Athens Olympics Preparations: An Insider Look

Written by: Adam Dailey

Report from Ostrava and Alan Webb's Race

June 9, 2004

Europe is the place to be when it comes to track and field.

Although we're really disappointed that we're going to miss NCAAs this weekend in our hometown of Austin, Texas, it's been a great experience living in Athens and seeing the city evolve. It's also been a bonus to get to some great track meets. Where else can you buy a big beer for $1 during a track meet?

After Ostrava, we will watch the Greek Championships this weekend. The big news here in Athens.the Championships are set to take place in the new Olympic Stadium. Yes, the same Olympic Stadium that last week didn't have a roof. The same Stadium that has been more controversial than Victor Conte (okay, that's debatable). Although most of the seating won't be installed and other things (i.e. concessions) will not be functioning yet either, it's a great chance to preview the Stadium. We'll definitely put up pictures after the weekend. Construction crews will still be working around the clock in order to get it ready by August 13.

Because of the lateness in Athens' preparations, there are now test events almost every weekend at the Olympic venues. What was supposed to be spread out over a year is being crammed into the summer. People in Athens now have a sense of relief when discussing the Olympics. They realize that although the Games may not be perfect, they'll be nothing short of spectacular. Let's face it, Greeks know how to throw a party. Most importantly, Greeks won't be embarrassed in the front of the whole world, which (in my opinion) has been a concern. This will be their chance to show off and maybe even get the opportunity to say, "see, we knew what we were doing all along!"

We now stroll by street corners and hotels where construction has been rampant for months.we're shocked to see crews actually wrapping up and leaving. In their wake, they're leaving beautiful renovations. Athens is actual coming around. Stuff that's been is scaffolding since our first time to Greece in 2002 is now being unveiled.

Of course, the American media will choose to focus on the negativity in Athens. We've been working with big name American athletes from every sport, and security is a concern that is on everyone's mind in the USA. I don't know if we're just being blind or what.I've always felt safe here, and the Greeks feel they haven't done anything that would warrant terrorist attacks. I can't get in the mind of a terrorist (and neither can anyone else), so it's all just speculation, in my opinion.either way. I could assure you the Games will be safe (which I believe), but what level of assuredness do I bring?

Anyway, more later Greece and the Olympics, but I wanted to give a quick update on Athens as well as Ostrava.

Report From Ostrava
You would never guess that such a great meet would take place in a small (hard to get to) town in the Czech Republic. There are so many things to talk about when considering this meet. A good place to start would Alan Webb. He looked great. For the first 800, I thought he was being overzealous. He looked like he wound up a little too much, refusing to not be in the top three. Considering he went through 400 right at 54.0, I hoped he was not in over his head. As he cruised through 800 in 1:51.8, however, it was apparent that Alan was feeling good. If anything, this race was slowing down. He soon took command of the race and looked great doing it. He came through the bell lap in 2:37.5 (and 1200 in 2:50.3). He looked great doing it. I was hoping he would hold off the challengers, but looking back on it, he could have used someone to run with the last lap or so. He ran out in front, and never showed as much as a grimace. He clicked off about a 25.8 last 200 (from what I could tell). I have the feeling he could have run at least 1.5 seconds faster in a rabbitted in-the-pack type race, where he wouldn't have to think. Alan Webb is for real.

Stacy Dragila: she looks more chiseled and focused than I've seen her in years. She was thrilled with setting and outdoor WR.

Daniel Lincoln: at first the pack of Kenyans (and Saif Said Shaheen) broke away, and I feared that Daniel would be stuck in no-mans land. Fortunately, African steeplechasers like to screw around with pace, and (if almost by accident), before Daniel knew it, he was up with the big boys. He was aggressive like Webb, staying with the leaders (and leading a good part of the last half himself). The other day in Italy, Daniel lost a race by letting the leaders put 8 seconds on him in the last 400m. Sharpness will come. On the homestretch before the final lap, Daniel was laboring and was passed Shaheen and two Kenyans. The pass lagged significantly with 3 laps to go, and after the race Daniel wished he would have pushed the pace at this point. He fought valiantly, however, and ran 8:17, a new PR. Now he's on a plane to Austin, Texas, where he'll see his wife compete in the NCAA pole vault.

BEKELE: What can you say? Only in Europe is the 10k the final (and premiere) event that everyone sticks around for. I mean, Bekele put on a show and completely soloed a 13:05 second 5k. There were questions before the race about who could even pace him through the first 5k (which he wanted in 13:10). I didn't think he had the WR time until he came off the last curve, closing in 28 flat (or maybe faster) for the final 200. He was throwing in 62s and 63s left and right. As he would lap other accomplished runners, they would labor to stick with him and "try to help." Nobody seemed to last more than about 200 meters, however. Bekele was a machine, churning out fast laps as he looked like he was sprinting the whole time. The stadium knew the significance and was cheering like crazy. It's kind of crazy that Geb has been revered as the greatest distance runner ever, and after a week of fast running by his countryman Bekele, he doesn't even hold a world record anymore.

Unfortunately, most of the talk at the meet surrounded the Marion Jones controversy. Marion looked determined but consumed by other things. Watching her jump I am reminded of seeing clips of her jumping high school, where it was apparent that raw talent would overtake technique in her quest for greatness. Working with such a technical master (and good guy) as Dan Pfaff will surely help her performances later on this summer.

More to come.