Friday, July 27, 2012

Taking the temperature of the US Olympic Distance Squad a week before Athletics begin

Shalane Flanagan got to wear the flag in 2008. Will any American
Distance Runners get that opportunity in 2012?
Track and Field at the 2012 Olympic Games starts one week from today (check out the schedule here).

How's are the United States Distance Team doing going into the games?

Below is an update about what each American athlete has been up to since the trials and who has a true MEDAL CHANCE, a DARKHORSE medal opportunity, and then sadly, those who may not by ready to roll due to injury (HURT ALERT).

Men's 800
1. Nick Symmonds - MEDAL CHANCE
Ran a near PR 800 in Monaco in 1:43.78, then ran a tune up 400 in Ireland in 47.45. Symmonds looks to be fit and has run rounds well. No doubt he'll be gunning for a medal after coming in 5th in Daegu last year. Abubaker Kaki's recent demise helps him, but it will take an A+ effort to make the podium.

2. Khadevis Robinson - DARKHORSE
KD ran great at the trials, but hasn't run since. Making the final should be his number one goal. If he can do that, he's capable of top five or better, especially with his run from behind and kick from 300 out tactic, that he's employed over the last two seasons.

Saucony has made custom spikes for #5 All Time American
in the 800, Duane Solomon 
3. Duane Solomon - DARKHORSE
His phenomenal 1:43.44 PR in Monaco shows he is at the top of his game. Solomon, like KD, has changed his style from frontrunner to "run right behind the leader" and it's paid off well. His goal should be making the final, and then going from there. Like KD, and Symmonds for that matter, he's got a great shot if he's on the line for the final on Thursday, August 9th. One side note; neither Abraham Kipchirchir Rotich or Leonard Kirwa Kosencha, both of Kenya, who beat Solomon in Monaco, are running in London.

Women's 800
1. Alysia Montano - MEDAL CHANCE
Monaco was good, but not great for Montano. She ran 1:59.05 for third, but looked to be in better shape at the trials. Maybe it was just her international rust buster. She likes to front run, which can be disastrous, but she's too good not to make the final. From there, I'm sure she'd like to improve on her 4th place finish from Daegu last year.

2. Geena Gall
"OMG Opening Ceremonies is tonight!!!!" was a recent tweet from Gall. This is her first rodeo and she leads the clubhouse in the potentially "happy to be here" division. Will she be ready? She ran 2:01.65 at Crystal Palace, so she'll have to return to her Olympic Trials form to make it past the semifinal (it took 1:58.61 to make the final in '08).

3. Alice Schmidt
Schmidt's added strength training this year led to a PR and A Standard in the 1500 at Prefontaine. She barely missed the final in Daegu last year. That will be her goal for London. Read the 5 Questions with Schmidt feature here.

Hopefully this Manzano will show up in London
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)
Men's 1500
1. Leo Manzano - DARKHORSE
Known for his hot and cold racing habits, Manzano has been hot all year, except for two weeks ago at Crystal Palace. Hopefully one poor showing isn't a sign of where he is right now. Manzano's kick is medal-worthy and if he runs like he did at the trials, that's a possibility.

2. Matt Centrowitz - DARKHORSE
A poor 800 at Crystal Palace led to a withdrawal at Monaco. He ran much better at the Morton Games a few days ago, winning the 800 in 1:47.72. Centro rounds into shape fast and runs rounds well. If he can time this right, he'll hope to finish on the podium again, like he did in Daegu.

3. Andrew Wheating - HURT ALERT
A few days ago, "Britain's Athletics International" said that Wheating had withdrawn from the games. That looked to be false information, but Wheating has been hurt and had to withdraw from Monaco with a flaring up of plantar fasciitis. Let's hope he's ready to go, but I wouldn't put too much stock in him going beyond the semis if this continues to be an issue (it took 3:37.77 to make the final in Beijing)

Uceny will lead a strong 3 in the 1500
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)
Women's 1500
1. Morgan Uceny - MEDAL CHANCE
Uceny hasn't looked quite as strong as last year. The devastating kick that she displayed all of 2011, save Daegu, hasn't been there. Maybe by design. Her, Shannon Rowbury and Jenny Simpson all looked good, but not great, at Crystal Palace, but I'm sure she and her coach, Terrence Mahon, have been trying to time her peak for the games. We'll see if it works; as if it does, she's a podium threat.

2. Shannon Rowbury - DARKHORSE
No stranger to the medal stand, Rowbury has been overshadowed by Uceny and Simpson over the past two seasons. She's a smart racer most certainly will make the final. After that, she'll need a big race, but like Simpson last year, is capable of medaling if things go her way.

