Why, Gatlin and Powell to run 100m at the ‘Pre’…in different races?

Gateshead probably had a clause in their contract stating these two couldn't race until Gateshead. Powell was originally scheduled to run the 200m.

I think this is stupid.

It's because the promoters for the Gateshead meet have paid top dollar for the head to head matchup between Gatlin and Powell, and in the process had the two camps sign an agreement not to race head to head prior to that. It's akin to a major heavyweight fight and the promoters stipulating that the two boxers not fight each other in some smaller fight beforehand.

Bad for the fans, but good for the people with the money to throw around. If you paid an exhorbitant amount of money for a prime showdown between two of the most exciting track athletes today, wouldn't you want to preserve the mystique and excitement surrounding the matchup? I'm not defending the system, but I do see where the Gateshead organizers are coming from in mandating this in the contract.

Mtn Dew wrote:

Gateshead probably had a clause in their contract stating these two couldn't race until Gateshead. Powell was originally scheduled to run the 200m.

Yes.

Mtn Dew wrote:

I think this is stupid.

Yes.

Money is one reason.

Gateshead is paying them good money to showcase them as the first match up against each other for the year. Of course if they race each other before that it will still be a good show at Gateshead.

And I suppose Pre isn't paying them enough to race each other.

It would be great to see them race each other all year especially since there is no Campionship this year. But I suppose they are just trying to create their own drama and maximize big pay days.

Gateshead isn't even a fast track. I think the track record is 10.05. Their first meeting should be somewhere where they both the chance to run under 9.80, but instead we'll probably see high 9.9s if they break 10 at all.

Mtn Dew wrote:

Gateshead isn't even a fast track. I think the track record is 10.05. Their first meeting should be somewhere where they both the chance to run under 9.80, but instead we'll probably see high 9.9s if they break 10 at all.

I don't think anyone expects them to break any records. Like you said, Gateshead is a notoriously "average" to "slow" track that, combined with the poor weather, usually generates sub-par clockings. That being said, times are not what this matchup is really about, but rather the head to head battle. Of course, it would certainly add to the excitement if not only did they compete head to head, but both happened to push each other to stellar times. Imagine how exciting to track fans (and even non-track fans perhaps!) it would be to have to athletes go sub 9.80 in a race together. It's conceivable at a track like Athens, but the best we can hope for in Gateshead is one or both of them to dip under 10.00.

And even then, the casual sportsfan will see this time and wonder what all the hype was about, missing the entire point.

The comment by Tom Jordan is preposterous and I bet even he knows it's nonsense. The only thing that will be "piqued" among fans is that they'll ask themselves the obvious question...why aren't these guys in the same race?

Yeah, I know this is about money, and Gateshead has it. Kinda sad no one can pony up the cash in this country for a much anticipated sprint showdown.

Yanqui wrote:

The comment by Tom Jordan is preposterous and I bet even he knows it's nonsense. The only thing that will be "piqued" among fans is that they'll ask themselves the obvious question...why aren't these guys in the same race?

Agreed . . . but he knows the real reason they're not racing head to head, and is obviously trying to make the best of it or give it a "positive spin." I guess it wouldn't look too good to flat out say "Yeah, it should be interesting to watch how they run in consecutive races, but I don't have the cash to spend on a head to head matchup without scrapping all the other big names in other events here."

they aren't being offered enough money to run against each other is i think part of it, thats why Gatlin was thinking about pulling out of their head to head race coming up becuase they might make more money going to another me for the dual.

I love how 8 people all post essentially the same thing. Some people just like to hear themselves talk(type?).

And yes I am guilty of that as well.

And people wonder why the general public has no interest in track.