Powell's Run Only Raises More Questions

I still have not completely given up on him. On one hand, Asafa Powell the man voted least likely to earn an international medal in a solo event now holds the world’s fastest relay split.

Interesting.

According to the USATF High Performance Registered Split Analysis team, it was Powell not Bolt that ran a historic 8.70 seconds on the winning Jamaican 4x100-meter relay team that crossed the line in 37.10 seconds to break the USA’s previous mark of 37.40 seconds.

It was Powell who came in with second fastest 100-meter time in history and then in Beijing failed to crack the top three slots of the open 100-meters, but some how with a stick in his hand he reached a point that only Bob Hayes and Carl Lewis have seen before.

American superstar Bob Hayes blazed 8.74 seconds at the 1964 Tokyo Games when his time is converted. Carl Lewis ran 8.85 on anchor leg at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, when the U.S. first established the previous world record.

Then again, Powell is the previous world record holder, boasting a lifetime best of 9.72 seconds. He has proven that he can run 9.82 in the pouring rain, while jumping rope and drinking a latte.

Which leads to my next question. What is going on inside his head?

Reality tells us that the world has only seen a limited portion of what Powell can do on the track but the clock is ticking on Powell’s career and he seems like a nice enough guy, so I have a recommendation.

Powell should run his open races with a baton in his hand, imagining that he is running anchor on the 4x100-meter. The results could not be any worse than the fifth place finish in Beijing.

Sure--Powell might be the subject of ridicule by his peers, but he would be an immediate media darling for making their jobs that much easier.

Powell’s career and self esteem would benefit from seeking the counsel of a reputable sport psychologist to help with establishing relaxation techniques leading up to and during the race.

It would be money well spent even during a global financial crisis.

Jay Hicks for Prerace Jitters.

Asafa Powell Predicts 9.5 Seconds!

How fast will the 100-meters go in 2009?

In a recent interview, former world record holder Asafa Powell seems to think it can go much faster. The question on my mind is whether Powell is thinking of himself or how fast he thinks his countrymen Usain Bolt can potentially run when making this prediction.

"When I ran 9.74 I thought my limit would be 9.69," he said. Then when Usain ran 9.69 after stopping 20 meters before the finish, it's obviously possible to go even faster. I think 9.6 is possible. I think next year you'll see 9.5."

Powell went on to say, "Wherever Usain takes (the record), I'll be there right with him."

Who better to ask than Powell. He has seen his previous world record of 9.74 get lowered twice this season alone as Usain Bolt cruised 9.69 to win the Olympic gold.

How fast do you think Bolt, Powell or Tyson Gay can run in '09?

Jay Hicks for Prerace Jitters.

Push Back To Carl Lewis Statements

Remember how we reported that Carl Lewis openly questioned the Jamaican success in Beijing and directly called into question the validity of Usain Bolt's Olympic performances?

Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell did not let the remarks go undefended and responded by saying the following:

"Yes, I am disappointed with the words of a former athlete [Carl Lewis]."

"What Usain did does not shock me, because I know how much talent he has and this is the first year he has devoted his training to the 100m."

Can't we all just get along? Only in track, do we have Olympic gold medalists going back and forth in the media at a time when glowing words should be bestowed upon the sport after the Beijing Games.

By Jay Hicks.

Instant Analysis - Asafa Powell Shows Up

-Stuttgart, Germany - It looked like another Jamaican track practice. Asafa Powell made overtures about breaking the 100-meter world record after running 9.87 in the rain of Gateshead, 9.72 in Lausanne and 9.82 in Brussels.

The chilly weather thwarted Powell's run at the record but he had two impressive runs. He ran 9.77 to win his heat and, within an hour, 9.82 to win the final.

By Jay Hicks.

Powells Run 9.77 in Reiti

Live Coverage on Universal Sports.com and Universal Sports TV.

It was one year ago that he owned the world record. This year Usain Bolt is the 100-meter record holder and Asafa Powell ran 9.77 in the qualifying round and despite a poor start won the finals in 9.82. Another Jamaican, Michael Frater 9.98 ahead of Travis Padgett (10.10) of the U.S. was fifth place.

