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I cannot wait to for the World Championships, particularly the Bolt v Gay showdown. I really hope Gay can challenge Bolt, perhpas more world records could tumble?

I agree... I don't think Bolt can be beaten just yet!

I am only interested in the Gay-Bolt match up. It doesn't look gay will muster enough of a challenge to the hugely talented Bolt who seems to still have a bit to spare. But I wish he did. That will be very good for the sprinting class in general.

Totally agree Katherine. These are 3 really big head to heads and I am excited to watch them all.
I too feel Bolt has too much for anyone right now and agree Gay didn't look convincing to me in London. Could it be mind games by Gay though to deflect pressure?
Ohuruogo you should never be written off and hope she can win again.
I am trying to get my daughter excited about the Champs, but all she wants to know at the moment is what colour Idowu's hair is going to be!! Any ideas?!
Looking forward to your insight from the Championships, keep up the good work.

If Gay can get through the first three rounds without having to work - and, realistically, the first two won't even be training-run intensive for someone as good as him - then we could have the race we yearned for last year. We don't know how Bolt might react to a genuine challenge, plus Bolt has shown nothing to suggest that he's running anything like he was last year. But if he does, it will confirm him as a freak. It could be interesting.

And if Sanya Richards doesn't win this championship, then she'll never win one. I think she's a far, far better 400 runner and Ohuruogu looks out of sorts - she'll do well to medal.

I'll stick my neck out and say Bolt to pip Gay by a few hundreths in a 9.75 ish time. And Richards by a country mile in the 400. Sub 49. If I'm wrong feel free to shoot me.

My three key battles to the upcoming World Championships are those yet to be decided. The womens 100m hurdles will be a great spectacle. Lolo Jones will certainly be looking to make amends for Beijing but what with the Olympic Champion competing, the Canadians Priscilla Lopez and her evergreen teamate, the fast improving Sally Mclellan and not least the Jamaicans Deloreen Ennis-London and Brigette Foster-Hylton. This race could be a blanket finish and is perhaps the most hotly contested of all events at these Championship. The w100 will be the other showpiece event with Carmelita Jeter throwing down the gauntlet at crystal Palace and Shelly ann Fraser responding at Monaco. Meanwhile Keron Stewart has quietly and efficiently bagged four of four in golden league 100m races so far this season. Whilst Tyson Gay v Usain Bolt is the 'big bill' the undecided races which are wide open have got to be the most anticipated, at least from an international perspective.

"At both the 2007 Worlds in Osaka and in Beijing last year Christine has, quite rightly, taken advantage of Sanya's poor racing tactics in major finals."

Sanya Richards was not in the 400m in 2007. She was injured and missed the US trials.

Key battles? OK.

Sorry but Phillips Odowu will never be on anyones radar as being a 'key' anything. The man is two inconsistent to be considered one fo the top athletes.

Mack_501, Couldn't you argue that Richards missed out on selection at trials because of her choice over preparation?

Mark Butler write recently:

"In 2007, Richards interrupted her build-up to the US trials by travelling to Europe to win the first Golden League in Oslo.

"But she then went on to place only fourth in those cut-throat trials and so was not even selected to compete at 400m in the Osaka World Championships."

i think bolt v gay will b acracker i hope bolt beat gay gay 2long the usa have thing there own way know that raggie is playing the tune they us like 2 dance ohhaha

I can't wait for the sprint relays .............. Jamaicans should be very special. Men Bolt, Powell,Blake & Carter/Frater and Women Stewart, Frazer, Campbell & Brooks.......... = Two GOLDS MEDALS

lolo didnt qualify through the american champs :( sorry mate lol

I'm becoming slightly doubtful of Christine Ohuruogo, she has been able to perform at big championships being the Commonwealth, World and Olympic champion. But I think that Sanya Richards is a bit too ahead this year, running under 50 seconds five times, yet christine hasnt broken the 51 second barrier! But she usually produces good times at major championships! It'd be really good if she can get a medal preferably a gold one!

