World Championships - Beijing 2015 Megathread

Chivito550 · 21-08-2015 2:40pm #1

So on the eve of the biggest sporting event of the year, it's time we had a thread set up to discuss the good, bad, ugly and bizarre of Beijing 2015.

It all gets under way tomorrow and here's a link to the the Irish schedule:

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/news/countdown-to-beijing-irish-schedule-for-iaaf-world-championships/

There's banners on all the main motorways here advertising the championships. Coming in from the airport last week there was a banner every 50 metres for the entire way in. From what I read they are anticipating strong crowds at the event. I'm sure it will be a bit slow to get going the first day or so, but I'd expect it to build to a strong atmosphere as event goes on, just like with Daegu and Moscow.

What are you looking forward to seeing?
What are you not wanting to see?
Who are your big dark horses?

Anything related to Beijing 2015 goes here.

I'll update on any stories I come across out here.

average_runner · 21-08-2015 2:45pm

Chivito550 wrote: »

So on the eve of the biggest sporting event of the year, it's time we had a thread set up to discuss the good, bad, ugly and bizarre of Beijing 2015.

It all gets under way tomorrow and here's a link to the the Irish schedule:

http://www.athleticsireland.ie/news/countdown-to-beijing-irish-schedule-for-iaaf-world-championships/

There's banners on all the main motorways here advertising the championships. Coming in from the airport last week there was a banner every 50 metres for the entire way in. From what I read they are anticipating strong crowds at the event. I'm sure it will be a bit slow to get going the first day or so, but I'd expect it to build to a strong atmosphere as event goes on, just like with Daegu and Moscow.

What are you looking forward to seeing?
What are you not wanting to see?
Who are your big dark horses?

Anything related to Beijing 2015 goes here.

I'll update on any stories I come across out here.

The men's 400 for me and the men's high jump. Dark horse is desisa in the marathon.

Also be interesting to see how Dibada runs the 1500m race.

adrian522 · 21-08-2015 2:48pm

Looking forward to the Marathon tonight/tomorrow, the 100M freakshow and the Mens 800M.

Myles Splitz · 21-08-2015 2:50pm

Usually I am one to think that Farah is vulnerable with the right tactics at championships this year he looks in best form I have seen him. coming from a 59 half marathon and 3.29 1500m within less that 6 months of each other I reckon this one could be an interesting match up.

While I don't think Kamworor (despite his altitude WR at Kenyan Trials and his HM strength) or Paul Tanui can win I think they could open up the race for others. By all accounts they will aim to push the pace from the front which just might open up the field enough for the likes of Edris or Karoki to capitalize and give Farah a run for his money. He won't be able to let them get too far away if both go out hard which look.

If it does turn into the usual sit and kick affair though interested to see if Cam Levins could be a dark horse for a sneaky Bronze.

Expect Rupp to be a non factor

walshb · 21-08-2015 3:02pm

If Farrah does the double, assuming he's doubling at 5 and 10 then he surely must rank as one of the GOATs at the distances.

Chivito550 · 21-08-2015 3:03pm

Myles Splitz wrote: »

Usually I am one to think that Farah is vulnerable with the right tactics at championships this year he looks in best form I have seen him. coming from a 59 half marathon and 3.29 1500m within less that 6 months of each other I reckon this one could be an interesting match up.

While I don't think Kamworor (despite his altitude WR at Kenyan Trials and his HM strength) or Paul Tanui can win I think they could open up the race for others. By all accounts they will aim to push the pace from the front which just might open up the field enough for the likes of Edris or Karoki to capitalize and give Farah a run for his money. He won't be able to let them get too far away if both go out hard which look.

If it does turn into the usual sit and kick affair though interested to see if Cam Levins could be a dark horse for a sneaky Bronze.

Expect Rupp to be a non factor

My prediction: A non eventful 24 laps at an swift, but manageable pace, with about 8 of them together at the bell, with Farah running a 54 last lap to win in about 27:30.

Is it that predictable? We'll see. Not an event I'm getting all that excited about.

