Never in doubt a Kenyan man would win the 3k steeplechase. The race itself was very ordinary, in fact the only interest was the last 200m where Ezekiel Kemboi won another title sprinting off a very slow pace. The celebration after the race the video says it all, sound advice would be for the guys is to learn the Kemboi dance and next time you are out at the pubs or clubs try it and the ladies will fall over trying to win your heart.
Womens javelin was arguably the best competition of the championships Abakumova with 2 throws over 71m and Spotakova fighting so hard the crowd were loving the contest. Abakumova hits 71.25, then Spotakova responds with 71.58 who was delighted, though not for long when Abakumova throws 71.99. There are many rugby teams that could use the Russian in their line up.
Mitchell Watt was talked up as the massive favourite before the long jump but he didn’t deliver the good as the veteran with no form but loads of pedigree Dwight Phillips came out of nowhere with 8.45m after that Phillips didn’t land a single jump. That’s four world titles for Phillips which makes him one of the best jumpers even though he hasn’t reached the levels of Carl Lewis, Mike Powell or the flamboyant Cuban Iván Pedroso. Watt revealed he had injury problems afterwards, he has a year to overcome these for London.
Matthias de Zordo finally ended the golden run of Andreas Thorkildsen who was current World, Olympic and European champion. Thorkildsen didn’t seem to be his usual self but full credit to de Zordo who won his first throw of 86.27. In addition to his first title de Zordo is the first left hander to win a World or Olympic championship for a long time. As for Thorkildsen, he’ll be ready for London to defend his title, even the legendary Jan Železný lost championships he was there as a coach for the Czech team and presented the medals.
Thorkildsen, de Zordo and Martinez
Sally Pearson owned the 100m hurdles it was over as soon as she went over the first hurdle technically executed the plan to a tee. Pearson ran 12.28 fastest run since Gail Devers, Harper and Carruthers ran personal bests but were lucky to be in the same photo shot. Now the other hurdlers know what level Pearson has taken it to.
Finally Usain Bolt was able to establish himself on the championships in a positive way. He stayed in the blocks had the slowest reaction time, plus not in his best condition yet he toyed with the field running 19.40. Only he and Michael “Eddie Murphy” Johnson have ran quicker says much about Bolt’s abilities at this event. Excellent run from Christoph Lemaitre running a national record of 19.80, plus my countryman Jay Saidy Ndure first Norwegian sprinter in a World final since Geir Moen ran 19.95.
Christian Taylor came out of nowhere jumped a massive 17.96 only Jonathan Edwards and Kenny Harrison have jumped further. That jump killed the competition Phillips Idowu had a fine series of jumps, but it’s not won on a series of jumps. Respect to Christian Olsson who held every major title indoors and outdoors from 2004-07, injuries and advancing age have slowed him down, just hope he’s enjoying competing.
Christian Taylor
Mariya Savinova won a fast 800m which was taken out quickly by Jepkosgei in the manner of her triumph in Osaka, sadly for her she doesn’t quite have the speed to lead the whole way but a brave fight. The controversial Caster Samenya took the lead in the straight but not able to hold on, probably a good thing that she didn’t win because the debate about whether she should be allowed to run would be reopened. The IAAF has cleared her to run rightly or wrongly, whether this should happen that’s debatable.
Brilliant ending to the World Championship with Jamaica 4x100m relay breaking their own world record with 37.04. Have to enjoy the moments when a prediction comes true as it doesn’t happen too often. Before Steve Mullings aka (Druggings) was banned for his second positive dope test, my personal feeling was that he shouldn’t be in the relay squad at all. Yes, he ran good times but Jamaica has Nesta Carter who is brilliant starter, Michael Frater who runs the back straight. As it stood it was my view that Mullings would have upset the balance of the team and Frater who steps up three or four levels in the relay would miss out.
The guys celebrating
With Asafa Powell missing out due to injury it was assured that Frater got a run and he didn’t let them down at all. To say that it was unexpected they’d break the WR without Powell is an understatement, one wonders whether it’s bittersweet feeling for him. Naturally he’d be happy for his team mates for winning and breaking the WR, but disappointed that he wasn’t a part of the team.
Yohan Blake ran a brilliant bend he has so much potential, could do some damage at 200m if he took it up seriously already has a PB of 19.76 with minimal racing. Usain Bolt was his usual dominating self in the final leg, much of the focus will be on Bolt but he wouldn’t have had the chance at the WR if it wasn’t for the work of Carter, Frater and Blake. Win as a team, lose as a team.
Now it's time for the final Diamond League events and preparation for London.
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