Nick Symmonds of the Oregon Track Club took sixth in the 800-meters in 1:45.33.Bernard Lagat was back to his winning ways. He covered the 1,500-meters in 3:32.75.

The Jamaicans took 1-2 in the women’s 100-meters. Olympic champ Shelly Ann-Fraser 11.06, and Kerron Stewart (11.11), Carmelita Jeter (11.12), and MeLisa Barber (11.21).

By Jay Hicks.

Track Officials Won't Like This Either...

With the Beijing Games over, Usain Bolt can dance all he wants, without tv pundits and the Jacques Rogges IOC President giving their opinions.

Good for him.

Bolt and Asafa Powell perform a classic dance battle routine.What's next for the champ--taking over the reality tv dance world?

By Jay Hicks.

Instant Analysis: Bolt Fabulous in Brussells

-Brussells, Belguim--It's the Usain Bolt Show!

ESPN interrupted its normally scheduled programming to deliver news that Usain Bolt ran 9.77 over 100-meters--track is coming slowly coming back. This afternoon, rainy weather, a slow start, and fatigue could not keep Bolt from ending arguably one of the greatest seasons recorded. Bolt is headed on a plane back to Jamaica, while Powell heads to Rieti, Italy where he set the 100-meter world record a year ago. The Jamaicans took the top four places with Asafa Powell, about a half second back in 9.83.

A crowd of 47,000 came out to see the new Jamaican star at the Belgacom Memorial Van Damme in Belguim.

She's rich. Or should we say a $1 million richer as Pamela Jelimo easily won the 800-meters in 1:55.16 and ran away with $1 million as the straight up winner of the ÅF Golden League Jackpot.

Without LaShawn Merritt in the mix, Jeremy Wariner (44.44) won in a commanding fashion. and Kerron Clement followed suit in the the 400 hurdles-winning in 48.29.

It's been a long season and fatigue is starting to show. In a rare occurrence, Lolo Jones (12.71) took second in the 100-hurdles to Jamaica’s Delloreen Ennis-London in 12.65.

It is impressive to see a young, up and coming sprinter get a late season win. Everyone is tired, so no one would think twice if she cruised the race. But Marshevet Hooker (22.62) scored a sweet victory at 200-meters of Jamaica's Kerron Stewart (22.76).

By Jay Hicks.

Instant Analysis - Oliver Knocks Off Robles, Powell Gets Faster In Lausanne

Powell Produces Fastest Times Out of Major Competition.

With nothing on the line, you can bet that Asafa Powell improved his 100-meter time to 9.72. Good enough to be the second fastest time in history-behind Usain Bolt of course. The consistent Walter Dix was close to his personal best time in 9.92.

Powell said, "Who knows? Maybe I'm not the guy for those big championships but just the guy to compete in the Grand Prix and Golden League meetings. It's just unfortunate."

It was only a matter of time before David Oliver bested Olympic champ Dayron Robles again over the 110-meter hurdles. A fast closing Oliver (13.02) got the best of Robles (13.17), marking the second that this season that Oliver has beaten the Olympic champion and world record holder from Cuba.

The 200-meter record is in jeopardy to fall anytime Usain Bolt laces up his Pumas. Tonight Bolted equaled the stadium record in Lausanne ,as the Jamaican lite up the track in 19.63.

Without Jeremy Wariner on the track, LaShawn Merritt dipped under 44 seconds producing 43.98. What will be interesting is to see which runner holds the fastest time at seasons end.

By Jay Hicks.

Jamaica Sprinting Inspires Kicks

Nike iD has refreshed their Dunk High’s and Low’s for the Fall 2008 collection.

The second pair feature a floral jaquard in white or black, and the third are based a hero from the Olympics, Jamaican runner Asafa Powell the former world record holder as the fastest man on Earth. The pattern borrows the Jamaican Flag colors and a cheetah pattern seen in Powell's custom Olympic spikes and makes a bold and bright Dunk High and low. Act quickly because availability is short. Nike iD Studios.



Via Kickaholic.

