Friday, August 21, 2009

200 World Meter Record 19.19, USA Decathlon Champion and Awesome High Jump Competition




Day 2 of the World Track Championships was, as expected, filled with amazing successes on the track. The Decathlon Day 2 included 110 Meter Hurdles, Pole Vault, Javelin, Discus and last but not least 1500 Meters at 10:00 PM. My admiration for the athletes is at the top of the charts. We watched a fantastic women’s high jump competition between Croatia and Germany and it was just below our seats.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the 200 meter finals. Usain Bolt brings a dynamic personality to the track. He is electric and humble at the same time. The crowd that numbered about 70K waited with anticipation for the start of the race. Our seats had us on the first turn of the 200 meters. As the gun sounded the stadium erupted in applause and screams of encouragement. We looked as they whizzed by us with the USA runner shoulder to shoulder with Bolt. By the 190 meter mark it was clear that this was Usain Bolt’s race as he pulled away and the hushed crowd waited for the official word. The track officials checked the “windage”, the clock reads 19.19 and then the official announcement “A NEW WORLD RECORD IN THE 200 METERS”. Pandemonium ensued as Bolt circled the track to the delight of all. Our team enjoyed the festive mood and waved our American flag vigorously as a show of support for exceptional effort.
The remainder of the evening was like a good party that no one wants to leave. Great competition mixed with medal ceremonies, national pride and fantastic technology throughout the stadium. The orchestration of the event was 1st class and a pleasure to experience.
The energy on the way home was like New Years Eve on Time Square. It was a long, crowded wait for the ubahn, there wasn’t enough room on the platform for the sea of people but the mood was still one of “we witnessed excellence” and a few more minutes in this atmosphere was a “bonus”. I reminded the kids that they should remember this the next time we are waiting after an Eagles game!!!
We say goodbye to Colleen tomorrow but will carry this day’s memory of team Glavin-Eccles at Berlin Olympic Stadium forever.

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