by Larry Eder
How do I say this?
I have been to nearly every USATF Champs since 1989. I have been to every World Champs since 1995, well but Athens 1997. I have also witnessed seven Olympics (covering 4 more remotely).
Pressers and Mixed Zones can be exhilerating, they also can be frustrating.
In Doha 2019, my son, Adam and I tried not to miss a medal awards presser, and as I was one of the few who asked questions at them, we have incredible content. From Sam Kendricks opining on the pole vault, to Christian Taylor and Will Claye on the triple jump, to Brook Anderson at the Women’s Hammer throw, each athlete had something pretty incredible to say. We still repost those interviews as fans love to see athletes telling their story.
USATF pressers can be good, but they can also be sleepy.
This one was provacative, so here we go;
Cooper Lutkenhaus, second in US Champs at 800 meters, new W18 record. Cooper is a phenom. When I asked him what he learned from his 800m in Eugene, Cooper said: ” I learned to have confidence in myself and where I move.” Watch Cooper in Tokyo.
Katie Moon, Olympic gold and silver and two time World Champ, had some issues with the lack of organization in the hotel accomodations, where she was moved out of a room, then moved back. Not a good way to begin time in Tokyo! Katie Moon is experienced in the pole vault wars. ” I think we could do a sweep in Tokyo, ” Katie noted, as she spoke highly of Sandi Morris, and Hannah and Amanda Moll.
Masai Russell, one being asked what is the key to her success: ” I have an alter ego.” Masai was not kidding, and her 12.17, 12.22 showed that Masai is for real. ” At one time you could medal at 12.50 in the 100m hurdles, now you might not make the final if you can not race 12.30!”
Lausauga Tausaga, the Budapest winner in the discus, ” I had imposter syndrome after my win in Budapest, and it followed me all through 2024. I am not here to kick anyone’s ass but mine.”
Cordell Tinch had quit track when his Dad said, after watching the NCAA champs, ” You just can not do that.” It truly annoyed Cordell so he got his father to go to local school, put up ten hurdles, and with no workouts but a weekly basketball game, Cordell Tinch ran 13.27! ”
Jay Holder, the new USATF Director of Content and Communcations, “we have a robust support team here, from nutritionists, to coaches to trainers.”
Listen to Laulauga’s story about throwing in Ramona, Oklahoma, it is worth the price of admission.
