2021 mOG 4x1: you sure you wanna open this one?

[KevinR]

This is true but the US runners are so worried about individual results and too worried about getting hurt running relays that they don’t practice, plus the egos of who runs where etc. We need to fix this.

If we are being honest, their individual events are what they do for a living. Their contracts and appearance fees are predicated on what they do throughout the season. The relays are not really a thing to most of them, other than a chance to get another medal. That does not make them selfish, in my eyes.

As has been mentioned before, back in the days of the SMTC, where many of their relayists had the same roles on the national teams, it may have been a bit different.

[steve]

If we are being honest, their individual events are what they do for a living. Their contracts and appearance fees are predicated on what they do throughout the season. The relays are not really a thing to most of them, other than a chance to get another medal. That does not make them selfish, in my eyes.

As has been mentioned before, back in the days of the SMTC, where many of their relayists had the same roles on the national teams, it may have been a bit different.

I though about that, but isn't the same true for the other athletes on the winning teams? Bolt was clearly paid as a 100m sprinter as were his teammates, but they managed to figure out handoffs well enough to win and set records. I would guess that the problem is exactly as has been stated here; poor coaching and conflicts with athletes/agents and their respective egos. That can be hard to fix.

[Jaguarclaws]

I though about that, but isn't the same true for the other athletes on the winning teams? Bolt was clearly paid as a 100m sprinter as were his teammates, but they managed to figure out handoffs well enough to win and set records. I would guess that the problem is exactly as has been stated here; poor coaching and conflicts with athletes/agents and their respective egos. That can be hard to fix.

Very true. The guys ysed to be part of track clubs , but now individualism is huge for track ahtletes in the Usa. I rememeber The screw up started in 1995. I remember Carl Lewis saying llet SMTC run against HSI. SMTC was Michael Marsh , Leroy Burrell, Floyd Heard, and Carl Lewis. HSI had Jon Drummond and Maurice Greene. Lewis suggested that Those two get Dennis Mitchell and Michael Johnson to run a race at the 1996 Olympic trials for the relay spot. Of course the Usa bever went for it. MJ was right in the middle of his double quest. That would be cool to see. Maybe do it by shoe companies. ???

[The Klingon]

I don't know if this has been mentioned but Gillespie executed well but he just didn't have the legs, so I don't blame him at all, rather I blame the coaches for putting him out there.

That is the same thing that Michael Johnson said: Why was Gillespie on the anchor leg?

[gm]

That is the same thing that Michael Johnson said: Why was Gillespie on the anchor leg?

I imagine because it's the easiest leg to switch out for the final and Gillespie had run 9.96 this year, which would usually indicate an embarrassment of riches for a team. He anchored in the heats at Doha and the U.S. went on to win gold.

If the U.S. had been in heat one and run exactly the same, we wouldn't be having this conversation.

[NotDutra5]

A few have mentioned the US putting together a relay consisting of the 4-7 finishers in the OT and having them train for the relay only. Some of those same posters have also complained about Gillespie's participation in the relay heats. Gillespie would have been part of the relay specific team as well. So you can't win.

[steve]

A few have mentioned the US putting together a relay consisting of the 4-7 finishers in the OT and having them train for the relay only. Some of those same posters have also complained about Gillespie's participation in the relay heats. Gillespie would have been part of the relay specific team as well. So you can't win.

I agree that it’s a bad idea. I would be interested in how Carl Lewis and teammates prepared leading up to major championships vs what is done now; both in terms of the frequency of practice and what they worked in those sessions. That’s where the solution to our relay woes might be found.

[scottmitchell74]

I agree that it’s a bad idea. I would be not interested in how Carl Lewis and teammates prepared leading up to major championships vs what is done now; both in terms of the frequency of practice and what they worked in those sessions. That’s where the solution to our relay woes might be found.

Typo?

[gm]

Britain's 4x100 medal may be in jeopardy?

https://www.athleticsintegrity.org/d...MPIC-GAMES.pdf

[Conor Dary]

I would say that is a given....at least the US didn't flunk a dope test...


CJ Ujah: British Olympic silver medallist suspended after positive test for banned substance

https://www.bbc.com/sport/athletics/58193101

[Powell]

I imagine because it's the easiest leg to switch out for the final and Gillespie had run 9.96 this year, which would usually indicate an embarrassment of riches for a team. He anchored in the heats at Doha and the U.S. went on to win gold.

But he was very clearly very much out of shape here (possibly injured?). I suppose the team practiced together in the days preceding the relay heats. Wouldn't you expect the relay team coach to notice he wasn't fit to run?

[steve]

Typo?

Ha! Yes! I’ll edit it.

[gm]

But he was very clearly very much out of shape here (possibly injured?). I suppose the team practiced together in the days preceding the relay heats. Wouldn't you expect the relay team coach to notice he wasn't fit to run?

I don't know that I would say he was clearly out of shape, but we have no way of knowing that.

[Powell]

OK, I rewatched the race, and it looks to me like Gillespie is running with a limp in the second half of the race. In the early part he's actually running decently, but in the final 50 EVERYONE makes up METERS on him. And I don't just mean people like DeGrasse and Tortu, but also the relatively average anchor runners.

[jjimbojames]

Re CJ Ujah, I'm not totally shocked. I posted something on another thread regarding one of his female training partners.

On an (un)related note, apparently Lamont Jacobs will not compete again this year. It is said he has a minor leg injury.

......

I will be crushed if she’s not clean!