US and Jamaica Team Trials: What Did We Learn?

Usain Bolt CAN be beaten!

Heavy is the head that wears the crown and Yohan “di Beast” Blake produced not one, but two brilliant races to dethrone Mr Bolt. Some track pundits say they saw it coming but I’ll just be honest and say I was shocked, especially in the 100m. For me it wasn't so much the defeat, as prior to the race I thought both athletes had a 50-50 shot. It was the MARGIN of defeat that sent shock waves through the stadium and my TV screen. I think his disastrous 100m semi-final was an eye-opener. It indicated that his start is worst than we thought and displayed his vulnerability. His effort in the 200m was definitely better but still not enough. Blake got the edge in the last 50 metres and pulled away, handing the "sprint king" his first defeat in his pet-event in over 4 years. Not to stoke the fires of controversy here, but arguably Bolt isn’t really dethroned until London, who knows, it may well be enough time to pull himself together. At least his coach seems to think so.

Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce is Back!

The Olympic Champion sent a fine warning to the world with an amazing 10.70 seconds. After a non-impressive 2011 and a less than stellar early season many of us wondered about her form. Then in New York last month, the diminutive sprinter gave us a glimpse of her old self when she pulled off a surprise win over a deep field.  At the trials she was a beauty to watch. The reliable Veronica Campbell Brown VCB made a valiant effort but on that day she was out-matched.  Shelly’s start, noticeably absent for most of last year, returned with a vengeance as she literally rocketed from the blocks.  Make no mistake about it folks, the pocket-rocket has come in from the cold.

Big Statement in 110m Hurdles
If ever there was statement to be made in the men's 110 hurdles, U.S. National Champion Aries Merritt definitely made one. His 12.93 in the obstacle event, announced to the world that China's Lui Xiang wont be the only one hurdling in London. Merritt surpassed Xiang for the fastest time in the world this year, shaving 0.10 of a second off his personal best time. You'll remember, Merritt was disqualified at the Addidas Grand Prix in New York last month, so this for him was redemption. His smooth and efficient hurdling, took him to the line ahead of reigning world champion Jason Richardson, who finished second in 12.98.

Never underestimate Allyson Felix!

With the 3^rd spot for the 100m still hanging in the balance, the ever graceful 200 metre specialist, stamped her mark on her pet-event with an astounding, no jaw-dropping 21.69 seconds.  Felix showed up ready to do battle and in the process, treated us track fans to a truly INSANE race. She didn’t even have the top qualifying time in the semis and was not deemed the clear favourite. However, that’s what true champions do...they perform under pressure and somehow pullout a win, when we least expect.  The two-time world champion has made no secret about her wish to finally claim an Olympic gold, could this be her year? Judging by that performance it certainly looks like it, but erring on the side of caution, only time will tell. Either way well done Allyson.

Sanya Richards-Ross is ready!

I think we can all agree 2011 was not the best year for Sanya, however that was nothing but a faded memory after her stunning 49.28 at the US trials.
That ladies and gentlemen was the fastest time in the 400m since 2009 and proves the quarter miler is in the form of her life. Nice and easy, fluid strides stormed her to victory. I also notice her race strategy has improved vastly. A wise and seasoned Sanya doesn't look set to repeat the 2008 mistake of going out too hard, too early.
Richards Ross also managed to book a spot in the 200m, which I think is an added bonus. A clocking of 22.15 is not shabby at all. #doublethreat? Maybe, we’ll see come London.

 Jamaica/ US Sprint Match-Up.

Men’s 100m:We know US national champion Justin Gatlin has made some pretty big statements lately, but I feel the times speak for themselves. Blake and a “slightly-off” Bolt appear stronger to me. I hasten to add , however  that a fully fit and race sharp Tyson Gay could just throw and wrench in Jamaica’s plan.

Women’s 100m: Going solely off times, I’ll give the Jamaicans the edge. Fraser-Pryce’s  10.70 looked untouchable and VCB’s 10.82 for second also bettered the US top three marks. This of course isn't set in stone, US champion Carmelita Jeter will be working furiously to change the odds.

Men’s 200m: Jamaica again. If pressed, the Blake/Bolt duo can bring the time down to the 19.20’s. That I think, speaks volumes. So though US champion Wallace Spearman’s 19.82 (wind assisted) was classic sprinting, the absence of Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin in this event further  hurts the US chances.

Women’s 200m: After Felix ‘s awesomeness , the U.S comes out on top in this one. It will be pretty hard to beat Felix come August and though Shelly’s 22.10 is a tad better than Jeter’s  22.11, Jeter  has already proven she is a serious contender in the longer sprint. Meanwhile I’m not sure what’s happening with VCB.  The double Olympic champion did not look good in her pet-event. Before the race I thought I saw signs of weariness and her 3^rd place finish was disappointing. The last 30 metres of her race completely fell apart. That being said , we know VCB is a champion and will be heading back to the drawing board. 

There you have it, my assessment of the high level sprinting on show by Jamaica and the US. Please note this was all just about making the team, a lot can change in four weeks. Like you I’ll be watching with baited breath.