Gay, Powell, and Bolt Breeze Through 100-meters Heats

-Beijing-Analysis-In Preparation For Saturdays Semi-finals and Finals.

For many of the sprinters, the first round of 100-meter heats, were a chance to shake off the rust. Many have not competed in at least two weeks and for Tyson Gay, it has been six weeks since he last ran at the U.S Olympic Trials.

The typical race strategy for champion racing is a combination of posturing and working on the different pieces of the race such as: the start and drive phase. Normally athletes do not like to show all of the stuff until the finals.

There were no major upsets in the morning, as The Big Three 100-meter runners easily made it through the first heat of the 100-meters rounds. Tyson Gay looked completely healed today as he was conserving energy and preparing for the next round ahead of him.

Times heated up a bit in the quarter-final heats that took place during the evening.

It appeared that Usain Bolt’s run of 9.92, was easy to him and that he burned very little energy. The world record holder maintains his status as the favorite to win gold, however history has shown that running the fastest times through the rounds is no guaranteed for victory in the finals. Veteran Darvis Patton (10.04) of the U.S. was second behind Bolt in that quarter-final heat.

Tyson Gay placed second in his heat (10.02), behind Former LSU runner Richard Thompson of Trinidad. In the final heat of the afternoon, Asafa Powell easily won in 10.02 seconds, followed closed by Walter Dix (10.08) of the U.S. placed.

By Jay Hicks.

The Winner Will Be The Fastest Human Ever

Is This The Biggest Race In History?

It’s hard to recall a race with as much anticipation as this 100-meter race. As most of the world knows a three-way race for gold will happen between Tyson Gay, Usain Bolt, and Asafa Powell. Without a question, they are three bone fide superstars of the sport.

This race has all of the makings of a mega sports attraction. It could not be hosted on a larger stage. The stature and hype of the Olympic Games by far exceeds that of the Super Bowl or the Soccer World Cup.

I am going to throw out a couple of names that can not be overlooked for this race. Former NCAA champion Walter Dix, should not be discounted in this race and my sleeper pick to medal. He maintains a low-profile, but Dix has actually won a number of big races in his career, albeit not on this large of a stage. He is under no pressure to win the race, which is a recipe for him to wreak havoc in the finals.

Darvis Patton is a relatively unknown fact by media standards. This 30-year-old veteran sprinter is running with a sense of urgency, knowing that more than likely he will not compete in another Olympic Games. Patton has made tremendous strides this season and making the medal stand would close out what has been so far, a brilliant season.

While the discussion of this race has been endless, here is something else to consider. There are four rounds of the 100-meters. Winning this glamorous event at the Olympics is much more about strength, rather than pure speed.

Who do you think will win gold? Below are the Prerace Jitters predictions for the finals of the 100-meters.

100-meter Predictions:

1. Tyson Gay, USA
2. Usain Bolt, Jamaica
3. Walter Dix, USA
4. Asafa Powell, Jamaica
5. Darvis Patton, USA

By Jay Hicks.

Asafa Powell Hopes The Nike Aerofly Gives Him The Slight Edge In Beijing

In a race when .01 seconds means the difference between Olympic history and second place, sprinters are looking for every legal advantage in the 100-meter final. The three way race between Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay, and Asafa Powell means that every precious millisecond really counts. All three sprinters will be sporting custom designed shoes.

In comes the Nike Zoom Aerofly, which is the spike of choice by Jamaica's Asafa Powell. Having held the previous world record, the Jamaican born sprinter who is seeking to re-write the history books in Beijing.

The shoe is looks aggressive--which is the mentality he needs to win in Beijing.

The shoes construction and results are legendary. Imagine a paper-thin shoe whose only support comes from threads. This is Flywire. A revolutionary technology, its high-strength threads work like cables on a suspension bridge with support engineered precisely where a foot needs it.

Flywire allowed Nike to make its lightest and strongest footwear ever, transforming how footwear is engineered by reducing the amount of material required for the upper of a shoe to the bare minimum. Thanks to this innovation, track spikes with Flywire are now under 100g – a weight never before achieved – without compromising on durability or integrity and support.

Comfort is the number one aspect of a running shoe.

