Boris Berian, photo by PhotoRun.net
Here are our favorite previews, from Alfons Juck, EME News, our long time partner, keen observer of the sport.
PORTLAND SHORT PREVIEWS
Event by event
Men
60 m: Experienced generation Powell, Collins, Rodgers against young ones Bromell, Bracy.
400 m: Maslak defending against US duo, Caribbeans, but the dark horse is young Haroun.
800 m: Berian on home soil, what is the shape of Aman? Be ready for surprise.
1500 m: Iguider, Centrowitz, Souleiman – all three in great shape. What will be the tactics.
3000 m: This is open, the usual fight Ethiopia vs Kenya will be added by home duo Hill-Chelimo, and what about Iguider and his double?
60 m Hurdles: French connection says the movie, Martinot-Lagarde, Bascou. McLeod is the man to watch.
High Jump: Barshim has the credentials and potential, but Tamberi is also unbeaten in 2016 and hugely improving.
Pole Vault: Lavillenie in shape is tough to beat. But do not forget Barber is the World Champion. Meet record 601 is possible.
Long Jump: Who can beat Dendy? Other medals very open.
Triple Jump: Big guns injured, time for China gold (so far only one male by Liu Xiang at World Indoors) ?
Shot Put: Nedow won the Tour, Stanek beat him in last meet, Haratyk was early excellent and Roberts won US title.
Heptathlon: Eaton is unbeatable in normal situation. The rest on the podium could be anybody.
4×400 m: No doubt about the winners, Belgium will be ready for silver and possibly attacking their own European record?
Women
60 m: Pierre is a fast starter, but Schippers can catch her. Will we see sub seven?
400 m: Despite not beeing the fastest this year McPherson should be the pick. US duo not that experienced, Adekoya is ready.
800 m: Another open one. Who has top indoor experience? Possibly US duo will use home advantage.
1500 m: Fast or slow. Seyaum vs Hassan.
3000 m: It should be Dibaba, then little space, then Defar, then lot of space, then rest. Anyway, we count with meet record.
60mH: If not full US podium, then surprise. Only Tiffany can spoil the party.
High Jump: 19 years between Beitia and Cunningham, but the bet goes to Licwinko. Finally two meters?
Pole Vault: Real World record chance for Suhr, how many medals for Greeks? Meet record should be for sure (so far 486)
Long Jump: Is Stratton ready to cope withe favorite role? Reese, Spanovic far more experienced. Not to forget British duo and German newcomer Wester.
Triple Jump: First ever gold (also medal) for Venezuela? Surprise from Papahristou?
Shot Put: All points to Carter win. Valerie never gives up.
Pentathlon: This will be interesting. Brianne is ready, but Ukrainians have big scores, Williams fresh enough from last weekend? Surprise from Lake.
4×400 m: Can USA come close to World Indoor record?
