After the USATF National Championships

A few random thoughts after following the USATF National Championships for the last four days...

The last time I noticed, Jennifer Barringer was finishing 10th at Footlocker XC Nationals in December 2004. Next thing I know, the Colorado sophomore is winning the U.S. Championship in the 3000m steeplechase. Not only did she win, she set a meet record of 9:34.64, only five seconds off the American record. Although she calls herself a "baby" in the event, it looks like Barringer has found a home in the steeple.

As defending world champion in the 400m, Jeremey Wariner already had a free ticket to Osaka in his main event, so he went to Indianapolis to work on his speed -- in the 200. He did pretty well, finishing fourth. But does anyone else wonder what Wariner could do if he headed in the opposite direction and tried the 800? I know, I know, he's the best in the world at 400m, why would he ever put himself through the pain of moving up to the 800? But with his ability to run sub 44:00, and with that smooth, efficient stride, he looks like he could be one of the all time greats. On the other hand, he'd have to fight for position, learn tactics. No more running in his own lane for the entire race. But wouldn't you love to see what he could do?

Tyson Gay -- 9.84 100m, 19.62 200m. Both times were run into mild headwinds. The 200 in 19.62 was the second fastest 200m in history, behind only Michael Johnson's other-worldy 19.32 from the 1996 Olympics. Tyson Gay trains with another ex-Arkansas guy Wallace Spearmon, who ran a not-too-shabby 19.89 for second. Imagine what their practice sessions are like!

Why is it so fascinating to watch Alan Webb? Ever since he ran that 3:53 as a high school kid, we have wondered what he could do when he "grew up" and reached his peak. It hasn't been easy for Webb to be the focus of so much hype, so many expectations. He went to Michigan, but struggled with injury. He returned home to Virginia and struggled some more. He got healthy again but struggled to learn how to race in championship events. In the last two years, Webb has run well, but inconsistently. He set an American Record for 2-Miles, ran a 3:50 mile. Won in Europe. But still, we wonder what he will do when he really puts it all together.

It's not fair, really, but what can we do? We see the talent and potential and we expect Webb's performance to be spectacular. One thing is for sure, Web himself cares more than anyone else about running well, as his reaction to winning the 1500m yesterday shows.

Here's a video link to NBC coverage of Webb winning the 1500m in meet record time.

By the way, that's Boston English graduate Said Ahmed (not Achmed!) leading the race on the first lap and finishing 6th in 3:40.8.

Anyone else wonder about those Japanese flags being handed to race winners? Finish Line Pundit has a good essay on the weirdness and inappropriateness of forcing the athletes to wave the flags. I'd go a step further and downplay the display of any flag around the shoulders of a sweaty athlete.