Powell recently said, "It felt fast. It’s very tight, but still comfortable. It wraps around my foot, yet its movement is not stiff and you don't have to cramp your toes.”

Will these shoes deliver gold for Powell?


By Jay Hicks.

13 Athletes To Keep Your Eyes On In Beijing

Winning a gold or medaling for that matter, means different things to different athletes. For some it is vindication of their journey, others it is about joining Olympic history and still for some athletes winning an Olympic gold medal can mean financial security for the their lives.

Will the situation be too much for some athletes or will we see a glorious triumph that sends a nation rocking. Think Cathy Freeman mesmerizing performance. Or Michael Johnson's iconic moment in Atlanta.

We took the time to gather 12 athletes you should watch during the Olympics.

Allyson Felix, 200-meters, U.S., – What can’t this daughter of a Baptist preacher accomplish? She skipped collegiate track and field altogether instead she opted to turn pro while at the same time taking a full courses load to graduate from USC in four years. This past December she graduated with a degree in education.

She is almost as well known for her beaming style and telegenic looks as she is for long strides that have carried her to the top of the track world. Allyson is the heavy favor to win the 200-meters.

Asafa Powell, 100-meters, Jamaica – He is the sprinter formerly known as the World’s Fastest Man until countryman Usain Bolt broke his world record with a time of 9.72 seconds in the 100-meters in New York City.

He has not won a major championship up until this point and Beijing is his chance to quiet his critics, which is pretty much anyone with a computer and a mouse, on the subject. This from a man who admitted that he tightened up in finals of the World Championships last year.

Can Powell claim the title again after being the events leading men over the last several seasons?

Tyson Gay, 100-meters, U.S.– The U.S. best hope to win the 100-meters is this silent sprint giant. Gay is the fastest of them all. He ran 9.68 at the Olympic Trials final, but is not considered for a world record because wind reading (+4.1) exceeded the allowable limit. The lingering question of course is whether the reigning 100 and 200-meter World Champion is 100% when the gun goes off for the first round of the 100-meters in Beijing.

The crowd at the U.S Olympic Trials in Eugene watched in dismay, as he strained his hamstring and fell to track while trying to qualifying for the 200-meters. Gay’s dream of competing in the 200-meters was gone. He did not complain about the Olympic Trials process or linger on the fact he will not be able to run the 200-meters at the Olympics.

Usain Bolt, 100-meters Jamaica – His name is an easy set up for his nickname “Lightning” Bolt. Bolt lays claim to the fastest time in the world and is one of the sports most intriguing figures.

The 6 foot, 5 inch, charismatic Jamaican has been known as a “200 man” for all of his professional career. Bolt took up the 100-meters and then set the new World Record of 9.74 in just his second outing of the season. The question is whether he can beat seasoned vets in Tyson Gay and Asafa Powell when it really, really counts.

Jeremy Wariner, 400-meters, U.S.: The most dominant sprinter over the last four years is back to the Olympics with a goal to be the second person in history to win a two gold medals in the 400. The first person is his mentor and agent, Michael Johnson, whose world record of 43.18 he is also chasing.

This time around Wariner has a new coach, a new rival in LaShawn Merritt, and media circus following his every move to determine if he walks differently now that he is no longer with long time coach Clyde Hart. Wariner is focused, determined, and sensational when it count but now he will need deliver his best performance ever to win.

Pamela Jelimo, 800-meters, Kenya: Kenyan teenager Pamela Jelimo is poised complete her rise to the top of the game in Beijing. In high school Jelimo competed in the 400-meters and her experience in the 800 goes back a whole four months.

Every games has a phenom that takes the world by story. Jelimo has run the fastest time the event has seen in 11 years. In one of her European races she finished four seconds in front of the second place competitor. Will she solidify her status as the '08 kid wonder?

Bryan Clay, Decathlete, US: Bryan Clay is probably the world’s best male athlete that no one has heard of. He surpassed the U.S. Olympic Trials record in putting down 8,832 points in June. Clay could probably go to a restaurant today without being recognized as one of the best male athletes in the world.

