byStuart WeirThis is the sixth column by Stuart Weir on the opening meeting of the Diamond League season 2022. I always like this column that Stuart does on the good, bad, and whatever of the meets. It is where I see that Stuart is thinking about the most recent event of the season.
It’s those eight hours on the plane that Stuart had on the return flight that gives him the time to come up with these gems. Thanks, Stuart!
Doha Diamond League, the crowd at the Qatar Sports Club, photo by Diamond League AG
The good, the bad, and the other
Good
Qatari hospitality. Is there a Diamond League where the hosts work harder to serve and be helpful?
A full crowd and great atmosphere – especially from the East African Qatar residents who cheered the Kenyans and Ethiopians in the distance races.
Six children’s races, including three for girls to give the local boys and girls a chance to run in front of a crowd in the stadium on a special evening.
Being in a full Qatar Sports Club rather than the Khalifa Stadium where a crowd of 10,000 would have got lost.
The willingness of Rai Benjamin, Dina Asher-Smith, Faith Kipyegon, Francine Niyonsaba, etc. to take the time to chat in the mixed zone.
An intriguing women’s 3000 metres – not a championship distance. Intriguing to see Faith Kipyegon who will run 1500 in Oregon and Francine Niyonsaba who will do 5k and 10K meeting in the middle.
Bad
The Wifi in the stadium was so weak and slow.
The wind, which caused the cancellation of the Pole Vault and made running, jumping, and throwing difficult.
A few athletes who refused to talk to the media – it doesn’t cost anything to answer a view questions
The other
Marleidy Paulino undoubtedly waxed lyrical about her 400m victory. Unfortunately, she did it in Spanish and her words were not recorded.
The failure of Tamberi and Barshim to repeat the heights of Tokyo and the surprise defeats of Donovan Brazier, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, and Dina Asher-Smith just show that they are human and cannot turn it on at will.
