FELIX DECIDED ON THE RACE-OFF!!!!

I don't think Tarmoh will leave her coach and training partner. She'd be a fool to not train with Felix. Felix has 6 weeks to work on her start, if she can perfect that her top end speed is as good as anyone including the Jamiacans in the 100 field, she can definitely medal in the 100. Go Felix!! This is great. Running the 100 will not hinder her chances in the 200. This is what olympians train for.

solutions abound wrote:

I expected the morons here to understand that this runoff could generate more press for the sport that you all whine about not getting enough coverage. However, that is too much to expect from morons.

Carry on.

You know what else would get more press for the sport?

- No events longer than 800

- Women only allowed to wear bunhuggers and sports bras

- Allowing punches during the race

Promoting the sport is great. So is integrity.

Some thoughts:

(copied from the end of the post): I don't like Tarmoh's attitude. She is quoted as saying something like she absolutely is not looking forward to competing in a run-off. WTF Tarmoh? You're not looking forward to an opportunity to prove yourself, to run, to have a shot at winning? WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?

Based on Tarmoh's attitude alone, and not at all based on anything having to do with Felix, I would at this point send Felix.

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If I were Felix and Tarmoh was actually my friend, it would be an absolute no-brainer, I would give my friend the spot in a heartbeat.

A run-off is in the abstract a reasonable idea, but IMHO it should have been done an hour or two after the initial race.

What people seem to be forgetting is that Tarmoh DOES have a spot--probably a first-class spot--on the 4x100 relay. She, like Felix, is already going to London.

Felix, like anybody near the top, absolutely has to believe that they have a chance of medaling, and it is that mentality that has driven her decision. Without that mentality, she would already be a loser (Solinskrap). However, given that this is the required, and predictable, mentality, the rules should at this point intervene to enable a rational decision based on what is best for the team, the country, and the particular individuals involved. The rules should consider whether she has an objectively good shot at a medal (also Tarmoh), along with other things. The rules failed here.

It's the same type of scenario as with Solinskrap--the athlete should do absolutely everything in their power to be on that start line, and should have to be pulled from a race by force if necessary. This might be one of those situations where the athlete should have been pulled, but given the competitor's mentality, no way should Felix have given up her spot willingly, unless Tarmoh was her friend or family member.

Back when I was a kid, I used to win everything--I mean everything--in t&f. Did I get to compete in everything at regionals? No way. I got my single individual event, plus relays, and other kids got the other spots. It was always a coaching decision. I didn't even get to go in my best, or favorite event--I got to go where, in total, the team would come away with the most points.

That's how the decision should have been made in this case...however, as others have already said, money changes everything, and it is likely the driving force behind this decision.

One last thing: I don't like Tarmoh's attitude. She is quoted as saying something like she absolutely is not looking forward to competing in a run-off. WTF Tarmoh? You're not looking forward to an opportunity to prove yourself, to run, to have a shot at winning? WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?

Based on Tarmoh's attitude alone, and not at all based on anything having to do with Felix, I would at this point send Felix.

THANK YOU!!! THIS ^. perfect post. They both already have a spot so people should stop freaking out. We want to send the fastest 100m runner, this is a perfect way to tell. If Tarmoh's not fast enough and loses, then she shouldn't go. end of story

I cannot understand why Tarmoh would chicken out of the runoff, unless she is planning to sue the USATF. If she is a racer, why would she back off the runoff? The photo clearly indicates that she and Felix tied. Why not fight for your spot? I respect Felix for going for the whole ball of wax. Why not? She has trained for the 100 as well as the 200. Tarmoh has received bad advice and /or she is just too meek. Why settle for just a 4x100 spot, when there is a 100 meter spot at stake?

The useless Jeneba Tarmoh has now FAILED to qualify for the 2016 Olympic 100m team, and did not even earn a relay spot.

In fact, she didn't even make the semi's.

I'm glad. I called it 4 years ago. This was the turd who didn't want to do a run-off against Felix. Like I said back then, I would have booted her off the team right then and there.

Hey Tarmoh, don't let the door hit your A$S on the way out.

YOU SUCK.

All you kids out there: you get a shot, YOU TAKE IT. Do your best, compete honorably, and respect the sport and your competitors.

Pretty weird level of frothing at the mouth, given the context.

In any event, to use this as an occasion to convey some actual information: in 2012, USATF had no tie-breaking procedure in place. The rule since adopted is that a run-off is only to be held if both parties agree. If either athlete involved does not wish to participate in the run-off, the tie is to be broken by coin toss.

Attachment C of link

http://www.usatf.org/usatf/files/4d/4d053a7b-8295-483a-b3f8-3fa05b5e5a19.pdf

You're a sad, miserable person.