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VIPAM · Junior Varsity Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 118

I weighed in the selection of Justin Gatlin and others against Asafa Powell and decided to go with just Asafa Powell. Over the last couple years Asafa has raced more 100's GP than Justin and his form is extraordinary. I thought of picking Justin Gatlin and a few other with the point differental of Powell and Gatin + others and decided if Asafa would come of his injury he would be the bast pick. Asafa still can garner me good points but so far he missed the first stop and due to miss the second-picking him may have cost me points that will be hard to make up.

Dan · Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 4:25 am Post subject:

I skipped Asafa, but I made a similar "mistake" in the event, dropping Zakari last minute in favor of a few other athletes. Zakari, like Powell, tends to be a horse on the circuit, which could mean a lot of lost points.

Still, you didn't do too badly the first meet... Wink

Dan
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Conway · Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 7:48 am Post subject:

I passed on Asafa simply because he was too expensive and has been complaining about his "groin" all season ... While I don't believe the groin story, I do think it is being used to buy time away from the circuit when necessary ... That lead me ot belive that he wouldn't be running as often ...

Then again the big guns haven't been running as often the past few seasons ... Having said all that I didd choose Gatlin though ... But becasue he won only two races last year and needs to back up his gold medal performance from Athens ... Not quite as scientific as Micah mind you, but hey ...
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Dan · Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 8:45 am Post subject:

I figure Gatlin is off to a better start this year and will probably run more races as a result, not having to go back to training to get things sorted out. As for Asafa, I couldn't help but wonder about what the rest of the season has in store, after breaking the record, based on Conway's mentioning in the past of the surprisingly poor odds of going sub-10 again.

Dan
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Indeurr · Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 4:54 pm Post subject:

VIPAM · Junior Varsity Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 118

Powell hasn't peaked and he may not be as banged (thigh injury) as reported. Asafa got the world record his other goal is to be World Champion and right now he have the psychological edge over Gatlin being noone has run faster than him, why risk giving Gatlin confidence by running against him before the Worlds.

In my opinion Powell went back to mid-season training in order to build more strength and then taper/peak around World Championships. The exciting part is will that be enough or will Gatlin step up to the challenge?

Conway · Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 9:44 am Post subject:

I think Powell is hurt ... If he is clearly superior to Gatlin, then now would be the time to run him .. NO rounds ... Just go out and destroy him - if he could ... Take complete psychological advantage going in to the Games ...

As it stands, yes Powell has the record ... But Gatlin has Olympic Gold AND is the only person to beat Powell this year !!! If he is NOT hurt but avoiding Gatlin that would indicate fear !!!

If I'm better than you, then I want to go out and show the world ... Especially if you have something I want - a gold medal ...

Also, to say that Powell has NOT peaked is to say that he will break the record again ... Something that is highly unlikely ...

Mostly likely scenario ... Powell has peaked ... He also hurt himself in the WR attempt ... And if it is truly a groin is very sensitive and will not "heal" during the time between now and Helsinki .. Powell is doing his best to appear to want to race while trying to rehab ... But if the groin is hurt hard training will only keep it aggravated .. Which means all he can try and do is rest ... Meaning he will go into Helsinki at less than his best and will be vulnerable to another defeat !!! Wink

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Conway
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VIPAM · Junior Varsity Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 118

Gatlin may beat Powell in the World Championshps but Powell hasn't peaked and is capable of breaking the World Record again. He have plently of time to recuperate IF he is injuried from a sensitive groin. As far the WR you can be in better shape but still not break the record again due to conditions and the track.

Asafa Powell in my opinion is back training hard and will taper right before the Worlds in order to shock the world and Gatlin. The elite athletes often have two peaks in a season especially the sprinters. It will be up to Gatlin to rise to the occassion.

Conway · Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 9:58 am Post subject:

VIPAM · Junior Varsity Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 118

Guess we'll have to wait and see, huh! Not saying I'm right its just my opinion on the situation but I understand your point also Conway Smile

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Conway · Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 10:08 am Post subject:

And that's what makes it fun !!! ;-=)
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Dan · Posted: Mon Jul 11, 2005 10:43 am Post subject:

I'm with Conway. I consider Powell to be one of the more mentally weak elite sprinters, whereas Gatlin is arguably the best of the current crop (Mo notwithstanding). The last couple times they've gone head to head, Gatlin has left no doubt that he's the tougher competitor. Any mental edge Powell has is purely in his own head ... it sure isn't on display out on the track.

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