General London 2012 Olympics Chit Chat

BeepBeep67

I know there are several threads open - might be useful to keep general chat in one thread [mods delete if not in agreement]

First up the marathon course is released and seems to have lots of twist and turns - make for a good race?

http://news.runnersworld.com/2012/04/24/olympic-marathon-course-has-lots-of-turns/

More than 90 of them [turns] on four loops, and no straightaway as long as 800 meters, and the London roadway is often narrow, making it tough to maintain visual contact with rivals.

BeepBeep67

Lee Merrien added to the GB squad - I'm happy the BOA seen sense here.

http://www.athleticsweekly.com/news/marathon-runner-merrien-added-to-gb-olympic-team/

shels4ever

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Lee Merrien added to the GB squad - I'm happy the BOA seen sense here.

http://www.athleticsweekly.com/news/marathon-runner-merrien-added-to-gb-olympic-team/

Thats great news for him, was a gritty run in London and felt for him in the interview after.

robinph

Was totally daft for them to have left him out but taken Webb who got in with his Daegu finishing position. They both had the A standard, just not the extra hard UK A standard.

But at the same time it was right for them to make a tougher target to aim for. If only the mens team was as strong as the womens where they were spoilt for choice of people under the 2:37 time and even with multiple people under their 2:31 time.

tunguska

Good idea beepbeep, was worried I'd have to visit every bleedin' forum under the sun to discuss: diving, powerlifting, gymnastics, tennis, football cycling, swimming, boxing (and lots more I cant think of right now).

Delighted Lee Merrien got selected, he put in a gutsy run in london. Although its kind of depressing that Steve Jones british record for the marathon(2:07 chicago 1985) still stands. That says it all really. What would the Brits give for a lad like Jonesy to be in their squad in london this year.

dermCu

tunguska wrote: »

Delighted Lee Merrien got selected, he put in a gutsy run in london. Although its kind of depressing that Steve Jones british record for the marathon(2:07 chicago 1985) still stands. That says it all really. What would the Brits give for a lad like Jonesy to be in their squad in london this year.

Whats really depressing is that they dont have anyone at the moment thats even close. That is until Mo decides to step up.

CoachDudie

This looks like the thread to put my questions.
When is the final date for everyone announcing their teams for the Olympics? When are the US trials? June is it?
Would this be the thread for updates on people's form coming up to the Olympics? Like maybe some people might be in the know on who's looking good in training or whatnot.
That could assist some people looking to have a few bets. Not many odds out yet but wont be long and it would be nice to be ready for when they're out to see if there's any value about.
If you think that would throw this thread too far off course then a new thread could be started for that if ye'd like.

Pisco Sour

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056181796&page=39

Just to make you all aware, there's a great thread here discussing all the Irish looking to qualify for London in all sports (not just athletics).

Dan Man has been burning the midnight oil and putting together some incredible NBA-esque stats.

It's an essential reference between now and London.

CoachDudie

Great work from Dan the Man there. Seems to think we'll have over 50 at the games.
Lookin at the list of qualifiers has got me optimistic, I can see 3 with a possibility of 4 medals!
Even reading about the Olympics gets me hyper and excited, I wonder what it's like for those who are going.

wrstan

For any of you interested, here's Mark Keneally's London 2012 blog:
http://www.rte.ie/sport/olympics/2012/0430/319095-mark-kenneallys-london-2012-blog/
First entry from training in Alabama.

rom

wrstan wrote: »

For any of you interested, here's Mark Keneally's London 2012 blog:
http://www.rte.ie/sport/olympics/2012/0430/319095-mark-kenneallys-london-2012-blog/
First entry from training in Alabama.

"I do receive a moderate grant from the Irish Sports Council, and I am grateful for the support I receive from Brooks by way of kit, and a new Irish brand ROS nutrition for supplements and drinks, but finances dictate that I will have to keep ticking over work-wise between now and July." easy to read between the lines here. get rid of 10 TD's and let them train full time. At least then they may be voted in again if they medal, they can jump on the bandwagon. Ok for Mark its very unlikely but the grants are very low. You would piss through that in no time at that level.

ecoli

Not only have Athletics Kenya announced that the 10k here will be the Kenyan Trials but the 5000m has also lined up an amazing field with the favourites for 5000m/10000m in London also to go head to head:

