Only one person is missing and not everything is deserted. Asafa Powell, the new world record holder in the 100 meters, absent due to injury, would have been the cherry on top of this World Athletics Final.
The lineup is nevertheless mouth-watering: The stars Justin Gatlin (200 meters), Yelena Isinbayeva (women’s pole vault) and Tatiana Lebedeva (women’s triple jump) as main ingredients, Bernard Lagat (3000 meters men), Michelle Perry (100 meters hurdles) and Tero Pitkamaki (Finnish star in men’s javelin) to spice up the sauce, add the vintage champagne “French star” to make this athletics meeting sparkle.
With the exception of Mehdi Baala, all the French athletes answered the call, much to the delight of spectators: Christine Arron (100 and 200), Eunice Barber (long jump), Bouchra Ghezielle, Hind Dehiba (1500 meters), Vanessa Boslak (pole vault) for the women. Bouabdallah Tahri (3000 steeplechase), Salim Sdiri (long jump), world champions Ladji Doucouré (110 hurdles) and Ronald Pognon (100 meters), Naman Keïta (400 hurdles) for the men.
At the end of these two days of competition, no major performances to highlight. The bodies are worn out. The athletes had planned their peak form for the Helsinki world championships. An exhausting season, and nothing surprising to see them breathless. We will remember Tyson Gay’s 19.96 in 200 meters, Bernard Lagat’s victory in 3000 meters, the Ethiopian Meseret Defar’s double in 3000 and 5000, and American Michelle Perry’s victory in 100 meters hurdles in an excellent time of 12.54. The highlight of these two days was undoubtedly Yelena Isinbayeva’s world record attempts in pole vault. The crowd cheered and encouraged, in vain, the Russian’s race as she could not clear 5.02 meters.
On the French side, only Christine Arron shone, placing second in the 100 and third in the 200. Ronald Pognon lacked a strong finish in a very tight 100 meters won in 10 seconds by Mark Burns. Ladji Doucouré, injured, finished sixth. A small mention nonetheless for our two representatives in the 1500 meters. Bouchra Ghezielle (bronze medalist in Helsinki) and Hind Dehiba placed respectively fourth and fifth. Bouchra Ghezielle ends her remarkable season on a high note by breaking her personal record.
This athletics final was successful. Beyond the performances, we must above all highlight the availability of the athletes. They approached this competition as a lap of honor after this long season, agreeing to sign autographs, flashing smiles, communing with the spectators. Higher, faster, stronger and with a smile!!!
Vincent Trinquat
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