3. Jenny Simpson - MEDAL CHANCE
Last year's 1500 meter World Champ hasn't shown that kind of form yet, but we know it's there. She's run under 4:00 in the event and has as good of 100 meter speed as anyone if it comes down to the last straightaway.

Man of the hour, Evan Jager
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)
Men's 3000 Steeplechase
1. Evan Jager - MEDAL CHANCE
What's he done since the trials? Only set the American Record in the Steeple in an incredible time of 8:06.81. He also launched himself into the medal conversation. Maybe it's too soon, but maybe not. This event was made for Jager and he's taking full advantage of the opportunity. Look for him to contend on Friday, August 3rd (semifinal) and Sunday, August 5th (final).

2. Donn Cabral
The 2012 Princeton grad recently ran a PR of 3:40.03 for 1500 meters in Lignano, and then four days later, ran a flat 3000 PR of 7:53.48 in Szczecin. His smart racing style should land him in the final (it took 8:23.66 in Beijing). After that, top 10 would be an excellent goal. Read the 5 Questions with Cabral feature here.

3. Kyle Alcorn
If you saw Alcorn at the trials, you know he left it all out there to make the team. He'll have to do the same to make the final in London. He's got a great kick, which will bode well in a kickers race. Read the 5 Questions with Alcorn feature here.

Women's 3000 Steeplechase
1. Emma Coburn - DARKHORSE
Yet to be truly challenged this season, Coburn should thrive in London. She tuned up this week with a 4:33.24 Mile in Ireland. It took 9:17.16 to make the podium in Daegu last year. Coburn has run 9:25.28, but is certainly on the rise.

2. Bridget Franek
Franek looked excellent at Crystal Palace, running a PR of 9:29.53. She just missed the final in Daegu last year, but should be ready to run faster than the 9:40.04 it took to make the final then. Read the 5 Questions with Franek feature here (note: from before the trials).

3. Shalaya Kipp
Like Gall, hopefully Kipp won't fall into the potentially "happy to be here" mode and will compete. In the same Morton Mile as Coburn, Kipp managed only a 4:40.31, but is "hungry for more." She's certainly capable of making the final, but her best shot at the medal stand will be at 2016 or 2020.

Rupp, Lagat and Lomong will all have a shot at 5000
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)
Men's 5000
1. Galen Rupp - MEDAL CHANCE
While Rupp's training partner, Mo Farah, ran in front of his home crowd at Crystal Palace, Rupp has been silent. I don't think anyone has any doubts he'll be ready to roll when the 5000 semifinal goes off on Wednesday, August 8th.

2. Bernard Lagat - MEDAL CHANCE
Not too much should be taken from Lagat's 3:54.17 Mile at Crystal Palace. It was an alright tune up race. Like Rupp, Lagat is a veteran that will be ready to go for the semis and will exhaust just enough energy to make the final. Gold is on his mind, but a podium finish would be a victory for him and America.

3. Lopez Lomong - DARKHORSE
Lomong won't have the hoopla that comes with being a flag bearer this year. In '08, he didn't make it out of the semifinal in the 1500. He should make it out of the semifinal and then could surprise in the final. He's run very few 5000's, but has run them all well. It took 13:06.22 to medal in Beijing, and will likely take faster in London.

Women's 5000
1. Julie Culley
Culley's kick at the trials was phenomenal. She'll need to channel that and more to make it to the final in London. Her 15:13.77 in Eugene and 8:45.57 3000 in Monaco show she is capable of the 15:15.12 that it took to make the final in 2008.

2. Molly Huddle
How fit is Huddle? We're not really sure. She's battled injury since her 14:44.76 American Record in 2010. Could she be rounding into shape? She didn't make it out of the heats in Daegu, so priority number one will be that.

Conley should feel like this if she
can make the 5000 final
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)
3. Kim Conley
"Conley's definitely not just 'happy to be here.' This is the freaking Olympic Games. You can't simply coast in and show up," says her Coach Drew Wartenburg. "Training/prep is going well." She's got absolutely nothing to lose. She ran the race of her life to make it and secured a deal with New Balance in the process. Things are looking up. They'd be even more exciting if Conley could find that same magic to make the final. She won her tune up race in Cork, so it's possible!

Men's 10,000
1. Galen Rupp - MEDAL CHANCE
What seems to be Rupp's signature event will be the first on his schedule. The gun will go off next Saturday, August 4th for his run at the medal stand. It will be tough beating his teammate, Mo Farah, but everyone else is beatable, including Keninisa Bekele. He'll need to have the kick of his life to medal, but that's what he and his coach, Alberto Salazar, have been training his whole life for.

