Men's 800m semis

Re: Solomon looking great in the semis, I'm now careful about that for added Finals optimism.

We (incl me) praised how great Centro & Willis looked in their OG heats. During the 10K, Rupp was looking great- although not knocking 4th- it's not great for them. Going back, I remember 1 of the 400m Harrison twins looking great in every OG heat- then running slower in a well-beaten final.

Back to the 800m heats, I'd say advantage Symmonds. He advanced running "slow". You can't tell me Solomon's 2 fast 800m's in 2 days are a walk in the park for a full-strength finals. He's still a near lock to medal, w/ a great shot for Gold. But best case is easing into the finals, like Nick did. Not 1:43'ing it in. Sure, it's sometimes not possible- but still the best case.

Symmmonds doesn't pass the sniff test, and he is the ungainliest looking runner ever.

In my opinion, after the rise of the East Africans in distance, white Europeans psyched themselves out and believed in their natural physical inferiority and so stopped trying. Hence, they can't come close to matching times from thirty years ago by Coe, Cram, Ovett, Elliott, and others.

what happened wrote:

why are all the UK athletes black?

Global warming.

sniggtest wrote:

Symmmonds doesn't pass the sniff test, and he is the ungainliest looking runner ever.

He passes the 800m race test.

BBC One wrote:

what happened wrote:

why are all the UK athletes black?

Global warming.

^This is why I love LRC.

Roger wasn't. Not black. Although Black...

Symmonds gave an impressive run, then followed up with an impressive interview. He shows speed, then confidence. I loved the refreshing interview and see him contending for a medal. In fact, almost all the Oregon runners are doing great so far. Symmonds, Eaton, Buckman, Gardner, Rupp....

ROFLer wrote:

The Stache wrote:

Damn. Johnson just run down for 3rd in the second semi. 1:44.85

Aman and the Frenchman 1-2.

Johnson out with 1:44.89

I understand that Johnson now has the distinction of being the fastest ever to miss finals of the Worlds in the 800. Fastest first-non-qualifier. So he ran well, but what can you do? Tough field without the three 2012 medalists if that is true.

Watched the morning and evening sessions of day 2 on universal sports and found no coverage of these races except a 10 sec clip of symmonds and Solomon winning. Where are the videos?

No video wrote:

Watched the morning and evening sessions of day 2 on universal sports and found no coverage of these races except a 10 sec clip of symmonds and Solomon winning. Where are the videos?

semi 1:

semi 2:

semi 3:

anon wrote:

No video wrote:

Watched the morning and evening sessions of day 2 on universal sports and found no coverage of these races except a 10 sec clip of symmonds and Solomon winning. Where are the videos?

semi 1:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1arhjj26-Ko

semi 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YEGrlM4VNA

semi 3:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XCsmX6yxm8

Thanks

Because anywhere they are,they are always the best athletes.

It's in the genes.

Yeah, I updated my Dish package for the Championship meet ($11) and they couldn't slip the 800 semi between some of the women's shot prelim? And Universal isn't in HD! I see what you guys are saying about the BBC though. Just think if you were from another country and had to watch your atheltes through the eyes and ears of NBC. You wouldn't get to see much of your own people compete.

Because of the rounds, Solomon would be well advised to hang back off the lead in about 3rd for 650 meters just outside of lane 1 if he wants to win. Symmonds better hang tight and not give him an inch. Then hit the afterburners. The Saudi? (White over Green) looks to be poised and fresher than anyone. Aman probably has a better gear off of a slower pace but is going to have to prove it. Kenyans were not experienced and I don't feel bad for any of them in any race, ever.

Too much respect is given to the Africans and the general attitude is starting to change back to what it was about 30 to 40 years ago since wealthy nations are finding ways to become motivated in championship distance running again. Arguing through PED/High Altitude Genetics/EPO phases etc... is for another discussion.

sniggtest wrote:

Symmmonds doesn't pass the sniff test...

Why are you sniffing Symmonds?

I wouldn't want to be you if he catches you.