by Larry Eder
Cameras on Wayde Van Niekerk, photo by Kevmofoto
The adidas Boost Boston Games was held on May 23, 2021. Even in the pandemic, the meet management (Global Athletics) and sponsor (adidas) were able to put together amazing fields and give us some exciting events.
The following five deep thoughts might surprise you, or maybe they won’t. If you have any comments, just send me a note at runblogrun@gmail.com.
Here are my five deep thoughts on the adidas Boost Boston Games, in no order:
1. Grant Holloway has a lot of fun being a track athlete.
Grant Holloway, May 22, 2021, photo by Kevmofoto
Grant Holloway may be the finest hurdler on the men’s side in the world. He has the 60m world record indoors. He grabbed that record from none other than Colin Jackson, one of the greatest hurdlers, indoors and out (and an amazing TV announcer). Both showed a lot of class when Grant was going for it last February.
Grant debuted on a street hurdles race in 13.20. He’s ready for the Olympic Trials, and Tokyo. Do not miss his races, as they will be something special.
2. Shaunae Miller-Uibo is the finest 200m/400m women’s athlete in the world.
Shaunae Miller-Uibo, focused on the 200m, photo by Kevmofoto
Okay, Shaunae has the fastest 200m and 400m indoors in 2021, and now has the fastest 200m and 400m outdoors in the world as well. Her 200m straight at the adidas Boost Boston Games put a large smile across the face of Coach Lance Brauman.
Most importantly, Shaunae Miller-Uibo has done this 2021 year on strength work. I can not wait to see just how fast she will be over 200m and 400m at the end of the season.
3. Keni Harrison knows what she has to do in the 100m hurdles.
Keni Harrison won her last race before the Trials in 12.49, photo by Kevmofoto
Keni Harrison chooses the toughest event in American track & field as her life’s ambition: the 100m hurdles. She did not make the team in 2016, yet, set the 100m hurdles world record. Since then, she took gold at the World Indoors and silver at the World outdoors.
This is not professional wrestling. Athletics is an actual sport. Not everyone wins, but Keni Harrison has learned those lessons that one learns only from the tough races. She is doing well this season and I think that she will be on the podium in Eugene and Tokyo.
Keni Harrison will win the gold medal in the 100m hurdles because she did it the old-fashioned way-she earned it.
4. Noah Lyles is coming around into shape just fine…
Noah Lyles, doing the 100m /200m in Eugene, photo by Kevmofoto
In point 3, I noted that track & field is no pro-wrestling.
One has to earn each win, each medal, and each acknowledgment of success. The truth is this. We see these amazing human specimens, who focus on running, jumping, and throwing. When one wins, it looks so easy.
But, the storyteller in me wants to tell the stories of these athletes around a campfire, and let everyone know that there are good days, bad days, good years, bad years.
Noah Lyles is coming into shape in 2021. His 200m win at Mt.SAC told us that. And he’s right, he needs a few more 100m races.
All’s good, he’s in the hands of Lance Brauman. Lance is one of those coaches who can not only help you fix your weaknesses, he can hone your skills, so you can win the big ones. The only problem is that athletes do have to listen to coaches.
Noah Lyles will be ready.
5. Wayde Van Niekerk listens to his body, and that is good.
Wayde Van Niekerk, photo by Kevmofoto
Wayde Van Niekerk is the Olympic gold medalist at 400m from 2016. In 2017, he took silver in the 200m and defended his gold from 2015 at the 400m.
He also was injured in a rubgy match that fall. It has taken him 3 plus years to achieve this level of fitness again, so that he can race the best.
On Sunday, he felt a tightness in his hips and jogged it in, a 200m in 20.89. It seems that it was a cramp, but Wayde Van Niekerk has much more to consider as he prepares for the Tokyo Games.
For Wayde Van Niekerk, there is a reason for everything. A thoughtful athlete, Wayde wants to compete well in Tokyo, so he has to consider everything.
We shall see him race in Tokyo and wish him and all the athletes going to the 2021 Olympics the very best of luck.