David Oliver, 110-hurdles, U.S.: – Looking like you could be a hit man albeit a very nice one is not a requirement to be contender in the hurdles. The 6 foot, 3 inches Denver native arrived as a freshman at Howard University to play football. During his tenure at the historically black university he developed into an elite hurdler.

It would be easy to call his rise to U.S. Olympic Trials champion could easily be mislabeled as an overnight success. It has been old school hard work and elbow grease under the tutelage of coaching legend Brooks Johnson. Oh, it doesn’t hurt that he comes from good stock. One day in high school he came across a bunch of medals displaying his mother’s name. His mother Brenda Chambers ran hurdles at George Washington and Colorado and competed in Beijing in 1980 for the U.S. National Team and at the 1980 Olympic Trials. Twenty eight years later her son is slated to taking the blocks in Beijing. Can this all come circle for David and Brenda?

Lolo Jones, 100 hurdles, U.S.:– She may not appear on Forbes list of highest paid professional athletes, but she doesn’t have to worry about paying her bills anymore. After failing to qualify for the 2004 Olympic team Jones hit some rough financial times. Without a shoe contract Lolo had to take up jobs as an outdoor cashiers job at Home Depot in sweltering Louisiana and a waitress job at a Cajun restaurant.

Those realities are long behind her. Today Jones receives support from sponsors Asics and Oakley which have allowed Jones to focusing on hurdling. She would have broken Gail Devers American record had the wind reading been over the allowable limit in winning the Olympic Trials. She is the 2008 World Indoor Champion and hasn’t lost a race since gas was less than $3.00 a gallon.

Liu Xiang, 110 Hurdles, China: Xiang’s is such a valuable cultural asset to the People’s Republic that in ’07 his legs were insured for $13.7 million. Little did anyone know at the time that the 2004 Olympic gold champion would have been one of the most rarely seen athletes on the international track scene.

His health status is still a mystery. He did not race at the Prefontaine Classic and then was disqualified for a false start at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York City. Since then he has been away in training and has not been scene much in public. Coming into the season he was considered the hands down favorite to win goal but that was before Cuba’s Dayron Robles broke Xiang’s World Record in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

If the pressure was not enough, things have certainly been kicked up a notch especially considering Xiang is probably China’s best hope for gold.

Lopez Lomong, 1,500, U.S.: His journey has taken him thousands of miles, he has been to hell and back and has been the journey has littered with obstacles the entire way.

He had near death experiences in Sudan, he was imprisoned, and he lived in a refugee camp before even making it to the United States. Lomong fought through a gimp foot in Eugene to qualify for at the Olympic Trials and now he is living the American dream. There will be millions cheering for this young man to reach Olympic glory.

Sanya Richards, 400-meters, U.S.: The charismastic 23-year-old star has done everything in the sport except win Olympic. Sanya was the youngest person to run under 49 seconds and she has won every national and international championship until the 2007 brought an unforeseen medical challenge. Richards was diagnosed with Behcets syndrome a rare condition that attacks the immune system. Her tongue became so swollen

Bernard “Kip” Lagat, 1,500-meters, U.S.: The U.S. has not won a 5,000-meter medal in a generation and Lagat is the nation’s answer to the medal drought. The Kenyan born runner has won Olympic medals for his native country but will compete for the U.S in Beijing. known for his trademark kick, Lagat that has reeled in some of the world’s top middle distance runners. Lagat’s

Kip became the first man in the sport to win the 1,500 and 5,000 meters in gutsy, dominating performance in Osaka last year. He is doing the double in Beijing.

By Jay Hicks.

Instant Analysis – Monaco Super Grand Prix!

Isinbayeva Raises the Pole Vault World Record.

-Monaco-Can anyone touch Yelena Isinbayeva? She cleared 16 feet, 6 1/2 inches setting a new record for the second time this season. The stakes have been raised another notch and Yelena goes into Beijing as the clear favorite to win gold.

It’s about staying calm under the pressure. I think David Oliver (13.11) hit nearly every hurdle in the race and still managed to run down Anwar Moore for the win. That’s when you know your race is on.

