Isaac Makwala ran a 200m/400m double at the Meeting de Atletisimo Madrid, on July 14, 2017, that opened many eyes. At Madrid, Isaac Makwala ran 43.92 for 400 meters, then, a fine 200 meters, at 19.77 (+0.0). The time between the races was 2 hours, and 20 minutes.
Much is in dispute, but Isaac Makwala was suspected of being sick with the novovirus or gastrointestinal issues, and he was not allowed to run the final. Suffice it to say, this may have been poorly managed, but the intention was to protect two thousand athletes. Using IAAF's own rules, the IAAF allowed Isaac Makwala to run a lonely 200 meters, where he had to break 20.50. He ran 20.20. and 90 minutes later, he ran 20.14.
The next day, Isaac Makwala did not do well in th 200 meter final. In the 4x400 meters, his team dropped a baton, and his chance in the 4x400m was over.
I hope that Isaac Makwala has other days to shine in our sport. I am not a conspiracy theorist. I felt that Isaac Makwala had, a series of very bad days. Sometimes, that happens to athletes before they have a great performance.
We wish Isaac Makwala many healthy days in our sport and perhaps, even, a medal or two that he deserves, but as well all know, it all has to be there on the race day!
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