London Olympics: 10 Great Track Moments

The London Olympics may be over but fans are still savouring the tremendous display put on by the world's greatest athletes. These moments will forever be apart of London's Legacy:

SuperBolt is Back
Dubbed the King-of-Track, Usain Bolt was "THE" face of the London Games. With his face plastered all over the city and his wax figure strategically placed at Heathrow Airport, the world expected a show and Bolt delivered. The tall Jamaican powered his way to the covetous sprint double titles, becoming the only athlete to sweep the 100 and 200 events at back-to-back Olympics. Running the second fastest 100m in history Bolt powered to the line in 9.63 seconds with his training partner Yohan Blake coming in at 9.75 for silver. The longer distance produced the same result, with Bolt again getting the better of  the "Beast" in a thrilling 19.32 seconds, despite easing at the line. His performance in London relegated his early season issues to distant memory and marked his re-ascension to greatness....silencing the critics.

Pocket Rocket Blasts to Gold

Shelly-ann Fraser-Pryce

Jamaica's Shelly-ann Fraser-Pryce became only the third woman to win back-to-back Olympic 100m titles. Several pundits predicted her to win but no one anticipated a come from behind victory. Fraser Pryce who's known for her incredible starts was left in the blocks this time around. The diminutive sprinter closed like a train in the last 20 metres to finish in 10.75. Just ahead of USA's Carmelita Jeter and fellow teammate Veronica Campbell Brown.

 


Over and Away

 Aries Merritt stormed to victory in the men's 110 hurdles. The American  is undoubtedly having the season of his life. Merrit had a great start but had looked to be even with defending champion Dayron Robles. By the 6th hurdle Robles pulled up with an injury and Merrit charged on...winning in a personal best of 12.92 seconds. World champion Jason Richardson won silver for the United States in 13.04 seconds. Bronze went to the little known Jamaican Hansle Parchment, who crossed the line in a Jamaican record time of 13.12 earning his country's first Olympic medal in that event.

Pearson's Moment

Sally Pearson set a new Olympic record with a mind boggling 12.35 sec. The Australian barely edged defending champion Dawn Harper to win the women's 100m hurdles. Pearson who was the silver medallist in Beijing wanted to do one better this time around and she DID. After a nail biting wait for several seconds the results board displayed Pearson had gotten the gold.  But, kudo's to Harper for going all out in that final, earning herself a personal best of 12.37. I don't think any track pundits had expected her to get so close to the Australian, even Pearson was a bit surprised. Both athletes pushed each other and delivered us fans a scintillating race. Major props to Kellie Wells for grabbing the bronze in 12.48

Grenada's Hero

Kirani James

Kirani James earned Grenada it's first medal ever at the Olympic games. He's also the man who ended America's impressive winning streak in the men's 400m. It was such a shock to see the this final with not a single American in sight. Nevertheless, the field was deep and 19 year old James romped home in 43.94 seconds, taking two other Caribbean nationals with him for the silver and the bronze. The reigning world champion solidified his presence on the 400m stage. Well done!


 Third Time's A charm    

Allyson Felix

After two consecutive defeats in Athens and Beijing the "oh so graceful" Allyson Felix showed up to do battle. Quick, fluid strides took her to the finish line well ahead of  the field in an admirable 21.88 seconds. Felix who gained endurance from her stint with the 400m and increased speed from running the 100m put it all together on the day for Gold. Jamaica's Fraser Pryce ran well for second in a personal best of  22.09, while Jeter picked up the bronze. Two time defending champion Veronica Campbell Brown, who's not been having the best of seasons, could only manage 4th.

Great Britain's Pride

Mohammed Farah

London had an awesome Olympics, earning a record 28 gold medals, but I think we can all agree  Mo Farrah's long-distance double holds a special place in every Brit's heart. Farah became the seventh man to win both the 5,000m and 10,000m events at the same Olympics. In both events he timed his races to perfection. Farah made his move at just the right time, held off the competition and cantered home to delirious screams from the crowd. He won the 10,000 in 27:30:42 ahead of his training partner USA's Galen Rupp. Days later he claimed the shorter distance in 13 minutes, 41.66 seconds

Kenya's Two-Lap Wonder

David Rudisha

David Rudisha got his piece of the limelight for not just winning the 800m, but for smashing his own record to bits in a breathtaking in 1:40:91. The Kenyan took charge of the race early on and sprinted down the home straight, managing to shave a tenth of a second off the world record he set two years ago. Meanwhile, Botswana got its first Olympic medal when 18-year-old Nigel Amos took silver in a world junior record time of 1:41.73. Kenya's Timothy Kitum got the bronze. Rudisha's performance ended the gold medal drought Kenya had been experiencing in London.

USA's Relay Glory 

Tianna Madison, Allyson Felix, Bianca Knight and Carmelita Jeter

 The  American Quartet literally flew around the track to smash the 27 year old record that was set by the East Germans in 1985.  Tianna Madison, Allyson Felix, Bianca Knight and Carmelita Jeter clocked 40.82 , leaving Jamaica with silver.  Madison and Felix ran amazing first and second legs giving the USA a huge lead. Jamaica's VCB must be commended for running a superb bend, managing to make up serious ground on Knight, but in the end it was not enough. Jeter got the baton first and the race was over.  The USA team was FLAWLESS. However the Jamaicans can be consoled by their new national record.

Jamaica's Fantastic Four 

Nester Carter, Michael Frater, Yohan Blake and  Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt won his final medal of the London Olympics in style, anchoring Jamaica's sprint relay team to a phenomenal new world record. To my eye, both USA and Jamaica appeared even on the first and second legs but  it was Yohan Blake's scorching third leg that changed the race. Blazing around the curve Blake handed over to Bolt about the same time Tyson Gay passed the baton to Ryan Bailey. And at that point, the race was over.  In front of a frenzied crowd, Bolt pressed gas and exploded across the line in a stunning  36.84 seconds. The United States took silver in 37.04, equaling the old record set last year at the world championships. However it was heart break for Canada who were initially given bronze but later disqualified. Trinidad and Tobago were eventually awarded the 3rd spot.

Well there you have it, my top 10 Olympic track moments. I should add, it was really difficult to narrow this list down. Honourable mentions go to:

*America's Sanya Richards Ross for gold in the 400m

* Great Britain's Jessica Ennis for winning the Heptathlon

*The Bahamian quartet for winning the 4x400m and 

*Trinidad and Tobago's Keshorn Walcott for an unbelievable gold in the men's javelin.

 I'll be savouring these moments for a long time...well, at least until next year's world championships in Moscow.