Meeting Herculis Preview: Big Plans from Kiprop and Rudisha, by Alfons Juck, EME News

Asbel Kiprop and David Rudisha shared the interview table as Marc Maury, an accomplished interviewer in French and English, opened the press conference. Many times, Marc Maury has successfully gleaned information out of athletes, who, maybe fearful of their language skills, get stage fright, or, just don’t have much to say. 

Asbel Kiprop, photo by PhotoRun.net

David Rudisha has emerged from his Glasgow race with a bit more confidence, and knowing, that, while he may not be his 2012 self, that his 2014 self is pretty darn good, say 1:43 low good. Asbel Kiprop is the proverbial man on a mission. Kiprop has run 1:43.35 and has been training to go through 1200 meters in 2:45. He told the assembled media that while was not fearful of 1200 meters in 2:45, he was concerned about those last, lonely 120 meters. 

David Rudisha, photo by PhotoRun.net

It is in those last, lonely meters, that an athlete tests his or her mettle. Workouts alone in the cold, wind and rain only add to the intensity. Embrace the challenges, as Asbel Kiprop an David Rudisha have done, and run fast, very fast! That is what, I believe is in the works for Monaco tomorrow! 

KIPROP AND RUDISHA WITH BIG PLANS, TOP FIELD IN MEN HIGH JUMP

MONACO (MON): Great fields with expected great weather that is the last IAAF Diamond League meet before the championships breakon Friday in Monaco. Herculis is promising very special 200 m (Gatlin vs Gay vs Ashmeade), Rudisha in the 800 m, Kiprop trying for fast time in the 1500 m and loaded men high jump. First years race of European Athlete 2013 Zuzana Hejnova is the women special issue.

Event by event

Men

200 m: Ashmeade is the current top, Gatlin from lane 7 and Gay from lane 3 are big stars, but what is their capability here?

400 m: L. Merritt for another win and can secure Diamond Race for him, from behind coming African record holder Makwala and US Champ Roberts.

800 m (non-DL): Rudisha another fast time plan (WL is 1:43.34), but Aman is here, also Amos, and feeling home advantage Bosse.

1500 m: Kiprop with big plans (2:30 at 1100 m) wants to improve WL for sure (3:29.18), possibly MR 3:27.34. Souleiman also in shape as is S. Kiplagat and newcomer Kwemoi.

Steeple: Birech to prove his position against two Kipruto´s (B and C) and Jager. First sub 8 of the year?

110mH: PML wants sub 13, Oliver and Ortega should not be underestimated, first race since May for A. Merritt. PML with win will have the Diamond Race.

HJ: The field of the evening with all six 240 this year. Bondarenko, Barshim, Ukhov, Drouin, Protsenko, Dmitrik, you cannot ask for more. MR 237 for sure.

LJ: Li Jinzhe on paper, what is the health situation of Menkov.

DT: Malachowski, but also Kanter and Hadadi.

Women

100 m: Bowie is back after some health issues, but also the shape of SAFP is improving. Not to forget Okagbare and Campbell-Brown.

800 m: Sum wants to remain unbeaten and asked for 56.5 pace.  Group attacking her is headed by Poistogova, Nanyondo and Wilson. With a win Sum gets the Diamond Race.

5000 m: Dibaba to rule, will Hassan stay with her, Cherono also there. WL under threat 14:34.99. Actually first ever 5k for women at Herculis.

400mH: Return of Hejnova, WL holder is Spencer, US champ Carter in first race since her title win.

PV: All the best here, Murer leading the lists, Ryzih in Europe, Suhr Olympic winner, Silva World indoor champion. Surprise from Stefanidi?

TJ: Ibarguen is still unbeaten, Koneva ready to attack.

SP: Adams for another one. MR would mean also WL. Her 53rd win in a row will also mean Diamond Race.

JT: Spotakova is also unbeaten but wants the WL (67.32), Ratej, Stahl and Mickle will waiting behind for their chance.