2. Matt Tegenkamp
Teg's run at the trials was inspiring. After looked washed up at Pre, he rebounded and looked in control the whole way. Keep in mind, he's only run four 10,000's ever. His 10th place finish at Daegu last year was good, but I'm sure he wants more, as he finished 4th in Osaka in the 5000 in 2007. Top 7-8 is likely where he'll fall if he runs a strong race.

3. Dathan Ritzenhein
Ritz seems to be on the upswing. His 13:15.91 in the rain at Crystal Palace was another positive step towards his comeback to the track (although he's running the Chicago Marathon this fall). Can he hang on to the front pack? It's going to be tough, but I would think a top 7-8 finish, like Teg, for Ritz is doable.

Brooks made custom shoes for Amy Hastings & Desi Davila
(photo: Amy Hastings Twitter)
Women's 10,000
1. Amy Hastings
One of the best stories of the trials was Amy Hastings breaking through and winning the 10,000, after finishing a disappointing 4th at the Marathon Trials. It will be near impossible to make the podium, but a top 7 finish should be possible, based on Daegu's results.

2. Lisa Uhl
Like Huddle, Uhl has been injured and it's hard to know what to expect from her. She hasn't raced since the trials, so we'll see what happens a week from today!

3. Janet Cherobon-Bawcom
JCB mentioned in her interview with me that she was "so sick in Eugene that I can't even pretend that I had a strategy." Hopefully she's feeling better now and will compete! Read the 5 Questions with JCB feature here.

Men's Marathon
1. Meb Keflezighi - HURT ALERT
While Meb has been busy on television running around in Citibank commercials, it sounds like he isn't ready for London. A hamstring injury seems to have set him back in his training, but he was the 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist, so he'll put forth his best effort.

2. Ryan Hall - DARKHORSE
In early June, Hall looked abysmal at the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Half Marathon, getting his butt kicked by Meb. He's done this before, but never this slow. News came out that he'd had a bad case of plantar fasciitis that was hindering his training. That seems to be in the past now, but will he be ready for the world's best? I know he wants to rebound from his 10th place finish in Beijing. Expect him to contend for as long as he can on the last day of athletics, Sunday, August 11th.

Abdi hopes to airplane some people in London
(photo: The Oregonian)
3. Abdi Abdirahman
The Black Cactus is always a question mark. He could contend for the podium or he could finish 25th. It's hard to say until the race gets going. He'll likely be running in Nike's new Flyknit Racers and he "had a good workout at the track" on July 25.

Women's Marathon
1. Shalane Flanagan - MEDAL CHANCE
If you needed more of a reason to watch the Women's Marathon on Sunday, August 5th, Flanagan is it. Her surprise bronze medal finish in the Beijing 10,000 only whet her appetite for her chances in the marathon. She'll contend. Just watch.

2. Desi Davila - HURT ALERT
News has come out recently that Davila has been injured and could potenially not start next Sunday, August 5th. Let's hope she can find a way to go. The marathon is a tough event to go into half-cocked, but Davila is one of the toughest out there.

3. Kara Goucher - DARKHORSE
She surprised many with her podium finish at the trials and has been training well by all accounts. She could surprise again in London if people crash and burn, as she'll likely take a more balanced approach.

Agree? Disagree? Got some information I missed? Feel free to comment or email me something I left out.

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Sunday, July 22, 2012

2012 London Olympics Track and Field Schedule (with US Time Zones)

The Olympics start Wednesday and along with the coverage on NBC, there are the NBC Olympics and the Live Extra Apps. Live Extra is also available online. TV times are here.

No matter where you live in the United States, here is when each event will take place live. I'll link with results from IAAF's Olympic Coverage page as they happen.

