Sporting Gijón the struggle continues

Apologies this post was meant to be done before the Granada match on Sunday night, but decided to hold it back until after the midweek round, which in hindsight was a good idea and the tone has slightly altered for the better.

Before the match with Granada, Sporting were bottom of the table through a combination of poor performances vs. Atletico Madrid (away) and at home to Racing Santander, not taking their chances vs. Real Sociedad who only had 3 yet won 2-1.
One of the major reasons Sporting finished 10th last season was because of their excellent record against the big sides.

Sporting Gijón’s record in 2010/11 vs. top teams

2-0 Sevilla CF
1-1 and 0-0 Villarreal CF
1-0 Atletico de Madrid
0-1 and 1-1 FC Barcelona
Valencia 0-0
0-1 and 1-0 Real Madrid

So far this season they’ve played Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla and Barcelona unlike last season they haven’t picked up any points, apart from Atletico all these losses were by a single goal. Sporting played well against Barcelona, but lost to an own goal not even Gumby would have saved. Picking up points against the better sides in the return matches could be the difference between staying in the top division or relegation where they’d get half of what Levante get now from TV rights which might be enough for two beers.

Sporting are known for their fighting spirit in addition to a passionate loyal fanbase. The loss of Diego Castro to Getafe was a big blow for the club, as he was their main creative outlet last season and best attacking player. Miguel de las Cuevas needs to step up in his place to create and score more goals, the squad is limited and Preciado has to operate within a low budget. The lack of a consistent goalscorer has been problematic for a few seasons. Trejo is still adjusting to his new team, if they are to be relegated the lack of goals will prove crucial.


Sporting winning over Granada

Yes, it’s very early in the season but it was vital that Sporting won their match with newly promoted Granada. They were able to take the match 2-0, the first half was excellent some good ball movement, passing and could have had a few more. The second half wasn’t as impressive, it was like that they were trying to close down the match creating very little, but it was good enough on the day. The relief was clear on winning their first match the matches against Barcelona and Sevilla were frustrating in that Sporting played quite well, but got no points. It’s like anything, winning is a habit, as is losing but Preciado was able to lift the morale of the squad.


Sporting winning over Mallorca

After the victory at El Molinón Sporting faced the difficult away trip to Mallorca who already sacked their manager Michael Laudrup, who was undermined by people inside the club to the point where they paid a journalist to conduct a smear campaign against him. The match itself was a combination of an ordinary first half from Sporting down 0-1 at the break to a rare goal from open play, it was a good run from Pereira, but ball watching leaving Castro free to score.

Preciado must have given one of the better half time talks as Sporting came out a different side. Better ball retention, more movement from the players, they were able to create chances. Barral who was excellent against Granada was a passenger replaced at half time by Bilić who levelled within 10 minutes of coming on. Sporting’s self belief increased and putting more pressure on the home side, this time they were the beneficiary of an own goal from João Victor. There were a few tight moments at the end with Eguren giving away silly fouls. Mallorca hitting the post hitting Juan Pablo as well and not going in the goal. It’s the way of the sport' some days you play well and get nothing, other days don't play as well, yet win.

When a team has a few poor results the trigger fingers are already looking to sack the coach, thankfully Preciado’s job at Sporting is safe. He is loved by the fans and the squad, the longest serving manager in La Liga. El Presidente Vega-Arango really should give Preciado the job for as long as he wants. He has the skills to manage on a shoestring budget, nearly always losing their most talented players the next season, it takes time to integrate the new players into the squad, this and not converting their chances in the opener contributed to the poor start to the season.

In the next few weeks Sporting have a mix of winnable and difficult matches Athletic (H), Zaragoza (A), Getafe (H), Levante (A), Real Madrid (H). It's an opportunity for Sporting to build upon their excellent form in the last month, but it will count for nothing if they aren't able to convert their opportunities and positive play into points.

Wigan aim to kickstart season by Trotting over Bolton

It's been said that you don't win the championship in October, at the same time you can set the foundations for relegation in this period . Have to stick with the prediction in the Wigan season preview that they'll survive again Wigan Athletic Fighting the Good Fight . For this to happen they have turn around a run of very poor performances.

International break came at a good time as many of the players were able to get away to a different environment, which can be beneficial to a team struggling for confidence. Their last match was a 2-0 loss to Aston Villa away, while on the scoreboard this doesn't look bad the reality was different. Out of the 4 consecutive losses in the league they have had, this was easily the worst.

* Man City 3-0 - They didn't believe they could compete and Al Habsi was brilliant on this day which prevented this from being 6 or 7. The difference in class and bank balances were about the same on this day.

* Everton 3-1 - An improved performance with a score that was flattering to Everton who weren't really doing much. Two late goals from Vellios and Drenthe when everyone had pushed up for the equaliser.

* Tottenham 2-1 - Two very different halves, the first was full of ineptitude of the highest order thanks to Al Habsi it was only 2. The second half was much better and disappointing they couldn't get a point, but the level between both halves was almost as great as Cristiano Ronaldo's ego.

Coming from the 2nd half performance against the Spuds playing Villa at Villa Park, where they've had an excellent record what followed was nothing short of garbage. The passes weren't finding their teammates and it's common knowledge Der Kaiser Gary Caldwell besides getting more cards than a croupier is one of the slowest defenders around. He was exposed badly by Agbonlahor's pace, it's not like Wigan were unaware of the this fact that McLeish teams are long ball merchants, losing the ball in key areas where they can pump it long to expose Der Kaiser's lack of pace. The football was tedious from Wigan, we know Villa are going to be tedious, playing like that against a team that isn't that good in the process making them look superstars isn't acceptable.

All the problems that plagued Wigan last season, well there has been consistentcy but losing 4 on the hop isn't the type needed. Naturally being a smaller side, the squad is going to lack depth if there are major injuries. At the moment the injuries to Alcaraz and Rodallega who are the best options of stopping and scoring goals respectively hasn't helped at all. Though this provides opportunities for the other squad players who haven't been able to cement places with any confidence.


Roberto Martinez

Diamond Dave Whelan for all this foibles won't sack Roberto Martinez nor should he, naturally there are small segment of the fanbase who wants him sacked, then again there are people who think the BNP should be in power or Justin Bieber has talent. Martinez as a young coach has many lessons to learn which will improve him as manager, but he has to evolve and adapt to the circumstances around him with the squad he possesses. There have been some question marks about the players he has purchased, naturally they take time to adjust to the system and speed of the game, though question marks could be raised about the quality of scouting.

Defensively there have been mistakes which isn't surprising, especially when Der Kaiser goes in at times when he doesn't need to, create chances for the opposition. Boyce came back too soon from injury, Figueroa should never play in the centre. Defensive discipline is very important it doesn't mean putting 11 men behind the ball, holding your line and keeping shape.

Next problem is the midfield. In this case it seems Wigan need to be a goal down before they decide to move the ball with any speed, it's not about useless running which passes off as workrate because they lack the skill required to keep the ball and use it efficiently. The style of play in theory is fine, with short passing and keeping it along the ground, that's the way to do it. The key to making this effective is move the ball quickly with one or two touches to have players in motion. This isn't happening at the moment as the passing and build up is too slow, giving the opposition time to put men behind the ball. It needs the wide men or wing backs down the flank to stretch the defence to create space elsewhere, this won't work unless players try and create space for the man in possession to pass to. Currently they're more static than statues while aesthetically pleasing makes the attack like an Aero bar "bubbles of nothing".


Franco di Santo


Martinez likes playing with the lone forward "Van Basten" Di Santo he has improved quite a bit, even then all of his goals have been deflections. He isn't getting quality service from the midfield and a distinct lack of support as well. Victor Moses while getting more opportunities, still hasn't improved his decision making knowing when to pass and when to take on players, he definitely isn't N'Zogbia lite.

Lack of penetration from the midfield, moving the ball too slowly leading to few goalscoring chances which aren't being taken, putting pressure on the defence and mistakes happen under pressure, especially when the goals aren't going in on the other end. Wigan look inhibited but this is understandable losing 4 consecutive matches. Losing can be a habit as well as the poor form and results continue anxiety increases making it difficult to get out of these situations.

It's easier to find problems, then to find solutions. The players who aren't performing at moment, deserve to be dropped. There needs to be pressure coming from the bench. Crucat has potential to make an impact once he recovers from injury. Time for Shaun Maloney to be given more playing time, as Wigan need more creatively from the midfield. When they do introduce Sammon into games, they don't need to hoof it long, he is capable with the ball at his feet. van Aanholdt has looked like scoring more than anyone in the midfield this season.

Thankfully this weekends match against Bolton sees a side who are in worse form than the Latics. This counts for nowt though when it comes to local derbies, this series of two matches are the ones the Latics want to win more than the others. It won't be easy two teams low on confidence, could be quite an ugly spectacle with the odds of 1.60 Caldwell getting a card, but that won't matter as long as Wigan win.

They've shown plenty of resilience during their time in the EPL and this is another time where it will be needed. The relegation battle is usually more interesting than the top of the table, the newly promoted teams of QPR, Swansea and Norwich have handled themselves quite well so far, Blackburn are poor. Hopefully Martinez can address some of the problems and the team can start posting some better results.

There is still plenty of time left in the season, but the foundations of Premier League survival need to be reinforced this week with a win at home against Bolton or the knives will be sharpening and the sounds from the peanut gallery will grow louder and louder.

Jamaica break world record, Pearson destroys and final Daegu review

World Championships are over, thankfully it didn't end on a controversial note. Here is the last review taking in a few days action.

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.

Kirani James becomes the man David Rudisha is the boss

Today is a day off from the championships, giving a chance to catch up with last night’s action and preview the finals tomorrow night.

Thankfully there were no controversies last nights, there have already been enough talking points about classifies as interference and the one false start rule which has taken away from performances on the track rightly or wrongly.

The 400m hurdles kicked off the evening action and we aren’t any closer to a clear favourite in either race. Demus was very impressive in her semi final, but that’s not the race where to peak and has shown that she can crack under pressure. The Jamaican duo Walker and Spencer have championship pedigree didn’t perform to well, but they made the final and strange things happen in finals. Hejnová was very comfortable in her run and is a medal chance, not sure she can win it.

Superman Felix Sanchez just keeps on going ran an excellent race to make final. Kudos to the longevity of his career and one of the best ever at this event. Picking a winner in this will be difficult Angelo Taylor double Olympic champion is always thereabouts but never won a world title. Two South Africans in the field while LJ van Zyl is the more credentialed athlete can see him making mistakes in the final. Culson has big chances to win as well, it’s always good when someone from a smaller nation wins a gold medal.


Fabiana Murer

Fabiana Murer triumphed in the women’s pole vault which in general isn’t a bad event when it comes to eye candy. The one thing that is impressive in this newer event is that technically the ladies are good, it’s going to take time for that side to develop but the ladies are very good especially to the female steeplechasers more on that event later.

Murer was the best in 2010 but there were doubts as Isinbayeva had taken the year off and there weren’t major global titles for her to show her skills. The Russian ice maiden crashed at 4.75 and 4.80 to finish 6th, it’s too early to write her off as finished as the dominant pole vaulter it just makes London more interesting. Anna Rogowska wasn’t in form to defend her title, it’s good when there are more winners around. Svetlana Feofanova the very consistent Russian managed to get another medal, technically very sound but just lacks a little speed to go higher.



Yulia Zaripova

Yulia Zaripova was outstanding in her win at 3000m steeplechase. She took it out from the front which personally takes a lot of courage and better when it comes off. It’s always amazing that when there are athletes (not in this case) in the distance races they know they don’t have the finishing kick yet they won’t take it out or in the middle of the race break up the rhythm. Chewya was undefeated all season but with Zaripova taking it out at a fast pace to run the legs off the Kenyans, which worked a treat. As in all hurdling events the barriers are lower for the ladies, but the African women for their talent have absolutely rubbish hurdling techniques which would make things easier, they should learn from their brothers, even the worst one has better technique than the best African woman. Zaripova was hurdling with efficiency especially in the water jump which meant she was able to keep running at that rhythm for the race.

David Rudisha continued his dominance of the 800m and ran a brilliant tactical race. He made up for the mistake in Berlin where he failed to make the final. Usually Kaki goes out very hard, but he didn’t do it this time and Rudisha controlled the race the whole way. Went through in 51.33 had to save some energy with Borzakovskiy who has a big finishing kick and Kaki lurking. In the last 100m just had a look at them moved easily away winning 0.5 sec, Rudisha was the father owning the field who were like little children.


David Rudisha

Highlight of the night on a personal level was Kirani James winning the 400m in 44.60 as was predicted in this blog (link). There should be a public holiday in Grenada as it’s the first ever gold medal for the island. James turns 19 tomorrow he ran a brilliant tactical race, knew exactly how he wanted to run and executed the plan perfectly. Merritt was the class of the field, but he needed some more of the penis enlargement stuff as he ran 44.63. It was the lack of racing that didn’t help Merritt at all, can do all the physical preparation in the world, but match racing is what counts.

Hopefully Kirani James has partied hard celebrating his gold medal as he should, paid his respects to childhood coach and Alleyne Francique who paved the way for 400m runners in Grenada. It’s important for James to have the right people around him to keep him grounded so he can maximise the huge potential he possesses.

IAAF Officials 1 Dayron Robles 0

Controversy has reigned again at the World Athletic Champs, whereas yesterday Usain Bolt knew he was in the wrong after false starting in the final of the 100m. Today’s adventure involved another disqualification in a major final though the race was completed and the reason for the disqualification less cut and dried.

One of the great joys as a fan of the athletics well depending if the individual likes distance running is watching the Kenyan men running the 3000m steeplechase. There is an untapped resource of talent at this event, it’s like the Finns and javelin throwing, Caribbean with sprinting. It’s their most prestigious event back home and the last non Kenyan to win a major championship was Francesco Panetta in 1987. Well there was Boulami who had more EPO in his system than a blood bank and was banned for doping. Shaheen doesn’t count, as he was Stephen Cherono just changed from Kenya to Qatar for the cash.

Four Kenyans in the field, they will run as a team to get rid of any opposition, then once they have dropped most of the contenders, then they will race for themselves. Kipruto is the favourite as he is just 0.01 sec outside of the world record, also Kemboi has run under 8 minutes this year. The conditions have been tough with the swirling winds, will be interesting to see what tactics they use. As for who will win, not exactly sure but it’ll be a Kenyan and personally I’ll enjoy the final which shouldn’t be too slow.

In the evening session there were finals in the mens hammer throw and pole vault, as well as the womens shot put. Primož Kozmus was defending his world title from Berlin hasn’t been in form this season, not throwing so much but he managed to get a bronze medal which was a fine achievement considering his lack of action. Pars, the young Hungarian on his last throw had a chance to pass the leader Japanese-Romanian Koji Murofishi but fell 6cm short with 81.18 and Mirofushi threw 81.24 twice. It’s good that the top three all managed seasons bests here, this is where they want to peak.

Primož Kozmus

Poland managed its 1st gold medal of the championship in the mens pole vault with Wojciechowski who won with 5.90 on countback where he cleared the height on his 2nd vault. The true surprise and star was the silver medallist Cuban Lázaro Borges who cleared 5.90m as well on his last attempt. He improved his personal best by 15cm in these champs, just hope he won’t be busted for doping offences. Yes, it was disappointing no Stevie Hooker in the final but didn’t deserve to get through.

Lázaro Borges

Valerie Adams what a champion she is. The New Zealand athlete has dominated the shot put for some time and after these championships Graham Henry should get her in to talk to the All Blacks, she knows something about winning major titles.

400m semi finals produced no surprise “The Penis Enlargement Man” Meritt looked very good, but as was said yesterday the question whether he has enough running in the legs if Kirani James can put pressure on him. James seems to have a good temperament tomorrow night could be the break out moment, the question is whether he can develop to his maximum potential or not be like Darrel Brown very brilliant junior who didn’t get it done with the big boys.

Tomorrow night besides the 400m final, we have the mens 800m final. We have David Rudisha the current world record holder but he really needs a major title, as long as he runs a tactically smart race then the title will be his. Kaki the Sudanese front runner it will be better for Rudisha if he goes the usual way and stretch the field as Rudisha’s strength will come through plus he can go with a fast pace. Just hope it’s not a sit and shit race run in around 1.45.

Jeter finally broke her drought at major championships with a solid win in the 100m. She has run plenty of fast times just not done it when it counted. Little Shellie Anne Fraser-Pryce had a slight stumble at the start, but Jeter was too solid and deserved the win.



Ivet Lalova

Ivet Lalova made the final, yes she was the best looking one in the final, but her goal was to make the final and after the problems she has suffered it’s a fine achievement. For those who don’t know she broke her femur at Athens in 2005 and was out for two years, took some time to get her confidence back but glad made the final.

Now onto the controversial part of the evening with the disqualification of Dayron Robles in the 110m hurdles final. The final was one of the most eagerly awaited of the championship and the race didn’t disappoint but what happened afterwards was disappointing to all concerned.

Robles finished across the line first from Jason Richardson who has improved greatly this season and third was Xiang Liu. This was not how it ended up, as Robles was disqualified for causing interference to Liu. The pressure was immense Robles wasn’t his usual clean technical self and Liu was hitting hurdles as well. Liu moved to the right of the lane which of course isn’t illegal and Robles hit the 8th hurdle where he lost some balance, then there was contact. As fellow finalist David Oliver said “People who think Robles did it on purpose are crazy and haven't seen his races, late in races he's been getting wide with his arms. Why would you do something intentionally that us going to mess you up as well”.

Yes, there was contact between Robles and Liu at two hurdles, but it wasn’t deliberate. The IAAF somehow concluded that it was intentional. The 100/110m hurdles is a physical event with lots of action and contact, it’s part of what makes the event great to watch. Liu wasn’t the one who protested it was the Chinese federation as Liu knows these incidents and physical contact are part of the sport.

Both guys were in their lanes and now any race where there is physical contact should come down to protest and officiating. Surprised the conspiracy theorists among us which exist haven’t made reference to Chinese intimidation, but the IAAF aren’t known for being a transparent organisation with the sports best interest at heart. The disqualification was a stupid decision, the question is now how will the IAAF handle races where there is physical contact, they need to apply the rules properly but this is subjective at best.


Jason Richardson

Jason Richardson who won the event on a technicality or bureaucratically handled the situation gracefully. Yes, he was happy that he got a gold medal but this wasn’t the way he wanted to win. He respects and is friends with Robles, naturally he wants to win the gold on the track and also would like to thank David Oliver for his sensible comments on a difficult situation.

This will be a test of Robles mentally, he has to stop the problem with the arms getting wide which has been problematic and cost him a gold medal. Strength in adversity and Robles will have plenty of prove for the London Olympics.

Lightning strikes as Usain Bolt false starts out of the 100m

Usain Bolt was making headlines in the athletics world though on this occasion it was not for his running feats more because of his disqualification in the final due to a false start. Besides this major sensation the athletics world doesn’t stop.

Usain Bolt reacts to disqualification

The morning session had the heats of the 110m hurdles and the big 3 of Liu, Oliver and Robles came through without any drama. The hurdles is such a technical event, just one mistake and boom your chances are finished, whether it’s a slow start or messing up the stride pattern. The sport needs good depth in the events as this creates natural rivalries and not needing the press or pundits to create something that isn’t there. With these three hurdlers it evolves naturally which is the best way for it grow.

