by Alfonz Juck
IAAF Relays, Nassau, 2014, photo by PhotoRun.net
The World Relays has returned to Nassau in the Bahamas, this weekend! Alfons Juck of EME News provided us with these short preview of the events. Over 500 athletes plus
NASSAU (BAH): Short event by event previews
Men
4x100m – The American squad including Justin Gatlin will be defending their title but the Jamaicans will be strong with Yohan Blake although Asafa Powell is a late withdrawal. Olympic bronze medallists Canada should also feature with Andre de Grasse. First sub 38 of 2017 expected.
4x200m – Another straight shootout between the Americans and Jamaicans is anticipated although the Brits will be strong with Adam Gemili and Zharnel Hughes. World lead would be no surprise. Will be Brits able to attack European record 1:20.66 achieved by France here in 2014?
4x400m – The Americans are led by LaShawn Merritt although a Bahamian team including in-form Steven Gardiner should challenge on home soil. Botswana, Belgium and Great Britain have also entered strong teams. Sub 3 should happen.
4x800m – The American team includes Olympic bronze medallist Clayton Murphy but the Kenyans are sending a strong team including Ferguson Rotich and Kipyegon Bett. Also watch out for Poland with Adam Kszczot and Marcin Lewandowski. 7:02.43 is the Kenya´s World record, that is average of 1:45.6, not so far away.
Women
4x100m – Elaine Thompson will be in action for the Jamaicans while the American team includes English Gardner and Tianna Bartoletta, a winner of two Olympic 4x100m titles. Trinidad & Tobago and the Netherlands with Dafne Schippers will also contend along with a strong German team including Gina Luckenkemper and Tatjana Pinto. Will the winning team beat the WL of Oregon 42.12?
4x200m – Expect another Jamaica vs. United States head-to-head. Let´s see whether Thompson will be doubling up in Nassau. World lead is a must.
4x400m – The American and Jamaicans are expected to go head-to-head again while the home nation will have Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo in their team. Expect the Brits to be the best European team. World lead for sure.
4x800m – An American team including Chanelle Price and Laura Roesler is expected to defend ahead of a largely inexperienced Kenyan team. World champion Marina Arzamasova will be in action for Belarus. Here the World record is far away, Soviet Union team clocked in eighties 7:50.17, what is a high quality average of 1:57.5.
Mixed 4x400m – Could the Bahamas claim the inaugural title on home soil? Both Gardiner and Miller-Uibo are in their squad although the American team could include Merritt and Natasha Hastings. The race is only 35 minutes after the 4×400 men final. One thing is for sure, this will be the fastest ever time recorded in mixed relay.