The ones I'm really looking forward to:

Men's 100 (Bolt V Gatlin)
Men's 200 (rematch)
Men's Triple Jump (possible WR?)
Men's 800m (How can Rudisha beat Amos?)
Men's 400m Hurdles (Maybe the most open event)
Women's 400m (Can Felix win, and maybe go sub 49, she has the potential)
Women's 1500m (Just to see how Dibaba will run this)
Women's 5000m (Dibaba v Ayana)
Women's Heptathlon (Eaton V Ennis V KJT)
Men's Pole Vault (Will we see good Renaud Lavillenie, or bad Renaud Lavillenie)
Men's High Jump (Barshim has gone really off the ball. Has he been keeping his powder dry?)

Had good craic at the media welcome party this evening. Had a good chat with Dwight Phillips (long jumper) for about 45 minutes making predictions of the various events.

walshb · 21-08-2015 3:09pm

It's a pain in the proverbial rung that the timetable is so anti Irish!

I am just hoping that the false start rule doesn't destroy the biggest rivalry of the championships.

Myles Splitz · 21-08-2015 3:12pm

Chivito550 wrote: »

My prediction: A non eventful 24 laps at an swift, but manageable pace, with about 8 of them together at the bell, with Farah running a 54 last lap to win in about 27:30.

Is it that predictable? We'll see. Not an event I'm getting all that excited about.

Tanui showed at the Preclassic he is not afraid to take on the pace and dig in, also Kamworor is not the same athlete he was back in May (presumably only coming back into shape after winning World XC probably lacked a bit of sharpness)

His 27.07 at the Kenyan Trials was on of the most impressive 10k's I have seen in years.

I think if these two run the way they are reporting to plan to while they probably won't win they could just open things up a little and put a bit of pressure on Farah, having said that this has been Farah's most impressive season to date IMO.

Chivito550 · 21-08-2015 3:13pm

walshb wrote: »

It's a pain in the proverbial rung that the timetable is so anti Irish!

I am just hoping that the false start rule doesn't destroy the biggest rivalry of the championships.

Biggest rivalry is incorrect. They haven't raced each other this year, and I don't think they have done so since Moscow 2 years ago. Biggest matchup unquestionably though.

walshb · 21-08-2015 3:15pm

Chivito550 wrote: »

Biggest rivalry is incorrect. They haven't raced each other this year, and I don't think they have done so since Moscow 2 years ago. Biggest matchup unquestionably though.

Yes, indeed. Poor use of that phrase. Biggest match up.

Still a once off rivalry for these championships. I hate the false start rule.

Myles Splitz · 21-08-2015 3:16pm

Interesting one this year as despite his claims of being back in form I don't think Rudisha can front run to a win the way he used to and I don't think he can compete with a plan B.

Personally I think this one is between Tuka (if he can handle the rounds) and Amos. Despite Amans inconsistent season I think he will manage quite well through the rounds an maybe sneak a medal but I don't think he can compete with the other 3.

Chivito550 · 21-08-2015 3:17pm

walshb wrote: »

Yes, indeed. Poor use of that phrase. Biggest match up.

Still a once off rivalry for these championships. I hate the false start rule.

The rule is fine. I've seen Bolt false start once. I've never seen Gatlin do so (though I'm sure he has). It adds to the tension. They are pros and they should know how to start a race. They have done it hundreds of times in races, thousands of times in training.

Chivito550 · 21-08-2015 3:20pm

Myles Splitz wrote: »

Interesting one this year as despite his claims of being back in form I don't think Rudisha can front run to a win the way he used to and I don't think he can compete with a plan B.

Personally I think this one is between Tuka (if he can handle the rounds) and Amos. Despite Amans inconsistent season I think he will manage quite well through the rounds an maybe sneak a medal but I don't think he can compete with the other 3.

