Can Terrance Laird be a threat in the 200m again?

[ATK]

Laird disappeared for almost 2 years and suddenly popped up earlier in January running a 60m PB. He then ran the 60m prelims at New Balance indoor GP, but skipped out on the finals. Im not sure anyone really knew exactly why he was gone for so long, though I think we all assumed it was injury.

I got the chance to interview him the day before that race in Boston in February and we spoke about why he was out. He actually picked up a back injury (disc) in the fall of 2020 and essentially ran all of 2021 with that injury, which is kind of crazy. But after that he went to the German doctor "Healing Hans" and is now healthy. Though he has a 19.81 PB, the 200m has of course drastically improved in the time he was away. Any thoughts on if he'll make a comeback and challenge the top guys? He seemed pretty relaxed and just happy to be back with Paris looking to be the real goal.

You can watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/I3d_9pM6jqE

[Atticus]

Good stuff - thanks for the update.

As you say, the event has changed, and I think his window of opportunity to make a USA team is rapidly closing. He could run 19.81 and not make one in the next 3 years.

[79]

Thank you very much, ATK, for this good interview.
I'm among his many fans.
I'm sure he is going to be back at his best and will surprise us soon.

[The Klingon]

Not this year.

[Revenant]

Laird disappeared for almost 2 years and suddenly popped up earlier in January running a 60m PB. He then ran the 60m prelims at New Balance indoor GP, but skipped out on the finals. Im not sure anyone really knew exactly why he was gone for so long, though I think we all assumed it was injury.

Maybe, although it could have been something else. Twas very weird that he announces he's gone pro just before the US Olympic Trials, finishes 6th in the 200m, then disappears for 18 months with no competitions whatsoever.

Either way, he's back competing, but the 200m has moved on during his hiatus, and I don't see him making the US team.

[ATK]

Maybe, although it could have been something else. Twas very weird that he announces he's gone pro just before the US Olympic Trials, finishes 6th in the 200m, then disappears for 18 months with no competitions whatsoever.

I'm kind of confused on what you mean?

[gm]

I'm kind of confused on what you mean?

It means he didn't listen to your interview.

[GHM]

He can go 19.7s if healthy and in shape and make 200m team or alternate 4x100.

IMHO 400m, 4x400, and 4x400 mix is the best way for 200-400 type Good runners to make US team for world and Olympic at this junction. World Relay is scheduled for 2024 so perhaps he can do it there.