These are 3 good picks for the 2008 USA Olympic Team. Many people think Angelo Taylor with be the third and final spot behind Jeremy Wariner and LaShawn Merrit. But trying to double in the 400 meter hurdles and the 400 meters, plus possibly 2 rounds in the 4x400m relay… that’s a lot of lactic acid.
The other issue I have with Angelo’s double is the USA Trials timetable. The opening round of the 400 meters are immediately after the 400 meter hurdles. If he was slotted in the very last heat of the first round, that’s not enough recovery even for an elite athlete like Angelo. Even if he jogs the race, he still has to qualify.
I think Xavier Carter will make the team by finishing Top 6 at the USA Trials. “Round Management” is essential in finishing top 3.
Here is a nice 7 minute documentary from 2006 on YouTube.
Here is the Xavier Carter 19.63 200 meters in lane 8 video including pre-Osaka 2007 Tyson Gay.
And last, but not least, his single day triple gold medals from the NCAA 100m, 400m and 4x400m (he won another gold at 4x100m earlier)
Xavier Carter’s personal bests are 10.09 – 19.63 – 44.53 for the 100m, 200m, and 400m respectively. His raw speed gives him an edge with that extra speed reserve. When you run 19.63, then splitting 21.1 will be a tempo run!
If you were his coach, what event would you train him for?
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1) Angelo Taylor’s double quest is only commendable in the fact that he has a great desire to achieve and an outside chance of qualifying for both events. I think he should focus on the 400 hurdles as it is his best shot at gold. There are a number of runners who could nicely fill out the third spot for the 400 meters U.S. team. The Olympic track schedules and obvious pressures associated usually take their toll on those who vie for similar doubles. I wish him the best whatever his plans turn out to be.
2) Xavier Carter appears to love the 200. If I were his coach, I would encourage him to take on Michael Johnson’s feats in both the 2 and the 4 within the years ahead. At his age with his talent pool, he certainly has time to take a stab at both records. Also, most careers seem to last longer if the 100 meter speed freak event can be disregarded. I can understand the lure but as the old saying aptly states, “Speed Kills.” It certainly does apply to more than one condition.
@Fred – yes, Angelo should focus on the 400mH, and with his proven speed, he’ll certainly be chosen to run in the 4x400m relay, even only in the semi-final.
The 4x400m (and 4x100m) is only 2 rounds these days. I preferred it when it was 3.
Thanks, I am a 400m athlete doing 47.02 and want to make 45.5 to 46.00 come next year am 25years. need your advice.
@bawah fuseini – are you a 200-400 or 400-800 runner?
What are your personal bests for those distances? I am assuming 21.50 for 200M?
Am 200m 400m runner and my pb in 200m is 21.03i did that last novermber 2007.
on the sinder (on gress ) For the 200m is 21,64 a month after the first one.