Kenenisa Bekele (Ethiopia)
Mo Farah (Great Britain)
Isaiah Kiplangat Koech (Kenya)
Yenew Alamirew (Ethiopia)
Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa (Kenya)
Tariku Bekele (Ethiopia)
Edwin Cheruiyot Soi (Kenya)
Abera Kuma (Ethiopia)
Jacob Cheshari (Kenya)
Galen Rupp (USA)
Alistair Ian Cragg (Ireland)
Albert Rop (Kenya)
Craig Mottram (Australia)
Collis Birmingham (Australia)
Matt Tegenkamp (USA)
Tesfaye Cheru (Ethiopia)
Dathan Ritzenhein (USA)
Chris Thompson (Great Britain)
William Malel (Kenya)
David Bett (Kenya)


Over 10 of these men have run under 13 should be an amazing race

http://www.iaaf.org/competitions/dlm/news/newsid=64741.html

Woddle

Bolt has kicked off with a 9.82 world leading time in Kingston last night.
http://www.supersport.com/athletics/international/news/120506/Bolt_speeds_to_years_fastest_100_metres

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw6HnG8wM_c

100m womens hurdles may not be all over yet

Jamaican Brigitte Foster Hilton, the 2009 world champion who struggled in 2011, appeared to have regained her form in the 100 hurdles, winning in 12.51 seconds.

The time was just 0.02 behind the world leading performance of 12.49 by current world champion Sally Pearsonof Australia.

Pisco Sour

Woddle wrote: »

Bolt has kicked off with a 9.82 world leading time in Kingston last night.
http://www.supersport.com/athletics/international/news/120506/Bolt_speeds_to_years_fastest_100_metres

100m womens hurdles may not be all over yet

Where the hell did that come from? :eek:

She was absolutely appalling last year. Think her SB last year was around 12.9. She didnt even make the final in Daegu (of which was a poor quality field, top 3 aside). She looked like she was finished. 12.51 is a bit of a shock it has to be said.

She still wont get near Sally though. Nobody will, unless she falls.

Woddle

04072511 wrote: »

Where the hell did that come from? :eek:

She was absolutely appalling last year. Think her SB last year was around 12.9. She didnt even make the final in Daegu (of which was a poor quality field, top 3 aside). She looked like she was finished. 12.51 is a bit of a shock it has to be said.

She still wont get near Sally though. Nobody will, unless she falls.

and she's 37.

Lopes-Schliep's ran 12.64

Blake 200m opener in 19:91

Woddle

I'd love to see this, the two teams neck and neck and handing over to Bolt and Rudisha

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/may/09/london-2012-olympics-rudisha-usain-bolt?CMP=twt_gu

Pherekydes

We'd never get to see it, though, as the camera will be 30m in front, tracking the USA.

Brianderunner

Blake 9.84 in the Cayman Islands last night, watch out Usain Good run from Pharmelita in the womens

http://sportingalert.com/2012/05/yohan-blake-sounds-warning-984-cayman-invite/

Pisco Sour

Pherekydes wrote: »

We'd never get to see it, though, as the camera will be 30m in front, tracking the USA.

To be fair, the Americans only won the 4x4 in Daegu in the last 50m from the Saffas and the Jamaicans.

VR46

O'Lionaird switches coaches.

http://www.runnerspace.com/news.php?news_id=25559-Irish-Miler-O-039-Lionaird-Joins-Oregon-Track-Club-Elite-RRW

O'Lionaird and Rowland are now battling against the clock in their Olympic preparations. O'Lionaird has been managing an inflamed left Achilles tendon, so he is behind in his training schedule.

Doesn't sound too good but at least he doesn't have to go chasing times. Hopefully he's not missing too much training, only 11 weeks until the games. (if my maths is correct!?)

ecoli

VR46 wrote: »

O'Lionaird switches coaches.

http://www.runnerspace.com/news.php?news_id=25559-Irish-Miler-O-039-Lionaird-Joins-Oregon-Track-Club-Elite-RRW



Doesn't sound too good but at least he doesn't have to go chasing times. Hopefully he's not missing too much training, only 11 weeks until the games. (if my maths is correct!?)

From his recent tweets he is only back to his first long run in a while but I dunno whether he has been doing any other running.

He is down to race in the OXY HP 1500m next week but I think this is highly doubtful.

