Olympic Track & Field Day 2: THUNDER BOLT takes the GOLD and NEW WORLD RECORD

I think we all sort of thought this could happen. As much as we hate to admit this, Jamaica looks really strong this Olympic year and could possibly remove the US off the medal stand in many events that we are accustomed to winning.

Usain Bolt wins the 100m dash and breaks his own record in 9.69 seconds. Richard Thompson of Trinidad takes the silver, and Walter Dix gets the bronze. Tyson Gay does not make the finals and watches his nemesis, Assafa Powell falter to a fifth place finish. More great event results to come.

Olympic Track and Field Day 1

Here's something for those of you who just can't get enough of knowing what's going on in Olympic track and field, but can't seem to find out because you have a job like most of us.

Despite his absence in Europe just before the Olympics, Tyson Gay shows that he is at least as fast as the 100 meter field which includes current world record holder Usain Bolt and Assafa Powell of Jamaica. No blistering times were recorded in the first rounds of the event that determines the "world's fastest man." However, it does not look easy for the reigning 100 meter championThe last time anyone saw Tyson Gay was at the US Olympic Trials in mid June where he stumbled a few meters out of the blocks in the 200m finals due to a presumed hamstring strain.

American Hyleas Fountain wins the Heptathlon. (Are you watching Kawanna?)

An Olympic Moment

If you ever get a chance to witness Chicago's Bud Billiken Parade, I encourage anyone to enjoy one of the great parades in America. Signifying the end of the summer and back to school preparations, the Bud Billiken Parade gives an opportunity to reflect as well as look at the future. For me this year, the parade meant something a little more. This being an Olympic year, the Chicago Striders were asked to take part in this historic parade with CHICAGO 2016, an organization behind the move to bring the Olympics to Chicago in 2016, obviously.

With no hesitation, but completely honored to be asked, I agreed and witnessed what I believe the Olympics are at least partly about. POSSIBILITIES and HOPE.

After what seemed like thousands of floats, cars, bands, politicians and dance teams it all seemed worth while when I saw the Striders standing, waving and proud to be part of this historic event. Kawanna Brooks, our 3rd place finisher in the hep at this year's JO USATF Nationals, represented along with some of our college bounds Maris Smith and Icy Snoddy. Even my son Cameron, who at 9 years old at times displayed this season acute athletic potenti

al and other times not really a fan of the rigor involved in track and field, showed the type of emotion an Olympian might feel, a hero might feel after returning home triumphant from the Olympic Games. Hmm 2016.

Now agreeing to do the parade meant squeezing this between the Chicago Striders Olympic Spirit Invitational on Friday the day before and the Pot-Luck @ the Point right after on Saturday....irregardless of the 60% chance of on and off showers throughout the day because this season is officially over.

So we did get a little wet, but I think those of us that gathered to signify the end of this great season did not feel dampened by the rain. We were happy to celebrate, reflect and prepare for another great season next year.

"When is the javelin and the pole vault coming on, Dad?" Cameron asked from the back seat of the truck as we head home.

"Track and Field starts next Friday." I replied.

"See me on top of the float?

"I did."

"I'll be 17 in 2016.

"I know."

The hope and the possibilities: The Olympics.

CHICAGO STRIDERS OLYMPIC SPIRIT INVITATIONAL

Friday, August 8th in Jackson Park @ 3PM, the Chicago Striders will host an OLYMPIC SPIRIT INVITATIONAL to celebrate the achievements of all athletes young and old and to capture the essence of the olympics. Anyone interested in getting involved, please call Craig Collins, Head Coach of the Chicago Striders. Volunteers and/or donations are welcome. Please see the website for more details: chicagostriders.com or call 773/480-0106.

JOs in Nebraska a Success in Many Ways

There is nothing like a road trip to bring a team together in my opinion.  And to travel 9+ hours to the "heartland of America" will bring the most disconnected of teams together.  Not that we were a disfunctional unit, but we had our issues.  For instance, there were still some Striders who needed an introduction to other members of the team.  Needless to say, we left Omaha one unified group with a positive outlook on the future of the Chicago Striders.

I would be remissed if I did not acknowledge the many people who helped make the Jr. Olympic Nat'l trip a worthy cause.  I got to know and appreciate one of our "TrackMoms," Ms. Beverly on our journey.  Her tireless efforts to involve her children in worthwhile activities is a credit to the many parents who make sacrifices above and beyond for their children and I really appreciate her for believing the Chicago Striders is a worthwhile endevour for her daughter. Also, Coach Phil Wallace, whose concentration on making each athlete believe in his or herself is a constant reminder why I do what I do-----I thank you Brother Phil.  And of course, my true brother in the struggle to make the Striders what they are today---Coach Patrick Simon.  We've worked together since 2002 trying to make Chicago a more viable track and field entity, but alas, Coach Simon has gotten another calling and will no longer be with us on a permanent basis.  So, this trip to JOs was really special, because this could be our last with him as a member of our nuclear family.  Best of Luck Coach Simon and Thank You---Thank You All! Once a Strider Always a Strider

As for my thoughts on how the team did in Omaha...We did just fine!  Yes, we wanted to do better.  After all, we took more Striders to Nationals than we ever have in the history of the club. However, out of the 19 athletes that qualified, only three had been to a meet of that magnitude before.  I mean we are talking about USATF's National Jr. Olympics.  The same JO's that can make the claim that 89% of the members of the 2008 Olympic Team came through the same type of meet before their Olympic dreams came true.  So, I am proud of what we were able to accomplish.  

I am especially happy for and proud of Kawanna Brooks, who at this point must be recognized as a serious asset for a major track and field program in college next year.  Finishing 3rd with one more year to go in the young women's Heptathlon is a major achievement and puts her up there with one of the best athletes in Illinois hands down.  

Although Kawanna was the only Strider to leave Nebraska with a medal, the experience and the comraderie will last a lifetime for all of us.  I am so hyped about our potential, I making plans for JO's next year in Greensboro, NC.  I suppose I need to pay the bills from this latest trip first.  See the donation button on your way out...Please!!!

STRIDE ON!

----Coach Collins

Don't forget!!!  Chicago Striders host their 1st Invitation August 8th @ 3PM @ Jackson Park. MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND SUPPORT TRACK & FIELD

Congratulations Kawanna! Placed 3rd!

19 STRIDERS QUALIFY FOR NATIONALS IN OMAHA

The 2008 Chicago Striders have exceeded all expectations with 19, that's right nineteen athletes qualifying for USATF Jr. Olympic Nationals this past weekend.  19 is the most qualifiers we have ever had qualify for nationals and its a tribute to the commitment, dedication and talent of everyone involved including the coaches, parents and of course the athletes.  Great job Striders!!!

Here's a list of all the 2008 Qualifiers:

Jepheth Cato - Long Jump 2nd place

Jaiyvohn Davis, Marselis Barber, Maris Smith & Chris Redford - 4x800m Relay 3rd place

Kawanna Brooks - Heptathlon, 100m, 200m, Long Jump, & Triple Jump (national standard advancement)

Monet Washington, Porshia Gatewood, Icy Snoddy & Keteva Mosley - 4x800m Relay

Caja Calhoun, Nia Munson, Kora Johnson & Sharee Hassan - 4x400m Relay

Kora Johnson - Triple Jump

Mike Jones, Chris Adams, Nick Anderson & Michael Taylor - 4x100m Relay

Stephan Devroe - High Jump

Good Luck in Omaha, Nebraska!  Stride On!

Coach Collins