2012 London Olympic Games Athletics Schedule

Friday, August 3:
Morning Session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Men’s Shot Put Qualification10:00 AM2:00 AM3:00 AM4:00 AM5:00 AM
Women’s 100 Hurdles (Heptathlon)10:05 AM2:05 AM3:05 AM4:05 AM5:05 AM
Women’s Triple Jump Qualification 10:25 AM2:25 AM3:25 AM4:25 AM5:25 AM
Women’s 100 Prelims10:40 AM2:40 AM3:40 AM4:40 AM5:40 AM
Men’s 400 Hurdles Prelims 11:15 AM3:15 AM4:15 AM5:15 AM6:15 AM
Women’s High Jump (Heptathlon) 11:15 AM3:15 AM4:15 AM5:15 AM6:15 AM
Men’s Hammer Qualification 11:20 AM3:20 AM4:20 AM5:20 AM6:20 AM
Women’s 400 Prelims 12:00 PM4:00 AM5:00 AM6:00 AM7:00 AM
Men’s Hammer Qualification 12:45 PM4:45 AM5:45 AM6:45 AM7:45 AM
Men’s 3000 Steeplechase Semifinal 1:00 PM5:00 AM6:00 AM7:00 AM8:00 AM
Afternoon session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Women’s Shot Put (Heptathlon) 7:00 PM11:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM
Women’s 100 Prelims 7:05 PM11:05 AM12:05 PM1:05 PM2:05 PM
Women’s Discus Qualification7:10 PM11:10 AM12:10 PM1:10 PM2:10 PM
Men’s Long Jump Qualification 7:50 PM11:50 AM12:50 PM1:50 PM2:50 PM
Men’s 1500 Prelims8:05 PM12:05 PM1:05 PM2:05 PM3:05 PM
Men’s Shot Put Final 8:30 PM12:30 PM1:30 PM2:30 PM3:30 PM
Women’s Discus Qualification8:35 PM12:35 PM1:35 PM2:35 PM3:35 PM
Women’s 200 (Heptathlon) 8:45 PM12:45 PM1:45 PM2:45 PM3:45 PM
Women’s 10,000 Final9:25 PM1:25 PM2:25 PM3:25 PM4:25 PM
Saturday, August 4:
Morning session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Men’s 100 Prelims10:00 AM2:00 AM3:00 AM4:00 AM5:00 AM
Women’s Long Jump (Heptathlon) 10:05 AM2:05 AM3:05 AM4:05 AM5:05 AM
Women’s Pole Vault Qualification 10:20 AM2:20 AM3:20 AM4:20 AM5:20 AM
Men’s 400 Prelims 10:35 AM2:35 AM3:35 AM4:35 AM5:35 AM
Women’s 3000 Steeplechase Semifinal 11:35 AM3:35 AM4:35 AM5:35 AM6:35 AM
Women’s Javelin (Heptathlon) 11:40 AM3:40 AM4:40 AM5:40 AM6:40 AM
Men’s 100 Prelims 12:30 PM4:30 AM5:30 AM6:30 AM7:30 AM
Women’s Javelin (Heptathlon) 12:55 PM4:55 AM5:55 AM6:55 AM7:55 AM
Afternoon session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Men’s 20k Race Walk Final 5:00 PM9:00 AM10:00 AM11:00 AM12:00 PM
Men’s 400 Hurdles Semifinal 7:00 PM11:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM
Women’s Discus Final 7:30 PM11:30 AM12:30 PM1:30 PM2:30 PM
Women’s 100 Semifinal 7:35 PM11:35 AM12:35 PM1:35 PM2:35 PM
Men’s Long Jump Final 7:55 PM11:55 AM12:55 PM1:55 PM2:55 PM
Women’s 400 Semifinal 8:05 PM12:05 PM1:05 PM2:05 PM3:05 PM
Women’s 800 (Heptathlon) 8:35 PM12:35 PM1:35 PM2:35 PM3:35 PM
Men’s 10,000 Final 9:15 PM1:15 PM2:15 PM3:15 PM4:15 PM
Women’s 100 Final9:55 PM1:55 PM2:55 PM3:55 PM4:55 PM
Sunday, August 5:
Morning session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Women’s Marathon Final 11:00 AM3:00 AM4:00 AM5:00 AM6:00 AM
Afternoon session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Women’s 400 Hurdles Prelims7:00 PM11:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM
Men’s High Jump Qualification 7:05 PM11:05 AM12:05 PM1:05 PM2:05 PM
Women’s Triple Jump Final 7:35 PM11:35 AM12:35 PM1:35 PM2:35 PM
Men’s 100 Semifinal 7:45 PM11:45 AM12:45 PM1:45 PM2:45 PM