Move to OTC is an interesting one. Definitely a good group of 1500m runners with alot of good US middle distance runners who are performing well recently (McNamara, Wheating and Brown). Hopefully the change in approach isn't too dramatic so that he doesn't have to adjust too much with such a short time frame till London

ecoli

An interesting match up continuing on from last year is Silas Kiplagat and Asbel Kiprop who opened their season with the 2 fastest times since 2010

Running sub 3.30 in May is an optimistic sign

tunguska

Delighted Phelps got Gold in the relay last night. Unbelievable 200m fly final, thought Phelps had it in the bag but he blew the finish. Although the upshot of that was getting see an interview with Burt le clos(chad's father)he was so excited Claire balding couldnt get a coherent response from him. Whopper relay race aswell.
TT today, reckon nobody will get near Wiggins.

Woddle

Bolt V Blake
is the obvious one, I'm going to side with Bolt. He hasn't been at his best at times but he didn't have to be and I've know doubt that he'll be in top shape come the day.

Xiang V Merritt
I so want Xiang to do the business after his dns on home soil four years ago and that pull back at the world champs.

Farah V Gebremeskel 5,000m
I actually think Farah will be lucky to medal, probably stands a better chance in the 10,000m

Farah V Bekele 10,000m
I would love to see Bekele coming to the bell and out kicking Mo, I think he's timed his comeback perfectly and will be in top shape.

Kipsang V Mutai V Abshero
I think the Ethiopian could put it up to them and I can see this group of 3 emerging with 5 to go and Kipsang then pushing on (at least I hope so I have a tenner on him)


Well what you looking forward to

walshb

Kirani James vs. Merrit; Perason vs Wells; Bolt vs. the rest in the 100; Bolt vs. Blake 200.

ThisRegard

tunguska wrote: »

reckon nobody will get near Wiggins.

And I think he knows that himself too,

“This is going be a piece of piss now compared to that (the Tour de France). It’s just an hour and not three weeks. It’s been the best preparation.”

I'd like to see Froome give him a run for his money now that Cancellara is probably carrying an injury from his crash Saturday.

Woddle

walshb wrote: »

Kirani James vs. Merrit; Perason vs Wells; Bolt vs. the rest in the 100; Bolt vs. Blake 200.

Yeah would love to see Kirani hammer Merritt.

Another one
Dibaba V Cheruiyot in the 10,000

robinph

ThisRegard wrote: »

And I think he knows that himself too,

I'd like to see Froome give him a run for his money now that Cancellara is probably carrying an injury from his crash Saturday.

I'm hoping for a couple of medals in the mens and maybe one in the womens as well if they get lucky.

walshb

I was sick for Phelps last night. It was his race right until the end. His glide in was not enough, and the SA was finishing faster and turning over faster. I hope Michael gets his 10th individual gold tonight in the 200 IM but I expect he won't. I think his best chance to get gold number 10 is tomorrow night at 100 fly.

walshb

I think the heats will really tell us the state of play between the big guns. "Jogging" the last 30 metres and running 10 flat. That is what I want to see from Bolt. If this happens my prediction moves towards Bolt.

pconn062

I'm looking forward to seeing Farah in the 5,000 and 10,000. My heart of hearts really wants me to see Bekele get the gold in the 10,000 but I just can't see it happening this time.

shels4ever

pconn062 wrote: »

I'm looking forward to seeing Farah in the 5,000 and 10,000. My heart of hearts really wants me to see Bekele get the gold in the 10,000 but I just can't see it happening this time.

Yep should be the stand out race, Hope cragg does well also .. his blog seems to suggest that he's going to enjoy ever step

http://www.time-to-run.com/alistaircragg/a-letter-of-thanks

tunguska

shels4ever wrote: »

Yep should be the stand out race, Hope cragg does well also .. his blog seems to suggest that he's going to enjoy ever step

http://www.time-to-run.com/alistaircragg/a-letter-of-thanks[/QUOTE]

Yeah hopefully this time he'll fulfill his potential. But for the love of christ Alistair finish the race, none of this dropping out lark.
Big night in the pool again tonight, Lochte v Phelps. Like Lochte, he's such a laid back dude, but hope Phelps can do the business and turn things around from the last time when lochte took him to the cleaners.

walshb

I don't see Phelps winning tonight. The backstroke and breaststroke are where Lochte will win this. Phelps is better than Lochte on fly, but he would need to open up a big lead over 50 fly to try to hang on till the 50 free. I see Lochte winning this by taking close to a second on the backstroke and breaststroke.

Only thing for Phelps is that Lochte has a tough 200 Back final before the IM final; although, Phelps will be swimming in the 100 fly tonight as well. As far as I know, both the 200 back final and the fly semis are before the 200 IM. So, both men will have some gas removed from their tanks before the 200 IM final.

