Flashes of Panic

I forgot to point out my Reebok Grand Prix article. I think this one sets a new record for quality per hour; I hammered it out while the stadium staff waited impatiently to unplug my power and internet access. I whiffed on the shot (the editor added the closing paragraph for me,) because the winner went directly from the ring to the medical tent to get treated for (we’re told) muscle spasms in his back. Otherwise not bad, but nothing on Brian Cazeneuve’s article, of course. But he’s a pro; I’m a fan with a notebook.

A few things that didn’t make the article: As Brian points out, this was the first record in the track distances set in the USA since Henry Rono’s 1978 steeplechase clocking. (Rono set more than one WR that year; the steeple was merely the last one. Others have mentioned Bill Rodgers’ 1979 clockings for 15,000m, 20,000m, 25,000m, etc., to which I will only reply, when was the last time you saw a 25,000m race on a track?)

One thing which hasn’t been widely reported is that we probably saw the first-ever Chinese sub-4 mile on Saturday. Gu Ming, who is listed as their indoor record holder in 4:02, ran 3:59.75 for 10th. I mentioned it in my report, but on my suggestion my editor cut it, because neither of us had time to hunt down the Chinese NR. Further research today has left me none the wiser. Neither Gu nor the other Chinese runner in the race spoke any English, but I applied the time-honored language of gestures and speaking very slowly to get the idea that they had both previously had 4:0x PRs. Fifty-two years ago, Bannister said, “Apres moi, le déluge.” I wonder if the Chinese even care? They didn’t seem too excited in the mixed zone.

Also in unreported athletics news from Saturday, my nieces ran their first race, a Kids K at the local YMCA. Worries about their ability to cover the distance have been put to rest; what they need now is a finish line photographer with a faster camera.

Now Playing: Runaways from English Settlement by XTC