It was just another day in the office for Asafa Powell. Today the Jamaican commonly referred to as the world’s second fastest man clocked 9.82 in the 100-meters. Darvis “The Veteran” Patton (9.98) of the U.S. was runner up with a solid performance.

More than almost anyone else Jamaica's Kerron Stewart is establishing herself as the runner to beat. Today she posted 10.94 over Sherone Simpson (10.95) of Jamaica, and Torri Edwards (11.02) of the U.S. in a hotly contested 100-meter race.

The 800 left me thinking that the U.S. athletes can not expect to be competitive if they sit in the back for most of the race and then try to pour on a huge kick down the home stretch. It isn't going to happen. Yuriy Borzakovskiy and Yusuf Saad Kamel put down a ridiculous 1:42.79. They ran every step of the race today.

By Jay Hicks.

Monaco IAAF Super Grand Prix--Preview

Catch all of the action live on WCSN.com and Universal Sports TV.

-Monte Carlo - Don't miss the last major action before the Olympic Games at the historic Monaco Super GP. How fast can David Oliver fly over the hurdles? The U.S. Olympic Trials champion headlines the 110-meter hurdles along with Americans Anwar Moore and Antwon Hicks.

Asafa Powell will take his last run prior to Beijing Olympic Games. Can anyone touch Yelena Isinbayeva? The Russian pole vaulter will take a stab at the world record.

The women will continue to duke it out on the 100-meter international scene. Torri Edwards (10.79) will take on Jamaica's Kerron Stewart (10.80) along with compatriots Shelly Ann Fraser (10.85), Sherone Simpson (10.87), and USA’s Marshevet Hooker (10.93) in what is a class field. Kim Gevaert of Belgium, the European champion, makes another outing in her recovery from recent injury niggles.

IAAF Herculis Super Grand Prix on WCSN.com and Universal Sports TV.

Tuesday, July 29^th

Monaco, Monte Carlo

2:00-5:00p EDT- LIVE

By Jay Hicks.

Instant Analysis: Day 2, Aviva London 2008 Super Grand Prix

Jamaicans dominate day 2 in London.

Team USA may very well win the final medal count at the of the Olympic Games, but the Jamaicans could possibly win Olympic gold in some of the marquee races. In past Olympic Games, the U.S. has grown accustomed to crushing the competition. The rest of the world may have very well caught up.

Yesterday Asafa Powell (9.94) of Jamaica ran on cruise control while winning the 100-meters. Sherone Simpson (22.80) who also represents Jamaica, managed to pull out a close win in the women’s 200 meters.

Today Bolt (19.76) blew away a field that included Wallace Spearmon (20.27) of the U.S. in the 200-meters, setting a new British all-comers Crystal Palace record. Bolt was nearly a half second ahead of Wallace Spearmon.

Afterwards Bolt said, “Looking to Beijing, I think I have a good chance in the 200m and 100m - I'd love to do both," said the Jamaican. I'm still waiting to see what will be going on with that, my coach is making that decision maybe in a week or so.”

Going into Beijing, the Jamaican sprint star has put together a body of work that gives him the "favored" status in both the 100 and 200-meters. The looming question is whether Bolt decides to attempt the elusive double.

Jamaican superstar Veronica Campbell-Brown won the women’s 100-meters in 10.86. Runner up Shelly Ann-Fraser, also from Jamaica ran 10.95. Torri Edwards who will be representing the U.S. in Beijing took fourth (11.09) in the race. Allyson Felix was scheduled to participate in the 100-meters, but she decided to pull out of the race.

In race displaying his consistency, Kerron Clement (48.36) dominated the 400-meter hurdles.

By Jay Hicks.

Aviva London Super Grand Prix, IAAF World Athletics Tour—Preview

Catch the Aviva London Super Grand Prix broadcast on WCSN.com and WCSN TV.

The big draw of Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay at 100-meters, will have to wait until Beijing. As a precaution, Gay has cancelled his appearance in the 100-meters, just to make sure he does not re-injury himself before the Olympic Games.

According to meeting director Ian Stewart: “Tyson gave himself absolutely every chance to be fit for the Aviva London Grand Prix – and I know he was absolutely desperate to run here. But at the end of the day the meeting has come just a fraction too soon for him and I understand the reasons why he has had to pull out.”