I totally agree Katherine,
Although i think Antonina Krivoshakpa is a big thret to sanya richards hopes of winning, but i also think nicola sanders can run a very quick time if she manages to get back to her best.

And can i just say i think that it is really sad at the form of the british female 100m sprinters as i think Jeanette Kwakye&Montell Douglas really have sub 11 seconds potential which i will hope to see next season.

It looks set to be a great Championships, I can't wait to see these showdowns!

Thanks for the info Kath I have informed my daughter and she is waiting eagerly to see if Idowu does come to Berlin with the red hair! Of course those other battles you have mentioned in the high jump and long jump are going to be good too. I believe Vlasic this year will win the high jump with 2.07m and Saladino will win the long jump with 8m 65!

Hello all,
Some points:
1) Yes there are some exciting duels - we just saw one - the men's shot.
The men's LJ has to be another - I'm assuming that Dwight Philips is competing? If so then Saladino will have a real battle on his hands, Idsupa.
2) I'm glad to say that Ennis is making me eat my words that I posted on this site earlier this summer - fingers crossed for the Javelin and 800.
3) Poor Idowu - if he wins a medal it will be great but I don't pin my hopes on it. Last year winning the silver in Beijing was seen as a failure by him (and many others) - but I think the opposite - Idowu IS talented but he is so erratic. He could win or not even make the final (remember Athens?).
4) It's a shame that the circus called the Premiership begins so early now. I like football but couldn't we have had it begin a week or two later?
That's all for now!
Lee.

Hello all,

Well done to Ennis - let's see that lift the whole GB Team.

Please with the major emergence of a new GB talent in the men's 400h - yet another race to watch.

Thanks, Katharine, for the link. If you look at Bolt's split times, he also smashed the record for the 60 metres too, indoors or outdoors, I think? Would the IAAF ratify that mark or is 60 metres not an official outdoor event?

Lee.

Hi All,

I was so pleased for Idowu, for finally winning a gold... you can't ask for more than a personal best!

Have just seen Jenny Meadows take a medal again with a personal best... fantastic result!

I have one question... For some time now, I have wondered whether atheletes set their expectations too low. I understand that they need to set goals for a season and keep focused, however, I have heard far too mnay times this championships, of atheltes who are 'happy just to make the final', or 'working towards 2012' etc.

I am by no means a sports psychologist, I just wondered whether if athletes had a more cut throat determination, where second place isnt good enough, whether we would see more medals?

Last year in China, we saw chinese athletes forced to apologise to the nation for not fulfulling the expectations put upon them, slightly drastic I realise, but atleast they all went in wanting to win and not just happy to make a world final.

Just curious for your thoughts?

Hi Katherine,

I have eben following WC on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Sport and noted that Mark Butler gave some predictions at the start for the winners of each event. I did this as well to see how we compared. I know theres only 2.5 days left in the championships but I dont suppose you would fancy lending your opinion as to who you think will win the remaining events?

My predictions are here:

Thanks for the Merry predictions. You can keep an update on how you do over 3 days against Mark and myself. Just click the link.

Before you get all cheeky on me there is a long way to go!!! The current scores before the womens 1500m are:

Katheriine Merry = 8
The challenger! = 7
Mark Butler = 4 (and he calls himself a statistician?)

Good evening. Totaled it all up and it was a draw. :( If only I had chosen the Norwegian javelin master.

Though there is a nice challenge for you on the blog. If you are willing to accept.

I recounted twice and we drew. I regret not picking Andreas Thorkildsen, and I think I blew my chance to win there. And I think you blew your chance by picking Jam to win the 4x400W instead of the USA.

But like I said. It is on like Donkey Kong for the Commonwealth Games next year.

I think Team GB is well considering who wasn't there and who was injured but I want to see improvements in the quality and number of people at the games next year.

Also Berlino was awesome. I am writing a blog about him now. I want that job come 2012. :) I was jealous of all the athletes he was hugging and messing about with.