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Archive
  • Contact Us
  • Home page
  • My Account
  • Sample Page

© 2022 Run Blog Run - All Rights Reserved

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist