Calm Before the Storm

[gh]

the nature of the race probably just became more uncertain with the withdrawal of E. Manangoi.

[Alan Shank]

Shubenkov has been getting faster in recent weeks and with the less than stellar level in his event, it's plausible he could make the podium.

With people like Samba and Ibarguen maybe I haven't been following the news closely enough, but I don't see much evidence either way. The fact they haven't competed in a while doesn't in itself prove anything.

Ibarguen withdrew from the Zurich TJ, then was totally off form in the Brussels LJ, 6.26. Reportedly, she was suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Samba has not competed since Monaco, July 12, where he was 2nd in the 400 flat in 45.00.
Cheers,
Alan Shank

[jeremyp]

Good choices, but Lasit now looks vulnerable and Centro's 5K shows he's a big threat again. Gong is solid.

Centro has a chance if the 1200 is around 3.0.0.

[John G]

I agree he is highly likely to do that. Whether he'll win is another matter altogether. Since Bayi in 74, how many have won major finals employing those tactics? Even El G usually needed the help of a teammate taking the first 800m.

[Conor Dary]

He could go out at 3:29 pace and probably kill everyone, including J Inge, but he won't.

If he went out in 3:29 I doubt he'd drop anyone let alone everyone....

[Atticus]

If he went out in 3:29 I doubt he'd drop anyone let alone everyone....

'3:29 for the 1500' pace . . . of course.

[Atticus]

I would like to nominate the w800 for second place in the Hot Mess Sweepstakes (mHJ has already locked up 1st place).

After Wilson, everyone else has looked great or totally beatable.

[TWalsh]

I would like to nominate the w800 for second place in the Hot Mess Sweepstakes (mHJ has already locked up 1st place).

After Wilson, everyone else has looked great or totally beatable.

I agree that the women's 800 is in the top three of the "Hot Mess" events. Here are my top three "Hot Mess" WC events:

1) M- High Jump
2) M- 20k Walk
3) W- 800

[LopenUupunut]

Feels like historically, men's 800 is almost always a hot mess while the women's 800 can be more predictable. This year they're both messes.

[Atticus]

Feels like historically, men's 800 is almost always a hot mess while the women's 800 can be more predictable. This year they're both messes.

Trying to suss out Brazier's role in the final is indeed an enigma. I feel like Rotich and Amos have made their cases for medal-aspiration.