Brianderunner

walshb wrote: »

I don't see Phelps winning tonight. The backstroke and breaststroke are where Lochte will win this. Phelps is better than Lochte on fly, but he would need to open up a big lead over 50 fly to try to hang on till the 50 free. I see Lochte winning this by taking close to a second on the backstroke and breaststroke.

Only thing for Phelps is that Lochte has a tough 200 Back final before the IM final; although, Phelps will be swimming in the 100 fly tonight as well. As far as I know, both the 200 back final and the fly semis are before the 200 IM. So, both men will have some gas removed from their tanks before the 200 IM final.

Agreed. Lochte is nailed on in my book.

Athletics start tomorrow, we can stop pretending we're interested in other sports now

walshb

Brianderunner wrote: »

Athletics start tomorrow, we can stop pretending we're interested in other sports now

Agreed!:p

I am a bit sick though, as I will miss many live athletics events as I am in work late next week. Main thing is that I will not miss the biggest race of them all on Sunday evening!

nerraw1111

walshb wrote: »

Agreed!:p

I am a bit sick though, as I will miss many live athletics events as I am in work late next week. Main thing is that I will not miss the biggest race of them all on Sunday evening!

What race is Sunday evening??

walshb

nerraw1111 wrote: »

What race is Sunday evening??

100?

Or is it Monday?

I just double checked; Sunday it is!

tunguska

I know Lochte looks like a dead cert but I think(hope) Phelps will cause an upset.
Athletics tomorrow which is good and all but I've really enjoyed the swimming and rowing, been a great olympics so far.

Racman

Will be heading over on Saturday by coach and ferry with 2 kids. They are looking forward to a bit of adventure. Only €76 return each including taxes, charges and credit card fees. Will be there to see the women's marathon on Sunday and, you never know, we might somehow get tickets for other athletics stuff during the week. Seems unlikely to me that there would be a full house at the morning qualifiers etc so we might get in somehow. We wouldn't mind seeing the women's high jump or steeplechase prelims etc.

nerraw1111

What do people think of the marathon route? Three loops of 8 miles. Will the loops make a difference to the race?

http://www.london2012.com/documents/general/london-2012-marathon-route-map.pdf

walshb

tunguska wrote: »

I know Lochte looks like a dead cert but I think(hope) Phelps will cause an upset.
Athletics tomorrow which is good and all but I've really enjoyed the swimming and rowing, been a great olympics so far.

Lochte flopped in his favoured event, the 200 backstroke. Only managed a bronze. Big upset. He really has not exploded like I think the Americans wanted. 200 IM on now in a few mins.

walshb

What a win from Phelps. Stunning!

BeepBeep67

I've really enjoyed the swimming, compelling evening viewing.

walshb

Phelps became the 1st man to win the same event at three consecutive games. And he can do it again tomorrow in the 100 fly. He could have done it in 4 events in total. Almost did it in the 200 fly the other night.

M cebee

i've enjoyed the first week, mostly on the beeb -i don't mind the bit of team gb hype either.
looking forward to the 10k finals now ,esp. the mens

rom

http://www.nbcolympics.com/medals/index.html puts USA top where most other sites put China top Its always the same. G S B Total China 18 11 5 34 US 18 9 10 37 So is more Silvers or total better ? Is there a set of rules for the table ? Of course China are top though.

Brianderunner

nerraw1111 wrote: »

What do people think of the marathon route? Three loops of 8 miles. Will the loops make a difference to the race?

http://www.london2012.com/documents/general/london-2012-marathon-route-map.pdf

It's very twisty around the City, perfect for a early breakaway, Dita in Beijing style.

Keitany or Shobukhova surely for the womens. Embankment looks the dream spot for spectators and i'll be there.

tunguska

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

I've really enjoyed the swimming, compelling evening viewing.

Phelps was brilliant last night. Against the odds he pulled off an amazing win. 100m fly final tonight, phelps v le clos part II. Part of me wants le clos to win just so we can get more of his dad Bert. But Im really hoping Phelps will do it. He had a slow start getting destroyed by Lochte in the 400IM, but as the meet has progressed hes gotten better and better. Should be a savage race.

BobMac104

Man its all very exciting now!

BobMac104

Agreed with the swimming comments. It has been brilliant to watch all week. Il liked the BBC's coverage of it.