Lets hope that they make the final and it’s a brilliant race with Dayron Robles coming through to take the gold and do it for “Nerrrd Power”. He said before the championships he wanted to run the perfect technical race, the final would be a perfect place to do this. When Robles gets its right he glides over the hurdles with no wasted motion.

Dayron Robles


Elsewhere in the morning session we had the heats of the 400m with the Olympic champion and the “penis enlargement” man LaShawn Merrit ran the fastest time of the year, after coming back from a drug ban to get a bigger package downstairs to impress the ladies. He hasn’t had many races this season which might count against him in the final if he makes it, but he is the class runner.

Oscar “the Blade Runner” Pistorius made the semi finals as well, he wants to run at the London Olympics since he is so far ahead of his competitors in the Paralympic field. Part of myself thinks yes, it’s good that he wants to challenge himself against the able body athletes, but another side thinks otherwise and where it will end. At the moment it’s fine as he won’t be contending for medals, though can see the people against the move being more vocal should this change.

Kirani James is a massive talent in the Usain Bolt mould but in the 400m. He is from Grenada where my mothers family is from so there will be some bias in my thought that even now he can win the gold medal this year. He is only 18 turning 19 on September 1, current World Junior Champion. He has run 44.61 this season and he doesn’t lack the self confidence either, it’ll shake up the event if he does so.

Kirani James


David Rudisha was comfortable in his 800m semi final running from the front controlling the pace and increasing the tempo when needed. Kaki who ran a poor semi final but scraped through to the final. The only way Rudisha will get beaten is if he runs a poor race tactically. Kaki has to run the Johnny Gray type of race go out hard from the front, but he doesn’t have the flair of Gray or the nous to pace yourself during the rounds. For example running 1.44 in the 1st round isn’t needed when 1.47 is good enough to get it done, have to conserve energy it’s not exactly quantum physics.


David Rudisha

Definite red card for the international broadcasters who handled the mens 10 000m, the coverage was pitiful. Of course with 25 laps they aren’t going to be seen in full nor should they be, but only showed around 5 laps which is ordinary to the extreme. Bekele hasn’t raced all year, trying to get information from Jos Hermans the don and Bekele’s agent was difficult. Once he stepped on the track and didn’t even come close to finishing the race. Jeilan the World Junior champ was so impressive in running 53 sec for the last lap giving Mo Farah 6 metres start passing him in the home straight.

As interesting as todays action was the biggest news of the championships was Usain Bolt being disqualified for false starting in the 100m final. Bolt was looking in fine form before the final and wanted to produce a big run. He is always vulnerable with his starts, even then this was a rookie mistake the rules are clear one false start and you’re out of there. To Bolt’s credit he handled his dismissal from the track quite well considering the circumstances unlike Jon Drummond who was crying like a baby who didn’t get any milk.


It will be interesting to see what the IAAF will do now, whether they will continue with the rule as it stands or amend it. It’s a tough one for the IAAF, they stick to their guns then they’re inflexible, if the rule changes then they’ll be accused of bending over to cater to Bolt who is the biggest star in athletics. The forthright and articulate Ato Boldon has been very critical of the rule as it stands, he warned that this situation with Bolt was going to happen at a major championship and was proven right. It’s not a rule that is universally loved.

Yohan Blake took the gold medal so it stayed in Jamaican hands and within the Glen Mills training camp which Bolt is a part of. The mental state of the finalists changed big time after Bolt being disqualified, then the massive opportunity was there. Kim Collins the 35 year old veteran from St Kitts and Nevis got off to a great start, but Blake stepped it up mid race and his class was apparent. The time of 9.92 into -1.4m/s was a quality time and won it easily from Dix 10.08 and Collins 10.09.
Blake winning the 100m


Blake is the future of the 100m, he has been for some time. Sure his mentor and training partner Bolt wasn’t there, but it’s still a world title which can’t be denied. Blake barring injuries or being lazy will eventually pass Bolt, that’s just evolution. No matter when it’s said and done Yohan Blake is 2011 world champion.

