by Larry Eder
The 2022 Millrose Games had everything going against them. Between the pandemic and big snowstorm, people had a challenging time getting into Armory NYC. Ray Flynn, the meet director, put together some fine fields, and most of the athletes made it through the cold weather to compete on the MONDO 200m track.
Here are my five deep thoughts on the 2022 Millrose Games.
A smiling Donavan Brazier, happy after a well run race, photo by Jeff Benjamin
Deep thought, # 1: Christian Coleman, took the 60 meters at the Millrose Games. This was Coleman’s first race in twenty months. Coleman showed that has not missed any training. His start, which was nearly flawless, held off Trayvon Bromell and Ronnie Baker. Is Christian Coleman ready to race? Oh, yes. Does he have the wheels to win the WC indoors and outdoors? 6.49 is a good start after 20 months of no racing. Christian Coleman has something to prove.
Christian Coleman, photo by Jeff Benjamin
Deep thought, #2: Donavan Brazier took third in the 400 meters, in a very competitive 46.55, his PB. It should be noted that Donavan has not run a 400 meters indoors in 4 years. Post-race, he told some media that he wished he had run the 800 meters. Truth is, Donavan ran a super 400 meters, and he and Coach Julian’s plan to build him towards defending his 800m from Doha 2019 this summer is on schedule.
Donavan Brazier, photo by Kathy Camara via Peacock TV /Millrose 2022 Games
Deep thought, #3: Alicia Monson is on fire. Alicia is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin. She is now a member of the On Athletic Club. In 2021, Alicia Monson made the US Olympic team at 10,000 meters, taking third. In Tokyo, Alicia was 13th in the 10,000m final. In 2022, she has won the 2022 USA Club 10k Cross Country championships, and now, the 3000 meters at the Millrose Games. Not only did she win the 3,000 meters, but she also set an MR, and a PB with her 8:31.62. In both races, she battled Weini Kelati, until the very end of the race. Alicia Monson is strong, fast and enjoys a good battle. I can not wait to see how fast she goes in 2022!
Alicia Monson, photo by Jeff Benjamin
Deep thought, #4: Elle Purrier St. Piere is ready to roll in 2022. The Olympic Trials champion at the 1,500 meters just won the Millrose Games WHOOP Mile in 4:19.30. We will see her soon, racing outdoors and she will be a player in the WCH Oregon 22 meeting.
Elle Purrier St. Pierre, photo by Jeff Benjamin
Deep thought, #5: The men’s Millrose Mile was a battle of the titans. Ollie Hoare and Josh Kerr battled with Colby Alexander, putting all three under 3:53. Ollie Hoare won, moving past Josh Kerr with about 100 meters to go, with Josh Kerr taking second. Hoare set a new Aussie record of 3:50.83, with Josh Kerr, setting a NZ record of 3:52.27, and Colby Alexander took third in 3:52.84. We will see more of these duels this year. Duels like this are good for the sport.
Ollie Hoare, with Jeff Benjamin, photo by Jeff Benjamin
