My
compatriots did a fantastic job summarizing most of the action we can expect to
see in NYC this weekend. I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to watch
this meet in person for the first time. It finally feels like I’m taking
advantage of my New York transplant status. Although I’m definitely looking
forward to the Centro vs. Willis rematch, the stacked 3k and Andrew Hunter,
here’s a few more things that I’m looking forward to watching.
5. The Women’s 5k: The Exercising
of Demons
Molly
Huddle is been an absolute monster on the roads and on the track throughout her
career. She holds a variety of US titles and US records (and when this race is
over she might have one more). But last summer she missed out on what might
have been her best shot at a World Championship medal. In a now infamous
moment, Emily Infeld (also of the US) snuck by Huddle in the final meters to
steal the bronze. Now the two are set for their first rematch since that race
in Beijing. It’s unclear just how fit either woman is (neither of them have a
huge track record in the indoor circuit the way someone like Shannon Rowbury
does), but considering it’s a world indoor championship year and there is a
little extra motivation for Huddle, we could see something fun.
Also
in the race are runners like Jordan Hasay, Abbey D’Agostino and Marielle Hall
who have each proven themselves with titles at the NCAA level and world
championship qualifying performances as a professional. This trio is perhaps
the nucleus of the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Teams for the women’s distance squad
of the future. Also, PA connection, Liz Costello of New Balance will be
competing in this field as well.
4. Erik Kynard High Jumping
I won’t
pretend I know much about the high jump, but I know Erik Kynard is good at it.
He’s been the United State’s top dog in the event and scored a medal in the
London Olympics. Watching a dude jump really high in the air, isn’t only
popular in the slam dunk contest. This and the pole vault are probably my
personal favorite events to witness in person.
3. Loaded Women’s 60m Hurdles
In
2013, Brianna Rollins ran 12.26 for the 100m hurdles. That’s the fastest time
this century and just 0.05 away from the world record. In 2015, Jasmin Stowers
ran 12.35, the second fastest mark in the US last season behind only USA
teammate Sharika Nelvis (12.34 with better wind). Again, I’m no expert when it
comes to sprinting and jumping, but those are some stacked resumes. Throw in
the star power of Lolo Jones, an intriguing heptathlete in Brianne
Theisen-Eaton and a couple other world class stars in Queen Harrison (12.43)
and Nia Ali (12.48) and you got yourself a shoot out.
2. Allyson Felix in the 60m Dash
One
of the best sprinters of all time, currently preparing for one of the most
historic doubles of all time. Shout out to my (probably very distant) cousin
Allyson who will be competing in the 60m dash. This isn’t exactly in her
wheelhouse (more of 200m/400m stand out), but she’s still world-class at the
shorter sprints and should be really cool to watch in person.
1. Ashton Eaton (Twice) including
an absolutely stacked Long Jump
The
best athlete in the world: world record holder, Olympic and world champion.
Ashton Eaton is a beast and can do it all. His best event is arguably the long
jump (he’s jumped 8.23 meters in Eugene) and he will be throwing down in that
event against a loaded field that includes Marquise Goodwin (the NFL player who
is likely the US’s best talent in this event), Omar Craddock, Will Claye and
Marquise Dendy. That gives Ashton a chance to show how truly world class he is
in each of his events.
Plus
we get the 60m hurdles in there as a bonus! And remember, the last time Ashton
was here, he just straight up jumped over the finishing pad. So get your
popcorn ready.
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