2009 Melbourne World Athletics Tours: Preview

2009 Melbourne World Athletics Tours: Preview

Edward Ovadia

Email: edwardovadia [at] gmail.com

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WATCH THE RUNNER'S TRIBE LIVE COVERAGE OF THE MELBOURNE MEET HERE!
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Sally McLellan (100m Hurdles and 100m Flat)

McLellan looked unbeatable in Sydney last week, and there's no reason to expect this to change on Thursday. All we can do is hope that Breen challenges McLellan in the 100m flat, and together they can attack Melinda Gainsford-Taylor's national record. If not, McLellan will be on her own, and the task might prove too much for her. But look for McLellan to dominate the rest of the field - resoundly.

Dani Samuels (Discus)

Samuels was all over the US Olympic Champion Stephanie Brown-Trafton in Sydney, and threw just shy of her personal best. If she can get another victory over the American, it would do wonders for Samuels' competition confidence.

Justin Merlino (110m Hurdles)

Merlino was well beaten by Olympic bronze medallist David Oliver, but still ran a fast time. If he can stick with Oliver just a little bit longer, he may get dragged along and post an A qualifier under the elusive mark of 13.55 seconds.

Steve Hooker (Pole Vault)

They've brought out Olympic silver medallist Evgeniy Lukyanenko, but the only man who'll be left standing - or jumping - when the bar gets high will be Olympic superstar Steve Hooker. Hooker is on a streak of six unbeaten competitions, and is getting dangerously close to Bubka's world record. Could Melbourne be the night the record goes?

Tamsyn Lewis (400m)

It's not often you see a World Champion admit she can't be competitive in her chosen event, but that was the case for 800m World Indoor Champion Tansyn Lewis. Lewis has made the switch to the 400m, hoping to be more competitive on the international scene. And so far it's a move which is paying off - she ran an equal PB in Sydney, running 51.44 in an impressive solo effort, and will be looking to go one better in Melbourne.

Lachlan Renshaw vs Nick Bromley (800m)

One year ago Renshaw broke through in the Melbourne 800m, running 1:45 and qualifying for the Olympics. The field this year isn't as stacked, but three time national champion Nick Bromley will be out to challenge Renshaw. Can one of them, or both, post another 1:45 and an A qualifier?

Asafa Powell (100m)

Powell has promised to run the fastest time ever in Australia. 9.99 is no problem, he says. The next fastest, 9.94, is also not a worry. Even Maurice Greene's 9.87, the Australian all comers record, is in Powell's sights. While a 9.86 may be ambitious for this early in the season (although his 400m improvement is a promising sign) a sub 10 second run is almost a guarantee. Want to see what it's like for someone to run sub 10 seconds in real life? Come and watch the great Jamaican show you how it's done.

Tristan Thomas vs Bershawn Jackson (400m Hurdles)

These two had an epic battle in Sydney, with Thomas just edging out USA's Jackson in the final metres. Thomas was rewarded with his second A qualifier and his first performance under 49 seconds. Can he go one better this time, and claim the national record? There's no doubt Jackson will be primed for revenge, and will be pushing Thomas all the way.

Men's 5000m

This is the big one. The National Championships, and the one big track distance race of the Australian calendar. No Craig Mottram means the national title is up for grabs, and Collis Birmingham will be the hot contender. But don't discount the other runners. Ryan Gregson, hot from his 3:37 1500m PB on Saturday, will be ready for a sub 13:30 performance. So to are Ben St. Lawrence and Michael Shelley, with Brit Andy Baddeley hot on their heels. The magic number is 13:20, the A qualifier, and everyone is praying for a fast race and good conditions to allow the talented field to take their best shot at setting a fast time.

Men's 1500m

The rematch from Sydney. The Sydney race was fast and exciting, with PBs galore. Roffy was unlucky not to post a faster time, but will be looking to do just that in Melbourne. On his tail will be Jeff Riseley, Youcef Abdi, Brad Woods, and of course Kenyan-born Bahrain runner Yusuf Saad Kamel, who won the race in Sydney. The A qualifier is 3:36.20 - look for Riseley, Roff and Woods especially to have that mark in their sights.

Edward's website

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WATCH THE RUNNER'S TRIBE LIVE COVERAGE OF THE MELBOURNE MEET HERE!
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