Men’s 1500 Semifinal8:15 PM12:15 PM1:15 PM2:15 PM3:15 PM
Men’s Hammer Final 8:20 PM12:20 PM1:20 PM2:20 PM3:20 PM
Men’s 400 Semifinal 8:40 PM12:40 PM1:40 PM2:40 PM3:40 PM
Women’s 400 Final 9:10 PM1:10 PM2:10 PM3:10 PM4:10 PM
Men’s 3000 Steeplechase Final 9:25 PM1:25 PM2:25 PM3:25 PM4:25 PM
Men’s 100 Final9:50 PM1:50 PM2:50 PM3:50 PM4:50 PM
Monday, August 6:
Morning session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Men’s Discus Qualification 10:00 AM2:00 AM3:00 AM4:00 AM5:00 AM
Women’s 100 Hurdles Prelims10:05 AM2:05 AM3:05 AM4:05 AM5:05 AM
Women’s Shot Put Qualification 10:45 AM2:45 AM3:45 AM4:45 AM5:45 AM
Men’s 800 Prelims 10:50 AM2:50 AM3:50 AM4:50 AM5:50 AM
Men’s Discus Qualification 11:25 AM3:25 AM4:25 AM5:25 AM6:25 AM
Women’s 1500 Prelims11:45 AM3:45 AM4:45 AM5:45 AM6:45 AM
Afternoon session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Women’s Pole Vault Final 7:00 PM11:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM
Women’s Shot Put Final 7:15 PM11:15 AM12:15 PM1:15 PM2:15 PM
Women’s 200 Prelims 7:20 PM11:20 AM12:20 PM1:20 PM2:20 PM
Women’s 400 Hurdles Semifinal 8:15 PM12:15 PM1:15 PM2:15 PM3:15 PM
Men’s 400 Hurdles Final 8:45 PM12:45 PM1:45 PM2:45 PM3:45 PM
Women’s 3000 Steeplechase Final 9:05 PM1:05 PM2:05 PM3:05 PM4:05 PM
Men’s 400 Final9:30 PM1:30 PM2:30 PM3:30 PM4:30 PM
Tuesday, August 7:
Morning session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Women’s Javelin Qualification 10:00 AM2:00 AM3:00 AM4:00 AM5:00 AM
Men’s 110 Hurdles Prelims10:10 AM2:10 AM3:10 AM4:10 AM5:10 AM
Men’s Triple Jump Qualification 10:45 AM2:45 AM3:45 AM4:45 AM5:45 AM
Women’s 5000 Semifinal 10:55 AM2:55 AM3:55 AM4:55 AM5:55 AM
Women’s Javelin Qualification 11:25 AM3:25 AM4:25 AM5:25 AM6:25 AM
Men’s 200 Prelims 11:50 AM3:50 AM4:50 AM5:50 AM6:50 AM
Afternoon session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Men’s High Jump Final 7:00 PM11:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM
Women’s Long Jump Qualification 7:05 PM11:05 AM12:05 PM1:05 PM2:05 PM
Women’s 100 Hurdles Semifinal 7:15 PM11:15 AM12:15 PM1:15 PM2:15 PM
Men’s Discus Final 7:45 PM11:45 AM12:45 PM1:45 PM2:45 PM
Men’s 800 Semifinal 7:55 PM11:55 AM12:55 PM1:55 PM2:55 PM
Women’s 200 Semifinal 8:25 PM12:25 PM1:25 PM2:25 PM3:25 PM
Women’s 100 Hurdles Final 9:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM3:00 PM4:00 PM
Men’s 1500 Final9:15 PM1:15 PM2:15 PM3:15 PM4:15 PM
Wednesday, August 8:
Morning session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Men’s Pole Vault Qualification 10:00 AM2:00 AM3:00 AM4:00 AM5:00 AM
Women’s Hammer Qualification 10:00 AM2:00 AM3:00 AM4:00 AM5:00 AM
Men’s 100 (Decathlon) 10:10 AM2:10 AM3:10 AM4:10 AM5:10 AM
Men’s 5000 Semifinal10:45 AM2:45 AM3:45 AM4:45 AM5:45 AM
Men’s Long Jump (Decathlon) 11:10 AM3:10 AM4:10 AM5:10 AM6:10 AM
Women’s Hammer Qualification 11:25 AM3:25 AM4:25 AM5:25 AM6:25 AM
Women’s 800 Prelims 11:35 AM3:35 AM4:35 AM5:35 AM6:35 AM
Men’s Shot Put (Decathlon) 12:50 PM4:50 AM5:50 AM6:50 AM7:50 AM
Afternoon session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Men’s High Jump (Decathlon) 6:00 PM10:00 AM11:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM
Men’s Javelin Qualification 7:05 PM11:05 AM12:05 PM1:05 PM2:05 PM
Men’s 110 Hurdles Semifinal 7:15 PM11:15 AM12:15 PM1:15 PM2:15 PM
Women’s 1500 Semifinal 7:45 PM11:45 AM12:45 PM1:45 PM2:45 PM
Women’s Long Jump Final 8:05 PM12:05 PM1:05 PM2:05 PM3:05 PM
Men’s 200 Semifinal 8:10 PM12:10 PM1:10 PM2:10 PM3:10 PM
Men’s Javelin Qualification 8:35 PM12:35 PM1:35 PM2:35 PM3:35 PM
Women’s 400 Hurdles Final 8:45 PM12:45 PM1:45 PM2:45 PM3:45 PM
Women’s 200 Final 9:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM3:00 PM4:00 PM
Men’s 110 Hurdles Final 9:15 PM1:15 PM2:15 PM3:15 PM4:15 PM
Men’s 400 (Decathlon)9:30 PM1:30 PM2:30 PM3:30 PM4:30 PM
Thursday, August 9:
Morning session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Men’s 110 Hurdles (Decathlon) 9:00 AM1:00 AM2:00 AM3:00 AM4:00 AM
Women’s High Jump Qualification 9:30 AM1:30 AM2:30 AM3:30 AM4:30 AM
Men’s Discus (Decathlon) 9:55 AM1:55 AM2:55 AM3:55 AM4:55 AM
Men’s 4x400 Relay semifinal 11:35 AM3:35 AM4:35 AM5:35 AM6:35 AM
Men’s Pole Vault (Decathlon) 12:55 PM4:55 AM5:55 AM6:55 AM7:55 AM
Afternoon session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Men’s Javelin (Decathlon) 6:30 PM10:30 AM11:30 AM12:30 PM1:30 PM
Men’s Triple Jump Final 7:20 PM11:20 AM12:20 PM1:20 PM2:20 PM
Women’s 800 Semifinal 7:30 PM11:30 AM12:30 PM1:30 PM2:30 PM
Men’s Javelin (Decathlon) 7:40 PM11:40 AM12:40 PM1:40 PM2:40 PM
Men’s 800 Final 8:00 PM12:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM3:00 PM
Women’s 4x100 Relay Semifinal 8:20 PM12:20 PM1:20 PM2:20 PM3:20 PM
Men’s 200 Final 8:55 PM12:55 PM1:55 PM2:55 PM3:55 PM
Women’s Javelin Final 9:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM3:00 PM4:00 PM
Men’s 1500 (Decathlon)9:20 PM1:20 PM2:20 PM3:20 PM4:20 PM
Friday, August 10:
Afternoon sessionLondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Men’s Pole Vault Final 7:00 PM11:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM
Women’s 4x400 Relay Semifinal 7:10 PM11:10 AM12:10 PM1:10 PM2:10 PM
Women’s Hammer Final 7:35 PM11:35 AM12:35 PM1:35 PM2:35 PM
Men’s 4x100 Relay Semifinal 7:45 PM11:45 AM12:45 PM1:45 PM2:45 PM
Women’s 5000 Final 8:05 PM12:05 PM1:05 PM2:05 PM3:05 PM
Women’s 4x100 Relay Final 8:40 PM12:40 PM1:40 PM2:40 PM3:40 PM
Women’s 1500 Final 8:55 PM12:55 PM1:55 PM2:55 PM3:55 PM
Men’s 4x400 Relay Final9:20 PM1:20 PM2:20 PM3:20 PM4:20 PM
Saturday, August 11:
Morning session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Men’s 50k Race Walk Final 9:00 AM1:00 AM2:00 AM3:00 AM4:00 AM
Afternoon session LondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Women’s 20k Race Walk Final 5:00 PM9:00 AM10:00 AM11:00 AM12:00 PM
Women’s High Jump Final 7:00 PM11:00 AM12:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM
Men’s Javelin Final 7:20 PM11:20 AM12:20 PM1:20 PM2:20 PM
Men’s 5000 Final 7:30 PM11:30 AM12:30 PM1:30 PM2:30 PM
Women’s 800 Final 8:00 PM12:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM3:00 PM
Women’s 4x400 Relay Final 8:25 PM12:25 PM1:25 PM2:25 PM3:25 PM
Men’s 4x100 Relay Final9:00 PM1:00 PM2:00 PM3:00 PM4:00 PM
Sunday, August 12: 
Morning sessionLondonPacificMountainCentralEastern
Men’s Marathon Final11:00 AM3:00 AM4:00 AM5:00 AM6:00 AM

