EXPECTATIONS !
Underneath the hopes there are always expectations ! The higher the expectations, the deeper the disappointment when the "expected" does not happen ! The first three runners in the M4 x 100m. Relay Heat ran and changed well enough to set up the final runner for a third place, a new National Record, a big step forward, and an automatic place in the Final ! But Mariuti, Tanroo, Tearoba, Baiteke and the coaches should have allowed for inexperience and made everything perfectly clear ! (That is writing with the benefit of hindsight !) Familiarity with technique and track markings would have reduced the possibility of error. In the event, the four sprinters finished third in 44.00 secs. (their target) but were disqualified because new boy Baiteke decided to start his outgoing run at the final change from BEFORE THE ACCELERATION ZONE ! Of course it is in the IAAF Rules. But maybe there was room, in the spirit of SPG, for guidance before imposition ?
STOPPING FOR NATIONAL ANTHEMS ?
For the second time in our experience, there was the classic sight of a horizontal jump, in process of being measured (with the measuring tape in place), and all officials (doing what they had been instructed to do) standing at attention respectfully until the anthem finished. How can this ever be in the interests of continuity and effective preparation by the next competitor ? (THEY are given ONE MINUTE to start their next attempt !) After all, it is not possible to stop a 10,000m. race in progress ! So it was very pleasing to see, in the MTJ Final in the wind and rain, the jumpers and officials got on with the job in spite of the ongoing Medal Ceremonies ! That is what should happen all the time, particularly in Field events !
BIG HOP FORWARD FOR BURAIETA !
No more NRs but a big improvemnent for Buraieta Yeeting in the MTJ. Having cleared 13.44m. in the early rounds, he took advantage of the extra three attempts to register a big PB of 13.69m. When he can generate more speed on the runway and legs/knees strong enough to take the extra impact, milestone 14m. beckons !
(More details in an up-date tomorrow.)
BETERU GLAD OF THE REST !
Record-breaking hurdler Beteru Ateri ran in the M400m. Hurdles Final. He finished as expected in 8th. place, but having knocked down the 6th. flight, he could not get under 60 again. His time was 1-00.32.
He is due to run in the M4 x 400m. Relay, Heats of which were due this afternoon. Due to the withdrawal of one team, this is now a straight Final tomorrow, and he has the benefit of more time to rest !
TWO TENTH PLACES.
Two of our "oldies", Tiim in the MDiscus and Kaitinano in the WLJ, both finished 10th. out of 12 athletes. Kaitinano jumped a reasonable 4.46m., and Tiim threw the plate 38.43m. (and threw himself out of the circle on his third throw !) She has now finished her events, but Tiim has one more big effort tomorrow to see if he can be inspired to push the weight more than 13m. overseas, having already done it at home.
Please check the OACA web-site for suggestions (maybe not original) concerning the judging of take-offs at horizontal events.
Last Modified on 08/09/2007 19:37