)
American sprint icon has given five factors he considers while assessing the ability of an athlete to win major races.
American sprint legend Michael Johnson has outlined five key things he usually considers as he assesses the chances of an athlete winning big races as the build-up to the Olympic Games in Paris, France continues.
Johnson noted that the most important things he looks at are the times the athlete posts ahead of the global event but there are also other five things he considers.
)
05:00 - 03.05.2024
Athletics coach reveals why on-form Sharon Lokedi was snubbed for Brigid Kosgei in Kenya’s Olympics team
The veteran coach has shed light on the reasons that informed the selection of Brigid Kosgei over Sharon Lokedi for the Olympics despite the latter’s great form in recent races.
The four-time Olympic gold medallist in a post on his X (Twitter) handle, challenged fans to also name what they would consider before being confident that an athlete would win the big races.
He said: “Other than times, how would you assess the chances of a track athlete to win big races? For me it’s: W-L record against the best, W-L record at major champs, Drive: Love to race vs Want to win…both okay but there’s a difference. Confidence: Beware of fake confidence! Racer or Runner? there’s a difference.”
Follow the Pulse Sports Kenya Instagram handle for more news.
Rori Drunk, a former athlete also added a comment on Johnson’s post saying: “How many races they run, who have they run against, if they ran international vs at home, how many times have they been to a major championship.”
Kyle Anthonie added another comment saying: “When they have the ability to properly pace through the rounds confidently yet saving the best for the final.”
Glenn Chitwood was also not left behind as he added another comment saying: “Running history, particularly in big meets. I’ll take a proven “racer” over a “time trial” any day.”
Replying to Johnson, Henry Bonsu said: “Got to factor in location, whether the athlete is a frequent traveller, and whether it's a one-off race or a championship with rounds. We've seen how jet lag can influence performance if the athlete hasn't adjusted to the time zone.”
)
18:26 - 02.05.2024
Paris 2024 Olympics: Fans voice concern over Sharon Lokedi's exclusion despite her good form
Fans have shared their opinion concerning the move by Athletics Kenya and NOC-K to select Brigid Kosgei in the main Olympic marathon team and name Sharon Lokedi as a reserve, with some believing Nike played a huge role in the selection of the team.
Follow the Pulse Sports Kenya X (Twitter) handle for more news.
Steve Simpson also commented saying: “Head-to-head record against their closest rivals. It's always a little disappointing when the best athletes only compete directly against each other once or twice a year. The close competition is one of the most appealing things about the field events each season.”
Chris Bojke commented saying: “I think the methods may change with distance? longer distance races seem more tactical than 100m and so factors other than observed speed come into play?”
“Mental strength. Usain Bolt had it in buckets and often rose to the occasion. Asafa Powell had none and always flopped on the big occasion,” another fan commented.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)