Yohan Blake 100m champion

Bolt will be looking forward to the 200m which is his main and favourite event as long as he stays in the blocks. Murderation on the rest of the field is likely and he will be fresher than usual, when he ran the previous two world record times. Lets hope Jamaica can get the changes right in the relay even without Asafa Powell they will get the job done, only question is the order and how far they win by.

True champions manage to fight back from negative experiences and Usain Bolt will be back bigger, stronger and better

Kenya dominates, bye bye Steve Hooker and Geronimo Goeloe World Champs Day 1 Review

First day of the World Champs in Daegu were notable for two things. One, the failure of World and Olympic champion pole vaulter and all round good guy Steve Hooker not qualifying for the final. He did the equivalent of missing all penalties in a penalty shootout missing all heights at 5.50m.

It has been an injury plagued year for the “Ginger Ninja” has only recently been back in competition lacking competitive toughness, also he has changed the poles that he is using in order to attempt to break Serhii Bubka’s long standing world record. The new poles are less flexible and need time to adjust, this didn’t help Hooker. As befitting his reputation he handled the exit with class and didn’t whine, cry, bitch and moan making excuses ''There's no excuses for what happened today. Three run-throughs at 5.50 at world championships is just not on”.


Steve Hooker in better times

This negative experience will make him stronger and barring injuries he will be a contender for London. As captain of the Australian team, he will stick around the championships in this role.

In contrast to the poor form from Hooker. It was Kenya day especially women, taking gold, silver and bronze in the marathon with Kiplagat winning. They went even better in the 10 000m taking the first four places, over the years the Kenyan women have been beaten by the Ethiopians Defar, Dibaba and Tulu. This time Cheruiyot was able to get the title in a typical championship race which started out very cagey, then the Kenyans wound it up in the last few laps to take the kick out of Melkamu who couldn’t respond in the final lap and was done in the back straight. Kipyego hung on until the last 100m but Cheruiyot won in style.



Vivian Jepkemoi Cheruiyot after winning the 10000m

Heats of the 100m began today. The field before has been weakened by the loss of Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell to injury, both were considered threats to Usain Bolt in the event where he is vulnerable. It’s disappointing when the best athletes can’t make it to the major champs, though with Asafa Powell he never brings his best to finals. So many times he had fastest time of the year, but wore the pink dress when it came to the finals. Not sure how much time he has to write that wrong and if he does, then there will be no problem acknowledging the achievement.

In the morning session tomorrow before the big boys of the 100m dominate the evening one of the most anticipated races of the championships are the heats of the 110m hurdles. There are three big names in this Dayron Robles (aka Nerrrrrrrrrrrrrd Power) with the glasses who transforms into the super smooth and technically outstanding hurdler, world record holder and Olympic Champ. David Olivier the massive unit with plenty of strength and power, the third member of trio is Xiang Liu who came back strongly this year. All they'll be wanting to do is not make a mistake and get through the rounds, if they all make it through to the final. Robles is taking the gold.

There were no major surprises in the rounds all the usual suspects got through without any problems which is all they need to. They will need to bring it for the semi finals tomorrow, then the final. Sure, there were no major surprises, but there was a major disappointment in that the wonderfully named Geronimo Goeloe from Aruba didn’t make the semis. It doesn’t matter with a name like that he is the true star of the championships.



Geronimo Goeloe the Legend


Predictions for the final before the championships it was Bolt to win from his training partner Yohan Blake for 2nd as for 3rd it’s very open and would love another Caribbean athlete to take that spot. Richard Thompson broke the Trinidad record of the legendary Ato Boldon, he will need that form to finish 2nd in Bolt’s semi final.
Blake is favourite for the 1st semi, will go with Bledman or Bailey to take the automatic. In semi 2 Thompson to finish behind Bolt with Frater getting 3rd, in the last semi Nesta Carter, the second spot is very open.

The perfect 100m final would be every athlete from the Caribbean, well as they say dreams are free