The 2011 Decanation was an opportunity for the people of Nice to attend a major international athletics event. They admired their French champions, who finished just shy of the podium. For the 5th time, the United States claimed the trophy.
France had several objectives for this 7th Decanation. The first, in exhibition, was to break the Kenyan world record for the 4 x 1,500m (14’36”23), and, at the same time, break a French record dating back to 1979. But after the morning rain, gusts of wind swooped in around the Charles Ehrmann stadium. This made the progress of the 4 middle-distance runners quite inconsistent, with precious seconds lost on the returns. Faced with German, English, and Polish teams, which soon fell behind, Florian Carvalho was already handing the baton to Yohan Kowal with a delay. Medhi Baala and then Mahiedine Mekhissi could only keep the suspense going up to the final stretch. This bittersweet victory in 14’52”52, with almost a lap ahead of their pursuers, at least managed to heat up the crowd. “It was a pleasure, shame about the record,” even Mahiedine Mekhissi said.
The United States clearly on top
Eight countries compete to be crowned the best team. In 20 events, or fewer (the Chinese and the English are sometimes absent), the aim is to accumulate as many points as possible, with the first taking 9 points; the second, 7; the third, 6… World champion Tatiana Lysenko dominated the hammer throw competition and kept Russia in the game between the Germans, who started very strong, and the United States.
Notable was the presence of Christine Arron, the Decanation 100m record-holder, and Muriel Hurtis in the 400m. By 6 p.m., the trend was clear; the consistency of the United States, placed in the top 2 after 8 events, began to pay off. Uncle Sam’s country had nearly a 10-point lead over a German-Russian duo and 19 over the French.
On the French side, Éloyse Lesueur shone with a 6.91m jump, winning the long jump, while the Spanish athlete laughed at her poor performances (her worst jump was 5.35m). If anyone wasn’t laughing, it was the Americans. Another proof was the result of the 100m hurdles (F): United States ahead of Russia and France (with Sandra Gomis in 13”34) … Spain 7th, England 8th. This race indeed reflects the final standings that was forming.
Happy Birthday Renaud
Renaud Lavillenie would finish his pole vault competition, alone, winning hands down, attempting to clear 5.92m on his 25th birthday. A birthday the crowd, initially timid, didn’t fail to wish him, spurred by the announcer. The end of the competition flew by in a flash, with the atmosphere finally heated, as a few rays of sunshine showed their face.
Benjamin Compaore was literally cheered for his first spectacular 7.80m jump. He didn’t do better and ended up equal to the 3rd score, that of German Christian Reif. Unfortunately, Compaore was only a guest, and it was Salim Sdiri who provided the points for France in this event. With his 6th place, the fate was sealed, and France missed the podium by a few points once again this year.
The standings were already set, awaiting the premier event, the last one. On the trackside, reflecting the French delegation, Americans, Russians, and Germans, ready to step onto the podium, joked, waiting for the 100m to take place. These 4 nations dominated in Nice, except for the women’s 3000m steeplechase won by China, having shared the top 4 spots since 2007.
Despite a 4th place on the podium, the French would have the last word. After a mediocre start (though not worse than the Spaniard who fell after a few meters), Christophe Lemaitre rocketed back to overtake Justin Gatlin and took the 100m in 10”12.
The athletes seemed to have enjoyed the welcome and the celebration that this event represents in this historically-rich venue. However, the promising Nikaia meeting, set to make a grand return in 2012 after a 40-year absence, might not have a long-lasting future. If the wind that enters this open stadium doesn’t always crash the party and is, after all, just an additional factor to manage for an outdoor event, it is more the half-filled stadium that raises a concern. For the French Athletics Federation to want to continue the special partnership emerging with Nice and the region, it will require a greater enthusiasm from the residents of the Alpes-Maritimes for future gatherings.
