Great season finale
TOKYO (JPN): The 20th edition of Worlds is returning to Tokyo after 34 years. Olympic stadium in comparison to Olympic Games should be filled by spectators. Nine days packed programme without free day is promising an excellent end of the track season with no meetings afterwards. And this concept should continue in coming years. Most of the title defenders are competing (missing Cheptegei, A. Martin, Beriso and Kennedy). USA should be again the top nation, but who will be behind. World record thoughts of course men pole vault and mixed 4×400 m, but also women 4×400 m or 100 m hurdles with men 800 m. Top duels Jefferson-Alfred in 100/200, Chebet-Kipyegon at 5000 m or clashes like men 100 m, women 400 m or men 400 m hurdles. Some questionmarks remain about the shape of Ingebrigtsen, Crouser, Tamberi and Rojas. Prize purse is 8.5 million USD in prize money (plus any world record bonuses). Top challenge will be hot and humid weather, also some rain is predicted. Home country expects women javelin with Kitaguchi or men 110 m hurdles with Muratake. Portugal´s Joao Vieira in 35 km walk will be new participation record holder with number 14, French Melina Robert-Michon in discus will equal the highest female participation 11 of Ines Henriques and Susana Feitor. Noah Lyles has so far 7 medals could move on all-time list which is led by Usain Bolt with 14 medals. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won already 16 medals, Shericka Jackson 11 and Faith Kipyegon 6 from those participating. Allyson Felix leads here with 20 medals. There were 4 editions without World record in 1997, 2001, 2007 and 2013.
Short event by event previews
MEN
100 m: US vs Jamaica, Lyles and Bednarek vs Thompson and Seville. 13 years ago somebody clocked sub 9.7 for the last time.
200 m: Lyles vs Tebogo as in Zurich DL final, is Bednarek ready to challenge them? WL 19.63 to be broken. And we should not forget Levell.
400 m: New kid on the block Patterson to be the top favorite, Oly winner Hall missing but silver medallist Hudson-Smith is ready, title defender Watson only one sub 45 time. Surprise from Africa? WL expected.
800 m: Rudisha style front running by Wanyonyi? Can he manage, can he come close to WR? Or the same plan by defender Arop? Dark horse Attaoui. Super youngster Lutkenhaus. CR possible.
1500 m: 20 years old Laros won in commanding style Brussels and Zurich, another youngster attacking is Koech. But defender is Kerr, Jakob unclear. And…
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