Editor's Letter
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Beware the competition treadmill, Jess
THE magnificent Jessica Ennis must be protected – both physically and psychologically – in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics. The heptathlon is a brutal event that wears its competitors down and the London Games she could see her potentially come under more pressure than any sportsperson in history.
Mentally, she will need help to deal with this. Physically, I am sure her excellent team, led by coach Toni Minichiello, will be considering whether it is worth the stress and strain to chase titles at the 2010 Europeans in Barcelona, Commonwealths in Delhi and 2011 Worlds in Daegu, not to mention indoor events.
AFTER Usain Bolt’s amazing world record in the 100m final in Berlin, it is exciting to think what the Jamaican can do in the world 200m final today (Thursday August 20) or the 400m when he eventually, inevitably, steps up in distance.
Using the Hungarian tables – the scoring system used to compare performances between events – Bolt’s 9.58 clocking for the short sprint equates to a mind-boggling 19.12 for 200m and 42.09 for 400m. Looking at other events, 9.58 is also thought to be the same as 1:38.7 for 800m, 3:21.7 for 1500m, 9.12m in the long jump and, wait for it, a 1:59.14 marathon.
Bolt’s top speed in Berlin was 27.79mph. So next time you’re cruising through a built-up area in your car, wind your window down, stick your face out the window, and feel what it’s like to fly like Bolt.
THIS issue contains reports from all finals that took place from Saturday to Monday. The remaining finals will be in a bumper, 80-page issue out next Thursday.
Jason Henderson, Editor
From this week's Athletics Weekly, - available in WH Smith and all good newsagents, or on subscription.