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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

5 Questions with Genevieve LaCaze

Genevieve LaCaze was a star at Florida
(photo: Gamedayr)
Today we have our fourth 2012 London Olympics Steepler for 5 Questions with. She's not American, but this tremendous Australian athlete has large ties to the US, as she just capped off an excellent collegiate career at the University of Florida and just signed on with an agent to run professionally.

Genevieve LaCaze had a great collegiate outdoor season, but it got better the week after, when she ran below the Olympic A Standard in the Steeplechase at the American Milers Club High Performance Series in Indianapolis, IN. Unfortunately, it was after Australia had already set their deadline. Luckily, her fans (and family) took to the internet and helped remedy the situation. With the groundswell of support, Athletics Australia overturned their initial decision and #LetLaCazeRun. Follow her on Twitter @GenGen_LaCaze and on Instagram @Gen_Gen_LaCaze

5 Questions with Genevieve LaCaze

1. Writing About Running: Congrats on being selected to the Australian Olympic Team. How much it mean to have all your fans rally around your potential bid?

Genevieve LaCaze: It meant more than I ever could have imagined. You sometimes don't realize the love and support you truly have til something like this takes place. I have an amazing support system, and I guess social media today really helped me out!

2. Writing About Running: You ran the Olympic A Standard at the American Milers Club High Performance Series a week after NCAA's. Did you feel you had that kind of performance in you and what were your immediate thoughts when you hit the A after Australia had set their deadline?

Genevieve LaCaze: I was very lucky to have been approached immediately after my NCAA final by Total Sports (my agency today) because if it wasn't for them, I would have never even known about that race. I was 100% positive I was capable of the time. I had said it all season, I just couldn't get into the right race to allow me to do so. I wrote the splits down on my hand and convinced myself there was no way I shouldn't be hitting them. When I crossed that line in 9 minutes and 41 seconds it was a big sigh of relief but I knew that was only half the battle.

3. Writing About Running: You're from Queensland, Australia, but ran at the University of Florida. How did you end up there?

Genevieve LaCaze: There were a few Aussies in the US before me that I think helped with getting my name out to be recruited however I was never a big fan about coming over initially. When they say parents know best, it isn't a myth. My parents forced that move on me 4 years ago and to this day I will never be able to thank them enough. I love USA.

LaCaze with her first shipment from New Balance Running
(via Instagram)
4. Writing About Running: New Balance recently signed you to a professional contract. How did all of that come together?

Genevieve LaCaze: Again, Total Sports has helped me out there and dealt with all the behind the scenes work. I met with New Balance while in Eugene watching the US Olympic Trials and I am definitely very honored to be onboard with Team New Balance.

5. Writing About Running: You're now onto the next step as a full time runner. What are your plans leading up to the Olympics?

Genevieve LaCaze: I am currently in Teddington, just outside London, training with a few other Aussie athletes. I will head over to Dublin, Ireland for a mile, but that is all I'll be doing before the big one!

And we had one last bonus question...
Writing About Running: Is the Olympic Tattoo on Instagram real?
LaCaze: Haha, you bet. I am digging quite a hole for myself because some particular family members don't know yet but as I said earlier, social media power will let the cat out of the bag in time, if not already....
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Monday, July 16, 2012

5 Questions with Michael Tolcher

Michael Tolcher was a runner before hitting the stage as a musician
Today, we skew from the norm at 5 Questions with. When I worked in the music business from 2000-2005, I remember this guy coming up. He opened for every big act out there and seemingly was playing seven shows a week all over the country. "How does he have the endurance to keep this up?" I thought. Well, turns out he was a pretty decent runner as well. He's also a big fan of the sport.


Michael Tolcher's debut major label album "I Am" was released May 4, 2004 and he's been on the road ever since. Before that, he was a State Champion runner at Lovejoy High in Georgia and went on to run in college, before taking up a career as a musician. He planned his most recent tour around the Olympic Trials and spent half the week at Hayward and the other half at the Wild Duck Cafe. Check out his website and follow him on Twitter @MichaelTolcher

5 Questions with Michael Tolcher

1. Writing About Running: People may know Michael Tolcher the musician, but can you tell us about your running roots at Lovejoy High, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Georgia Tech?

Michael Tolcher: Well, I once dreamed of being an Olympian too - I had run off and on as a kid (county record for 100 yard dash for 11-12-haha!). I loved track in high school. Winning the 3200 meters at state my senior year enabled me to run in college. I went to UTC because I loved the mountains in Chattanooga and the coach there was very cool. Then I thought I was more of a fit for Atlanta, so I transferred to Georgia Tech my sophmore year.

I focused on the steeple and 1500 meters. I soon realized I was a better singer, and that it hurt alot less!

2. Writing About Running: You were all over the place for the trials. How'd you end up making it to Eugene and how was your stay?

