James and Blake came from relative obscurity to being on the edge of greatness.Let's start with Blake. His journey took him from a 3rd place finish in the 2006 World Junior championships, to breaking the 10 second barrier in 2009, to claiming gold in Daegu. This season the world watched as Blake transformed from promising young sprinter into a world champion and top athlete. Even if he never breaks the world records in either sprints, two gold medals and a lifetime best of 19.26 in the 200m are enough to put him down in the history books.
Although Kirani's prowess as a junior athlete is well documented with a string of gold medals in Carifta games, World Junior and World Youth championships, many track fans were oblivious to this young Grenadian talent. Then came the Aviva Diamond League meet in London and suddenly James was on everyone's radar. His gold in Daegu and personal best of 44.36 in Zurich now means this guy is a force to be reckoned with. To be honest I suspect he'll stay that way for a very long time.
Pearson's story is a little different. Under her maiden name McClellan, she made waves in 2008 after copping the silver medal in Beijing. Last year she again garnered attention after a controversial win and subsequent disqualification at the Delhi Commonwealth Games. However, even after those accomplishments, I don't think any of us could have predicted her dominance this season. Nor were we prepared for the 12.28sec she unleashed in Daegu. This woman literally took the world by storm and I don't think she's done with us just yet.
2012 Look Ahead
Men's 100m: Next season should answer the question of whether Blake's win in Daegu was only due to Bolt's disqualification. I suspect Bolt's motivation to train has now been fully reawakened. Baring injury I see these two traning partners battling it out for the top spot. The return of former sprint giants Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell are highly anticipated, though whether their return will topple the exuberant Blake or mighty Bolt, remains to be seen.
Men's 200m: If you asked me a week ago whether Bolt could EVER be beaten in this event, my answer would be a resounding NO. However, after Brussels my answer is...anything is possible. If Yohan Blake doubles in London, Bolt will need to be back in world record form to retain his title. Walter Dix is also in the mix, his 19.53 performance still resonates in my mind and I look forward to seeing more of him next year. Don't forget Christophe Lemaitre whose PB of 19.80 tis an eye-opener.By now the Frenchman should know the 200m is his better event and I'm interested to see what he can do in 2012
Women's 100m: I believe we'll continue to see stiff competition between newly crowned champion Carmelita Jeter and Jamaicans Veronica Campbell Brown and Shelly-ann Fraser-Pryce. Jeter owned the event this season while VCB can be consoled with a new PB of 10.76. It's hard to predict who will come out on top in London, on any given day either of these top class athletes could win. If Trinidad's Kelly-ann Baptiste can maintain her good starts, she'll be even more competitive next year. Marshevet Hooker Myers should also not be overlooked. It would be nice to see a return to full form by Kerron Stewart, Muna Lee and Lauryn Williams
Women's 200m: Without the 400m to distract her, I predict Allyson Felix will be back on top of her game. Two-time defending champion VCB is a stellar 200m runner but sometimes her performance in the event is greatly reduced after running full rounds of the 100m. If VCB doubles Felix with fresh legs will have the upper hand in this event. Jeter is also rounding into a serious 200m competitor. I suspect Bianca Knight will regroup, especially after missing out on an individual spot in Daegu.
Men's 110 hurdles: Olympic champion Dayron Robles looks good, but so do Jason Richardson and China's Liu Xiang. Following disappointment in Daegu the Cuban ended the season on a high with the Diamond League title. Robles will have a point to prove next year and let's see if he'll do it. In my book Richardson appears a master technician in every race, a quicker start could reap rewards. If David Oliver irons out the kinks in his rhythm he could re-surge next season.
Women's 100m Hurdles: Sally Pearson looks unstoppable for the next little while.Baring injury or a disaster like the one in Brussels, Pearson could very well break the world record in this event, so far she seems to be in a league of her own. She will continue face serious competition from numerous Americans particularly Diamond league winner Danielle Carruthers, defending Olympic champion Dawn Harper and national champion Kellie Wells. Uk's Tiffany Ofili Porter barely missed out on a medal in Daegu but a home crowd in London may serve as added motivation and let's not forget the plethora of talented Canadians looking to make their mark.
Men's 400m: I'm sure Kirani James and American LaShawn Merrit will renew their rivalry in the new year but the younger James will start 2012 as favourite for gold in London. Belgian twins Jonathan and Kevin Borlee are now on the radar especially after Kevin's bronze in Daegu. I'm curious to see what they'll bring in in the Olympic year. Though this season was not the best for Jamaica's Jermaine Gonzalez I recognize in him the potential of a good quarter miler. Let's not forget the injured Jeremy Wariner and the historic blade runner Oscar Pistorious.
Women's 400m: Amantle Montsho is definitely a tough competitor but though she ruled supreme this year, I do believe things could be different in 2012. There is no doubt in my mind world champion Sanya Richards Ross will work very hard to return to top form. I also cannot overlook Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu who will want to put on a good showing for her home crowd in London. Watch out for young American talent Francena McCorory, she means business.
As with any season, unforeseen injuries and an emergence of fresh young talents could render my musings absolutely pointless. But track enthusiasts like myself just cannot resist the urge to try and see into the future. Either way a brilliant 2012 season awaits.
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