Is this sports generation blessed?

[kinboshi]

Bekele just ran an amazing run in Sheffield in the 3,000m.  Fastest time in the world this year, British all-comers record, and the 7th fastest time ever.  Absolutely stunning kick with just over 2 laps to go.



He is a legend.

[kinboshi]

Bekele just showed his class again in the 10,000m at the world championships.  Pushed by the other runners to the limit as they tried everything to produce a race that gave them a chance against him.  with a lap to go, it looked like he was dropping off the front two, but stayed in contention and an amazing last lap and retains his unbeaten record at the 10,000m.

[The Baron]

Brilliant from Bekele.

Asafa Powell is the biggest bottle job since Leroy Burrell.

[kinboshi]

It's amazing how he just blows up in the big competitions.  Surely that's down to the coaching.  He needs to work with Derren Brown or someone.

[The Baron]

The scary thing is how good he could be. I wouldn't ever take anything away fom Tyson Gay but I'm sure Powell could run  sub 9.75 with the right preparation. He just cant relax in major finals.

[Rookie (Rodney)]

Just seen the last rounds of the mens 200m and i have to say that Bolt was impressive (not you Mr PP!)

[kinboshi]

Anyone see Paula Radcliffe in the New York marathon yesterday?  Absolutely brilliant. 

It looked for all the world that Wami was just waiting on Paula's shoulder to sprint by her at the end. She managed to put some distance between herself and Wami, but Wami seemed to be able to close it with ease. When she overtook Paula with less than a mile to go, it looked like it was all over, and again Wami had managed to beat Paula with her fast finish.

But Paula had other ideas and responded with a devastating finish that showed her class and determination. Utterly superb.



Both of them had excuses lined up if they didn't win. Paula's first marathon since 2005 (and of course since having her baby), and Wami had run the Berlin marathon 5 weeks earlier. But neither wanted to lose that race. Beijing will be a cracker.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/7077867.stm

[TheChipPrince]

Look at snooker. There haven't been any huge technological advantages in the sport in the past thirty years, yet when you watch old snooker footage from way back, the players were rubbish. Seeing a century break was a huge thing. Now players rattle them in with regularity, even ones who we would not consider as the absolute best players around.

I would argue that playing on a modern table with the fine cloth, with the consistent roll they produce, and the cushions make playing now a fair bit easier than 30 years ago, but yes, there are far far better players than there used to be... I mean anyone can knock in a 100+ break now cant they... 

[cdw1111]

interesting "flash" article from the guardian
sport.guardian.co.uk/flash/olympics_thenvsnow.swf
was surprised that owens would only be 5m behind in the 100m,even after all the advances during an seventy year period(proffesionalism,dietry and possible drug use).
i must admit i rarely watch athletics lately as it seems tainted by steroid misuse over the last decade.
colin