I really hope Tuka doesn't win a medal. Somebody going from 1:46 to 1:42 just like that, within one year, doesn't sit with me. Personally I don't think he'll medal anyway. Has no real championship pedigree. We saw what happened to Bosse in Zurich last year. A 1:42.5 guy, quickest in the field, but run out of it to last in the final.

walshb · 21-08-2015 3:22pm

Chivito550 wrote: »

The rule is fine. I've seen Bolt false start once. I've never seen Gatlin do so (though I'm sure he has). It adds to the tension. They are pros and they should know how to start a race. They have done it hundreds of times in races, thousands of times in training.

I still hate it, and I'm against it. Hundreds of times means nothing when you are on the global stage at the sport's 2nd biggest event. They're only human. Anyway, fingers crossed we get to see them race in the final.

Chivito550 · 21-08-2015 3:27pm

walshb wrote: »

I still hate it, and I'm against it. Hundreds of times means nothing when you are on the global stage at the sport's 2nd biggest event. They're only human. Anyway, fingers crossed we get to see them race in the final.

Better than the previous rule, where a strong starter would false start on purpose to unsettle the entire field and have everyone on a warning. Or the old rule where everybody was allowed one false start. It could go on forever and frustrated the living daylights out of athletes and spectators, and could delay other events. This current rule is the best one. The only time anybody has argued against it was in 2011 when Usain Bolt was DQ'ed. All of a sudden everybody wanted it changed. Convenient that!

Myles Splitz · 21-08-2015 3:32pm

Chivito550 wrote: »

I really hope Tuka doesn't win a medal. Somebody going from 1:46 to 1:42 just like that, within one year, doesn't sit with me. Personally I don't think he'll medal anyway. Has no real championship pedigree. We saw what happened to Bosse in Zurich last year. A 1:42.5 guy, quickest in the field, but run out of it to last in the final.

Bosse has always been tactically terrible even at under age though his only champinship wins at this level were down to him just being on a whole other level to the rest of the field.

Tuka however has had some tactically astute races in DL that make me think that he is more of a threat in that regard.

Myles Splitz · 21-08-2015 3:39pm

Always an unpredicible one when it goes comes to Championships but I genuinely think this one is between Kiprotich and Kipsang.

Despite Kimetto's pedigree over the distance I think he will get caught out with the nature of championship running.

Kiprotich is arguably the best marathon racer of the current crop when it comes to championships but I think Kipsang will be out to correct the mistakes of London and ultimately I think he will be the one to beat.

The pollution and humidity however could play a huge role and pull up some outsiders (definitely some value here for anyone who fancies a flutter)

Pherekydes · 21-08-2015 3:45pm

Looking forward to the battle of the hyphens in the Heptathlon. I just hope someone from Belarus or Ukraine doesn't spoil the party, yannowarimean?

Men's Triple looks great on paper. The Javelin, as always. Many other highlights, too.

Lowlights? A few, unfortunately. The walks :rolleyes:. The media sh!tstorm when Gatlin beats Bolt...

Myles Splitz · 21-08-2015 3:47pm

Pherekydes wrote: »

Lowlights? A few, unfortunately. The walks :rolleyes:. The media sh!tstorm when Gatlin beats Bolt...

Despite the forms this season I would be more than a little surprised if this happened believe it or not. I wouldn't put it past Bolt to win in the 9.6s

walshb · 21-08-2015 4:32pm

I'm with Bolt in a fast time. Gatlin won't beat him unless Bolt has an off race and Gatlin has a super race.

shels4ever · 21-08-2015 5:51pm

walshb wrote: »

I'm with Bolt in a fast time. Gatlin won't beat him unless Bolt has an off race and Gatlin has a super race.

I think Gatlin is going to have a great race,Bolt needs to be close to his best to win. I cant see Gatlin been slower then 9:75 and could push the 9.70 mark. Bolt really needs to nail his start if he gets that right he has a great chance.

pconn062 · 21-08-2015 6:09pm

Gatlin will win, I'd nearly bet my house on it (if I didn't rent!).

Looking forward to the men's 400m (and 400mH), 800m, 3k steeple (Jager FTW), high jump, triple jump and pole vault. Also the women's 400m, 800m, 1500m (just to watch the freak show), and Heptathlon.

