France, UK, Germany and USA to battle for Lyon relay dominance

British joy at Lahti worlds in M35 4×4.

Sunday in Lyon is Relays Day as the 21st World Masters Athletics Championships conclude. The medal count as of Aug. 12 showed this order overall: Germany, France, UK and USA. I’m looking for great things from the French women, who could be anchored by “Super-Nicole” Alexis in W55 (or a younger group if needed.) Results indicated she set world records in the 1 or 2, but as usual they didn’t take into account her own marks from earlier this season. She set no WRs in Lyon (except for speed into a furnace headwind). I’m also seeing Facebook postings about athletes bemoaning relay picks. It’s a recurring issue, but at least the American selection system has been laid out plainly. (As is Australia’s.) It’s not as subjective as some might contend. Every two years, the world meet produces WR marks in the relays. Look for the same in Lyon. Best of luck to all the squads — and don’t do what I did at Lahti (heave the baton into the air out of joy. I caught it.) My bronze-medal team wasn’t DQ’d, but yours could be.

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August 15, 2015

8 Responses

  1. Keith McQuitter - August 16, 2015

    Did not see any hurdles results posted from yesterday

  2. Keith McQuitter - August 16, 2015

    Good luck U.S.A

  3. Steve Kemp - August 16, 2015

    Results are up…..Daphne Sluys anchored the US women’s 4 by 400 to a narrow win over the French. Add this to her gold in the W55 400 and her wins in the 100, 200 and 400 in Jacksonville…not a bad year so far….I notice she never ran the 400 before this year and was ranked just 16th in the US in 2014 in the 100. Congratulations to fantastic efforts by all US athletes! I think we can all relate to fighting through injuries and other setbacks but you have to be inspired by the character and gutty determination of these masters athletes! An inspiration to us all.

  4. Peter L. Taylor - August 16, 2015

    Steve, Daphne Sluys (pronounced “slize”) can really “bring it” these days. In the past she was well above the median, but now she can fly. What a difference since the time(s) I announced her in Spokane in 2008.

    For what it’s worth, Daphne is very personable as well.

  5. Rob Jerome - August 16, 2015

    Ken,

    I saw the anchor of a German men’s team throw down the baton in disgust at coming in second. The Germans were immediately disqualified. Thought of your Lahti near-tragedy and lessons learned.

  6. David Ashford - August 16, 2015

    Thanks to all the USA track and field athletes, we all really pulled for one another, and what a exciting great group of people,,,, you all represented your country all so well ,great performances,,, sincerely David Ashford.

  7. Terry Parks - August 16, 2015

    The relays were a blast and team USA took home lots of hardware and WR in W80 4 x 100.

  8. daphne sluys - August 16, 2015

    Thanks for your kind words Peter; I hope to run to the sound of your voice and commentary at many meets yet. Steve what a huge difference your training and attention to details is making to my performances 🙂

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