But don’t discount the London Aviva Super Grand Prix because the meet, which has been expanded to a two day format boasts an impressive line up.

First starters, Usain Bolt has promised something ‘special’ for his appearance in the 200-meters, after dropping 19.67 last Friday in Rome. Might that something 'special' be a run at Michael Johnson’s World Record of 19.32?

If it is somehow possible, the women’s 100-meters continues to add drama. U.S. Olympian Lauryn Williams will face Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown and Allyson Felix of the U.S.

Williams, who qualified at the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 100-meters with a third place finish, will definitely bring the heat on Friday against two formidable opponents just three weeks before the Olympic Games.

Timing is everything, especially in the hurdles. If David Oliver beats Cuba’s Dayron Robles, then track and field may have yet another new rivalry. Robles the reigning World Record holder in the 110-meter hurdles is a beast right now.

Can Lolo Jones continue her winning ways? Former Olympian Joanna Hayes and Jamaica’s Brigitte Foster-Hylton make for an exciting precursor to Beijing.

Going into Beijing, the question mark on Kerron Clement in the 400-meter hurdles, is whether the 2007 World Champion can establish consistency in the grueling one lap race. Fridays race may provide some indication of how consistent Clement is running since his lost to Bershawn Jackson at the U.S. Olympic Trials.

By Jay Hicks.

Mavado's Music Video About Asafa Powell Is Jamaican Culture!

Track & field is a way of life in Jamaica. Dig this video of the making of Mavado’s, “On The Go, Faster Than a Bullet” a tribute song to Asafa Powell and his homeland of Jamaica. The popular Jamaican dancehall artist dropped a hot song! The island of 2.8 million will be jumping if a Jamaican born athlete wins the gold in Beijing.

Jamaica "home of the fastest man alive," loves their sprinters. Below are a pair of customized pair of Nikes in honor of Mavado and Asafa Powell and have 9.74 etched on the side.

Nike sponsored the project which looks like fun times were had by all, especially Asafa. The song is also available for purchase on I-Tunes, as well as Asafa’s Train For Speed Workout Playlist.

The 30 minute soundtrack includes hits by Sister Nancy, Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder, and of course Mavado. You can check out Asafa’s Train for Speed soundtrack at I-Tunes.com.

Click here to watch the official music video on youtube.

By Jay Hicks.

Women's 100 World Champion Fails To Make Jamaican Olympic Team!

There are no guarantees in track and field, and even the best of the best runners have to earn an Olympic spot. In a shocking development, reigning 100-meter World Champion Veronica Campbell-Brown (10.88) did not earn an automatic bid to the Olympic Games.

There was incredible sprinting Saturday night in the Caribbean. The Jamaican nationals saw four women dip under 10.90, with winner Kerron Stewart fighting to victory in 10.80.

The top three winners of Stewart, Shelley-Ann Fraser (10.85), and Sherone Simpson (10.87) will compete for Jamaica in Beijing.

Campbell-Brown will try to qualify in the 200-meters on Sunday.

Those looking for major fire works in the men’s 100-meters will have to wait until Beijing. Usain “Lightening” Bolt jogged a 9.85 to victory, ahead of Asafa Powell (9.97) who reportedly shut it down at 80-meters.

By Jay Hicks.

Photo courtesy IAAF.

Small Package, Big Time Results in Jamaica!

In other track news, do you remember again when we stated that Asafa Powell needs to bring the heat? Well last night the former 100-meter record holder Asafa Powell dropped 9.90 in the semifinals of the Jamaican National Championships.

Can he deliver a noteworthy performance in the finals against world record holder Usain Bolt? Powell is showing the kind of heart that his competitors have criticized him for lacking in the past.

The women’s 100-meters in Jamaica is shaping up to be a fierce competition. Kerron Stewart (10.99) ran her third career sub 11-second race at 100-meters. This makes for a huge drama in the finals as the reigning Olympic and World Champion Veronica Campbell-Brown is bringing the fire at this point in the season.

By Jay Hicks.