Michael Tolcher: Yea, what a blast that was! I was putting together my touring schedule in January, and purposely routed it through Eugene for the trials. I had always wanted to go...and this year I really wanted to see Wallace Spearmon light up the track. He's very inspiring as an athlete and as a person. I think he's the man to beat in the 200 meters.

3. Writing About Running: With all the excitement at the trials, what were your favorite moments on and off the track?

Michael Tolcher: On the Track: Well, of course the 200 meter final ... the Womens High Jump and Javelin, Men's 1500... both Men's hurdle events were super exciting. Off the track: I enjoyed the late nights at the Duck - meeting Maggie Vessey wasn't half bad (the feeling was mutual).

4. Writing About Running: Runners need the next "Born to Run" or "Runnin' Down a Dream." You seem like the guy for the job. Have you thought to write the quintessential running song, and how much of your music comes from your passion for the sport?

Michael Tolcher: Haha. Good point! I'm gonna wrap my head around it now... maybe belt it out in London.

I think running all those years built up my lungs for singing! Actually, putting on a show is a lot like a race. I approach shows similarly; psych myself up, clear my mind, and give it everything I got! I'm gonna be training for the 1500 meters again for fun. Who knows what songs will come about during that endeavor. Hopefully a Track & Field hit!

5. Writing About Running: What are your predictions for Team USA's performance in London?

Michael Tolcher: Hmmm. Tons of gold! Wallace, Angelo, LaShawn, Tolcher - I really hope I make one of the relay teams! Oh yea...and Will Claye, the grasshopper!

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Friday, July 13, 2012

5 Questions with Sheila Reid

Sheila Reid leads future Olympians Kim Conley and
Molly Huddle at the Mt. Sac Relays 5000
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)
Finishing off the week, we have another international Olympian at the keyboard for 5 Questions with. But like yesterday, this tremendous athlete has large ties to the US distance running scene, as she just capped off a fruitful collegiate career and will now test her mettle in the professional ranks.

Sheila Reid has been fighting lately, but not the way you'd expect. Until yesterday, she was fighting to attain a spot on the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team. Luckily, the call came and the multi-time NCAA National Champion at Villanova will be competing in the 2012 London Olympics. She has signed on with famed agent, Ray Flynn, and will compete in a few tune up races in Europe before the 5000 prelims start on August 7th. Follow her on Twitter @shewolfruns

5 Questions with Sheila Reid

1. Writing About Running: First off, congrats on being selected to the Canadian Olympic Team for the 5000 meters. How excited were you to get the call at the final hour?

Sheila Reid: I probably didn't sound very excited, as the first thing I said when I got the call was "Really?" I thought the appeal process was over and that I wouldn't be going to London, so I was confused. But when it was confirmed officially, I was ecstatic! I'm still smiling about it.

2. Writing About Running: You had an outstanding career at Villanova with Coach Gina Procaccio. What were a few moments that you took the most pride in and how did you choose Nova in the first place?

Sheila Reid: The first cross country team championship will always have a special place in my heart. We didn't qualify for NCAA's when I was a freshman, but Gina saw the potential our team had and said we would be national champions by the time we were seniors. As it turned out, we won two before my class graduated. I chose Nova because of the great tradition. The program has a great track record when it comes to NCAA champions, and Olympians.

3. Writing About Running: You recently signed on with Ray Flynn to be your agent after graduating. What led you to select Flynn Sports and have you signed a shoe deal at this point?

Sheila Reid: Flynn Sports is a really professional company with many successful athletes. After meeting Ray, it seemed like a good fit for me. I've yet to finalize a shoe contract.

Celebrating the 2010 Cross Country National
Championship with her Villanova teammates
(photo: TrackAndFieldPhoto)
4. Writing About Running: Between you and Cam Levins, Canada has had a lot of recent success at the collegiate level. How much does it mean to you to be one of the "future stars" and carry out that promise at the professional level for your country?

Sheila Reid: I think that was one of the keys to my selection to the Olympic team. I have a lot of ground to cover in this transition from collegiate to professional running, and more world experience is the only way to do it. I am not the best in the world now, but I want to be at that level in 4 years, so I am excited to start that process in London!

5. Writing About Running: The European racing season has begun and it sounds like you're already there and getting started. What are your plans before and after the Olympics?

Sheila Reid: Before the Olympics, I will race a couple 1500m races in Belgium and Italy to tune up for the 5000m. I have not planned much beyond London, but I can confirm that I will be seeing Bruce Springsteen in concert at the end of August.

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