World Athletic Championships

Posted by: count.d on 03 August 2017

I'm looking forward to the championships starting tomorrow.

I never bothered registering last year, never queued up online and didn't take much interest when tickets went on sale and were vastly oversubscribed. I casually went on the official site yesterday, registered and bought tickets for the Saturday that I wanted in prime seats. Doesn't seem fair, considering the amount of effort others put in to buy them (or couldn't buy them) over the past 10 months or so

Anyway, if you suddenly get the bug, they're still available somehow. If you fail to see the tickets you want, check back every 1/2 hour or so, as they suddenly pop up.

Posted on: 05 August 2017 by Eloise

And well done to Mo Farrah. In my mind at least equal to Bolt in his achievements...

Posted on: 05 August 2017 by Bert Schurink

I hope Bolt can close his career in style, he has given me a lot of pleasure with his races throughout the years. I still remember the thrilling experience in 2008 while I was sitting in a fitness studio on a spinning bike and saw him win in this amazing time. It inspired me while recovering from a stroke.

Posted on: 05 August 2017 by tonym

SWMBO put in for a shedload of tickets; lucky she only ended up with two, otherwise I'd be forced to sell her to an arab slave trader to pay for them all. You're right Count.D, the system really doesn't seem fair. I suspect blocks of tickets are allocated to "Corporate", & they sell back their unwanted seats.

A brilliant race from Sir Mo, what a fantastic run! We were on the edge of our seats. It must be devastating for his competitors, who he manages to out-think tactically. Their hearts must sink when Mo's still up there on the final stretch.

Posted on: 05 August 2017 by count.d

Yes Mo Farah was superb. What an achievement.

Posted on: 05 August 2017 by Eloise

count.d posted:
Yes Mo Farah was superb. What an achievement.

He always appears to be so calm ... he does his own thing, never worrying about the others around him ... and they are frantic trying to “break” him and never do! He must have great mental strength as well as the physical strength.

Posted on: 05 August 2017 by count.d

He does normally Eloise, but I think he was panicking a little last night. He kept tripping over the track rails haha. Loved that race last night.

Posted on: 05 August 2017 by Clive B

Rather sad that Usain Bolt didn't finish his solo career with a final World gold, but it seemed to me that his heart wasn't in it and he knew he wasn't at his best. But what a gentleman for congratulating Justin Gatlin, despite his drug bans and all the booing.

I'm just pleased to have lived in the same time as this sporting superstar and to have witnessed his successes. I look forward to the 4x100m relay next weekend.

Posted on: 07 August 2017 by Bruce Woodhouse

Farah's race was compelling viewing. He now has heats as well as the 5000m final. Can he do it?

I'd have loved Bolt to have a final swansong but it just showed why he is retiring. Suddenly he was mortal, none of that joyous surging speed. I think he could quite easily have dodged this event as it was clear he was not in great shape but he'd promised he would compete (and promised his sponsors no doubt) so fair play. Still a gentleman and a superstar.

Saw him run at Glasgow Commonwealth games, just a relay leg but he still captivated everyone and then spent an age smiling waving and posing for as many pics as people wanted. Will be much missed.

Gatland was cleared to run by the IAAF so fully entitled to do so. In some ways his return to win was a great story-but it will never be portrayed that way. I think the message of the booing was for the governing bodies who allowed his return after two bans more than for him personally, although a little contrition at some points along the way by him might have helped his cause and image.

Bruce

Posted on: 08 August 2017 by The Strat (Fender)

Am going on Thursday - really looking forward.

Posted on: 12 August 2017 by Tony2011

Well done team GB on the 400m relay gold medal!

Posted on: 12 August 2017 by Bert Schurink

A frustrating end of a great career, thank you Usain Bolt....

Posted on: 13 August 2017 by Clive B

Just watching these race walkers at a pace of 4:00min/km. That's faster than my marathon running pace!!

It does look funny though.

Posted on: 13 August 2017 by The Strat (Fender)

Have loved it all. Great competition. Thank you Mo and Usain.