Who are your favorite athletes at these championships?

Berlino.

Never have I seen a mascot be so likable. The fact that the athletes like him is even better. It's too funny to see him with Bolt and during the 10k.

Kemboi: amazing talent, great spirit, lovely to watch.

Semenya: with all of the shit she is taking and staying so calm, I applaud her willingness to compete, and honestly, to show her face and stay alive. I'm sure we've all been made fun of on a minuscule level, and we all know the deep displeasure that accompanies that. Now extrapolate that globally. Before we criticize someone, we should practice empathy.

Your list is very nice. I will add:

Sanya Richards - it was great to see her and her family so happy. It's hard to believe she'd never won WC or OG gold before this year. I was bummed by the final in Beijing, and it was great to see her knew patient/more laid back attitude pay off.

Bernard Lagat - he's still winning medals and he gave at least two outstanding interviews, with Lomong and after the 1500 final. I hope he does well in the 5k.

Ritz - see my "ode to Ritz" or "tribute to Ritz" thread from after USATF. Worlds was the next step in his journey to new heights.

This person is my favorite.

shannon

anna

wurth

kara

vessey

Shalane

ritz

galan

teg

Jager

Leo

Ulrey

the rocket

screw the springs! who cares...natural talent prevels anyway

Robert Harting

Wangchuk

Tetiana Petlyuk!

http://www.zimbio.com/Tetiana+Petlyuk/pictures/pro

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/080308/59/yyev.html

ali abdosh

usain mother *#$&%%^? bolt.

HOOKER

1.Usain Bolt - Outrageous talent.Charismatic and likeable. When the other sprinters imitate his schtick, its more douche than charming.

2. Ezekiel Kemboi - What a character. Funny guy.

3. Vivian Cheruiyot - For the most exciting race of the championship. And she does have a lovely smile.

4. Blanka Vlasic - The original T&F showboat. Like Bolt, that is who she is, doesn't look put on.

5.Tomasz Majewski - Cheeky polish shotputter. Just like him.

6. Tyson Gay - A real gentleman. Only other likeable male sprinter.

Lomong! That guy is awesome! Blanca of course but for different reasons!

Shelly Ann Fraser - pure joy to watch the 5'1 pocket rocket run and beat much taller athletes. And the braces - too cute - I have a crush here.

Usain Bolt - the star of the games - he just feeds off the energy of the crowd and the moment and does not need TG to go out there and put down new world records.

Nate Jenkins

Tyson Gay

Allyson Felix

Shelly Ann Fraser

Bernard Lagat

Wallace Spearmon

Steven Hooker

eddylee wrote:

Semenya: with all of the shit she is taking and staying so calm, I applaud her willingness to compete, and honestly, to show her face and stay alive. I'm sure we've all been made fun of on a minuscule level, and we all know the deep displeasure that accompanies that. Now extrapolate that globally. Before we criticize someone, we should practice empathy.

I don't admire Semenya. I do feel sorry for him/her. In a few weeks it will be revealed that she is male and he/she is going to have to address an issue which he/she and everyone around him/her have been avoiding because a bad decision was made soon after birth.

I'm sorry, but hearing her speak and watching her run in the videos leaves no doubt in my mind that this is a man. A disservice was done to this person by not fully testing long before this.

We have all seen chicks with some male characteristics, but I fail to see any female characteristics in Semenya beyond the botched circumcision.

The track issues will quickly fade away and the challenge will be to deal with every day life.

The field events have actually been some of my favorites:

Harting--awesome celebration

Villi--as mentioned, scary focus and calm

Friedrich--loved her quieting the crowd and the little smile at the camera

Bednarek--coming through with two PR's when more talented and experienced athletes were going out on low heights

Hooker--competing through injury, taking a big chance and making it pay off

Also,

Sanya Richards

Alyson Felix

Wurth-Thomas