Still Running (weakly). Issue 57

PAST – inspiration – The US system for selecting its track and field athletes for each Olympics – a simple, no-decision, no-second-chances, first-three-past-the-post go – throws up some interesting anomalies every four years. In other words, the best athletes don’t make the games.

In 1972, reigning Olympic champions and world record holders, Lee Evans (400 metres) and Randy Matson (shot put), came fourth in the trials and didn’t make the team. Rod Milburn, world record holder and undefeated in the 110 metres hurdles for two years, hit hurdles in the trials and barely made it through in third. (He won easily at the Olympics.)

In 1992, Dan O’Brien was world decathlon champion from 1991, and his rivalry with fellow American Dave Johnson was extravagantly hyped by their sponsors Reebok. However, in the trials, he failed three times at his opening pole vault height and again didn’t make the Olympics.

He did break the world record later that year, become world champion again in 1993 and 1995, and duly claimed his Olympic gold in 1996.

PRESENT – perspiration – This year’s trials have thrown up similar shocks, the biggest of which is probably Athing Mu’s fall in the 800 final. She is the reigning Olympic champion and won the worlds in 2022.

In addition, Emma Coburn, 2017 world steeplechase champ and three-time Olympian, broke her ankle in April and cannot compete. Laulanga Tausaga-Collins, reigning world champion in the discus, fouled her first three throws at the trials, ending her bid for the games. Christian Coleman, world record holder in the 60 metres and 2019 100 metres world champ, could only finish fourth.

FUTURE – suggestion – Years ago, staying on an Indonesian island which had accurate kilometre makers along its only road, I was tempted into a 10km time trial one hot afternoon. Luckily, my wife accompanied me on a bike, and she was able to pull me out of the monsoon drain into which I had collapsed at about 9km, hail a passing tuk-tuk taxi and get me to the nearest hotel that had a doctor.

“Mr. Till, your sport is too strong,” he said in between temperature readings. Sometimes, we runners can be too determined.

With the hot weather finally here, take all the sensible precautions. Run early (best) or late; run in the shade if you can; take water; put ice cubes under your hat; wear sunscreen; don’t push it. Also, watch your electrolyte balance, as deficiency here is as dangerous as severe dehydration.

Take care out there.