Archived Homepage For July 29, 2021
Archived Homepage For July 29, 2021
Tokyo Prediction Contest

Tokyo is here and it is time to make the Games even more interesting. Ready, set, pick. First event closes Thursday at 8pm eastern

Only Seb Coe (1980 and 1984) and Tatyana Kazankina (1976 and 1980) have ever repeated as Olympic 1500 champs. Faith Kipyegon hopes the exclusive club increases in size by 50% this year. *Discuss

The GOAT David Rudisha will not be in Tokyo, which means we will have a new Olympic champion in 2021. Can world leader Nijel Amos finally get it done on the big stage? If not, this race is wide open. *Discuss

Previous Olympic Previews
Previous Olympic Previews

2016 medalists Conseslus KiprutoEvan Jager, and Mahiedine Mekhissi-Benabbad are all absent, as is the 2019 Diamond League champ, Getnet Wale. Is this finally the year when Kenya's dominance (nine straight men's Olympic steeple titles) comes to an end? *Discuss

Only seven women have won three individual Olympic golds in their career. Hassan is trying to do that in the span of nine days. *Discuss

    Who will succeed Haile GBekele, and Farah? . Uganda has WR holder Joshua Cheptegei & Jacob Kiplimo, Ethiopia has Selemon Barega Yomif Kejelcha, and Kenya has a very fit Rodgers Kwemoi. *Discuss

      In the history of the Olympics, only two American women have ever won Olympic gold in an event longer than 400. Could 19-year old Athing Mu make it 3? Yes she can. *Discuss

      This Drama is Fascinating and Important

      The Ethiopian Olympic federation wants its stars in Tokyo - Girma and Edris may be running despite not finishing top 3 at the Trials. Might the GOAT Kenenisa Bekele be next?

      Rojo and Wejo Both Agree - This Is The Best Piece Jonathan Gault Has Ever Written

      Before you can climb the Olympic podium, you have to survive the call room. "There’s a real stench of BO," says Nick Symmonds. "There’s a smell of Bengay in the air. It’s kind of musty. You don’t want to be in a call room a long time. The goal is to be in the call room as little as possible."

      Doping News

      Switzerland's anti-doping agency had cleared Wilson of his positive test from March, accepting his story that it came from eating contaminated beef, but World Athletics appealed to CAS which ruled to reinstate his provisional suspension.
      *MB: Alex Wilson - who ran European record 9.84 out of nowhere - tests positive but AIU turns down his "Jamaican beef" Ajee Wilson excuse

      Another Ban For Salazar

      This ban comes after accusations Mary Cain made in 2019 that Salazar verbally and emotionally abused her. This is not the same as a doping ban and Salazar would still be eligible to coach in most settings, but not at USATF events. He has 10 days to appeal.

      (Sponsored by On)

      Jake Riley's rise to the top of the US marathoning world has not been an easy one. He's got his sights set even higher in Tokyo.

      The Olympic Distance Roster
      Sunset Tour

      Josette Norris's great 2021 continued as she defeated Konstanze "Koko" Klosterhalfen, who returned from injury to race before the Olympics. Festus Lagat went sub-1:45 for the first time to win the 800.

      Compete in the Olympics and Never Return Home?

      Luis Gijalva got his waiver and can go to Tokyo for the Olympics.

      Distance News
      Is Salazar Still Coaching?

      Hidden cameras, criminal background checks, and nearly two weeks of surveillance. This story has it all. They found that Rupp regularly uses a house owned by the Salazar family to start many of his runs to the Nike campus. And he uses the underwater treadmill in the back.

      Your latest American stars share their insights.

      Three legends of the sport.

      One of the greatest US runners ever.

      We chatted with Frank on the 50th anniversary of his Olympic Marathon gold

      American Record Holders
      American Record Holders

      Keira D'Amato, the new American record holder in the marathon, was joined by Deena Kastor, who held the record for 15 years.

      Sisson was the guest on the LetsRun.com Track Talk podcast after she became the first American to go sub 67 in the half marathon on a record-eligible course. Podcast highlights above. Full pod here.

      Woody Kincaid joined us after he broke the American record indoors at 5000. He talks above why he left the Bowerman Track Club. Podcast highlights and link to full podcast here.

      Coogan's New Balance Boston team had 3 Olympians in 2021 and 2022 could be the biggest year yet for the program with 2 new additions and the TRACK at New Balance coming on March 1st.

      Danny Mackey has taken the Brooks Beasts from an unproven club to the Olympic podium in its first decade.

      Dathan Ritzenhein is the first of the top pro coaches to sit down and talk about his club heading into the 2022 campaign.

      Best of Jon Gault
      Best of Jon Gault
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      Take Your Love of LetsRun to the Next Level
      Take Your Love of LetsRun to the Next Level