by Larry Eder
Noah Lyles, photo by PhotoRun.net
The Athletissima meet is held in Lausanne, Switzerland. The beauty of Lausanne, and its Olympic history is inspiring. One walk around the lake and parks give you a land that time has forgot. The Lausanne DL meeting is a wonderful event. Swiss fans do not go to many events, but will come to see their national athletes and have much pride in their performances. The stadium, Pontaise, is a wonderful sanctuary to our sport.
2019 was a special year in Lausanne. Here are my five lessons from the meeting:
1. Noah Lyles is building himself into a special athlete in 2019
Noah Lyles, photo by PhotoRun.net
The 19.50 that was run at Lausanne showed an athlete at nearly full powers. Funny thing is, if healthy, Noah Lyles has 8-11 more years to improve his game. His 200m showed him running the entire race, well, 190 meters, as his turn was an amazing performance, and the speed, power and control suggest to this jourrnalist, that 19.40, perhaps 19.34 is in the works in 2019.
2. Timothy Cheruiyot does not like to lose at the 1,500m
Timothy Cheruiyot, photo by PhotoRun.net
The 3:28.77, WL, in 1,500m, by Timothy Cheruiyot. Cheruiyot is the 2017 WC silver medalist and 2018 Commonwealth Games silver medalist. His long, brutal, final 800m runs to the finish have curbed many a fine kicker in 2019! How will he fare in Doha?
3. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce runs 10.74-she’s baack!
A very happy Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, photo by PhotoRun.net
After 2 years away, SAFP is back! Her flawless start is key, but it is her ability to fight the competition, meter by meter to take the win. SAFP is highly competitive. Her relay performances are that of legend.
4.The TJ Battle with Rojas and Ibarguen will be getting hotter!
Caterine Ibarguen, photo by PhotoRun.net
In the TJ global wars, Yulimar Rojas is pushing Caterine Ibarguen back harder. Ibarguen is talented in both LJ and TJ, as Rojas and much of the world pushes the TJ standards into the 15 meter ranges once again. Talented and entertaining athletes, the women’s TJ may save the TJ event with the exciting competitions and elegant athletes.
Yulimar Rojas, photo by PhotoRun.net
5. Christin Hussong shows the high level in the women’s javelin!
Christin Hussong, photo by PhotoRun.net
Hussong took down a big field with her fine 66.59m in Lausanne. Kelsey Lee Barber was second in 65.63m. Barbora Spotakova, 63.79m, Shiying Liu, 62.63m. The level of throwing is high in 2019 and with the long season, watch the veterans.
