Page 18 - ARUBA TODAY

A18 SPORTS
Friday 27 September 2019
Post-Bolt worlds: track enters new territory minus Usain

medical process has been
criticized as unethical by
experts and Semenya has
refused to take medication
to alter what she calls her
genetic gifts.
At least two other run-
ners, Francine Niyonsaba
of Burundi and Margaret
Wambui of Kenya — both
Olympic medalists — say
they also are affected
by the rules. With none of
those women in the lineup,
Americans Ajee Wilson and
Raevyn Rogers, along with
Lynsey Sharp of Britain, are
among the favorites.
FELIX’S FORM
Decorated sprinter Al-
lyson Felix didn’t make
the U.S. squad in an indi-
vidual event as she works
her way back from giving
birth. But she was named
to the 4x400 relay pool as
the team tries to defend its
title. She’s an 11-time world
champion.
Felix hasn’t competed that
much since giving birth to
her daughter, Camryn, in
late November during an
emergency C-section. The
33-year-old Felix is looking
toward Tokyo in hoping
to make her fifth Olympic
team.
HURDLES FALLING?
In this Aug. 17, 2013, file photo, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt celebrates winning gold in the men’s 200-meter final at the World Athletics In the men’s 400-meter
Championships in Moscow, Russia. hurdles, Karsten Warholm
Associated Press of Norway, Abderrahman
By PAT GRAHAM ponent. Everyone has their year at the Tokyo Games. Coleman’s top rival in the Samba of Qatar and Rai
AP Sports Writer opportunity of being re- Bolt won’t be running there, 200 is Noah Lyles, a 22-year- Benjamin of the U.S. are
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — A ally good and stepping up either. old who celebrates like Bolt all making a run at Kevin
new era of track and field to the plate to be able to Here are some people to — and runs like him, too. Young’s top mark of 46.78
begins Friday at the world place.” know and top events to Don’t discount Canada’s seconds that was set in
championships. Also missing from these watch: Andre De Grasse , who 1992. All three have run un-
For the first time since 2003, championships is South Af- GATLIN VS. COLEMAN VS. captured silver (200) and der the 47-second thresh-
the sport’s biggest event rican middle-distance run- DE GRASSE bronze (100, 4x100) at the old over the last year or so.
outside the Olympics will ner Caster Semenya, who Gatlin will have his work cut 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olym- “We’ll see how it goes,”
take place without Usain is barred from defending out for him in defending his pics. Benjamin said.
Bolt. her latest 800-meter world 100-meter title. First, he’s 37 On the women’s side, HURDLES FALLING, PART II?
The effervescent Jamai- title in Doha because she and going up against the American sprinter Tori Bowie In the women’s 400 hurdles,
can, who made the sprints has refused to follow new next generation. Second, (100) and Dafne Schippers Olympic champion Dali-
can’t-miss entertainment IAAF rules requiring her to he felt something grab in (200) of the Netherlands lah Muhammad broke the
any time he was on the medically reduce her natu- his hamstring during a meet are out to defend their world record in the rain
track, has left a void since ral testosterone level to be in Croatia in early Septem- titles. Jamaicans Elaine July 28 at the nationals in
his retirement after worlds allowed to compete in cer- ber (he said he’s healthy). Thompson and Shelly-Ann Des Moines, Iowa. Her time
in 2017. tain races. American teammate Chris- Fraser-Pryce are favored in of 52.20 seconds was 0.14
But also created some new The IAAF will award her a tian Coleman , who has the the 100. Dina Asher-Smith seconds faster than that by
opportunities . gold medal from the 2011 world’s leading time in the of Britain is the one to beat Yuliya Pechonkina of Russia
“It’s weird, because usually worlds at a ceremony be- 100 this year at 9.81 sec- in the 200. on Aug. 8, 2003.
when he’s around, there’s cause a Russian who fin- onds, will be a formidable WIDE OPEN 800 That record could tum-
a different energy. It’s al- ished in front of her was foe as he chases after a The IAAF’s stance on Se- ble again, with Ameri-
most like pandemonium in disqualified. But Semenya is Bolt-like 100-200 double. menya and other female can teammates Sydney
a way,” said Justin Gatlin not expected to attend the It’s been a rocky summer athletes affected by its McLaughlin, Ashley Spen-
, who got the win in 2017, ceremony. for Coleman, who is eligible new testosterone regula- cer and reigning champion
while Bolt finished a sur- Over 10 high-heat and for worlds after the U.S. An- tions was revealed in a Kori Carter in the field. Zu-
prising third in his farewell high-intensity days, athletes ti-Doping Agency dropped decision published by the zana Hejnová of the Czech
100-meter race. “Now, you will offer a glimpse of what his case for missed tests Switzerland-based Court Republic could crash the
feel like everyone is an op- things might look like next because of a technicality. of Arbitration for Sport. The party.q