The bad: Men's 100m and 200m, 5,000m and 10,000m especially the men's, the Mo show, the Boltdown, the walks, the relays (should be left to the school sports day), doping talk.

Overall, I'm looking forward to it. More importantly, Eurosport FTW!

average_runner · 21-08-2015 8:10pm

pconn062 wrote: »

Gatlin will win, I'd nearly bet my house on it (if I didn't rent!).

Looking forward to the men's 400m (and 400mH), 800m, 3k steeple (Jager FTW), high jump, triple jump and pole vault. Also the women's 400m, 800m, 1500m (just to watch the freak show), and Heptathlon.

The bad: Men's 100m and 200m, 5,000m and 10,000m especially the men's, the Mo show, the Boltdown, the walks, the relays (should be left to the school sports day), doping talk.

Overall, I'm looking forward to it. More importantly, Eurosport FTW!

Europsort? Am I making a mistake recording it on BBC?

pconn062 · 21-08-2015 8:37pm

average_runner wrote: »

Europsort? Am I making a mistake recording it on BBC?

Generally I find the BBC coverage to be pretty awful, too much focus on British athletes (understandably), too many montages, too much talking when there are events running, Boltdown, Mo-down. Eurosport is better I find and if you are recording you can fast forward through the ads.

average_runner · 21-08-2015 8:40pm

pconn062 wrote: »

Generally I find the BBC coverage to be pretty awful, too much focus on British athletes (understandably), too many montages, too much talking when there are events running, Boltdown, Mo-down. Eurosport is better I find and if you are recording you can fast forward through the ads.

Ok will switch the recording around, was eurosport originally, switched last night, switch again now:)

ThebitterLemon · 21-08-2015 8:58pm

Gatlin to win, (unfortunately) Bolt to pull up injured!!

TbL

johnruns · 21-08-2015 9:06pm

pconn062 wrote: »

Gatlin will win, I'd nearly bet my house on it (if I didn't rent!).

Looking forward to the men's 400m (and 400mH), 800m, 3k steeple (Jager FTW), high jump, triple jump and pole vault. Also the women's 400m, 800m, 1500m (just to watch the freak show), and Heptathlon.

The bad: Men's 100m and 200m, 5,000m and 10,000m especially the men's, the Mo show, the Boltdown, the walks, the relays (should be left to the school sports day), doping talk.

Overall, I'm looking forward to it. More importantly, Eurosport FTW!

Agree with all that but think with Bolt being away preparing:rolleyes:he will beat Gatlin.
Also looking forward to the Marathon mens and womens,really hope this is a great championship.

dublin runner · 21-08-2015 11:39pm

Person in front wearing yellow looking strong! Lol.

Luckily I backed him in the betting.

Bugsy2000 · 21-08-2015 11:44pm

dublin runner wrote: »

Person in front wearing yellow looking strong! Lol.

Luckily I backed him in the betting.

If that happened in a local race I'd be rolling my eyes. Amazing it can happen in a World Champs!!

dublin runner · 21-08-2015 11:51pm

He's just hit the dreaded 'wall'.

23 miles of misery ahead! So near and yet so far.....haha

Bugsy2000 · 21-08-2015 11:57pm

He made it to nearly 5k and then disappeared in the space of 30seconds. I'll have to check the 10k results for 3762 to see how he does.

Chivito550 · 22-08-2015 3:46am

Shocking decision by Mageean/ Kiernan not to have her running at these World Championships. Such soft qualification for the semi finals. She'd have had a great chance of qualifying IMO and the experience gained from this event would have been invaluable going into Rio. I've heard she is running a low key race in the UK instead. Just can't get my head around this. Wasted opportunity.

happygoose · 22-08-2015 6:18am

Anyone got a highlights link?

BeepBeep67 · 22-08-2015 6:27am

happygoose wrote: »

Anyone got a highlights link?

There will be a daily highlights reel on the IAAF youtube channel, may need to access via a proxy though, some selected highlights starting to appear on the Athletics 2 youtube channel