I’m a casual follower of the summer Olympics, which are currently in their last week in France. I scan the headlines, nod appreciatively at incredible athletic feats, and occasionally watch highlights.
I didn’t realize until yesterday that there’s one event I’ll go out of my way to watch live: the 100m dash.
I briefly sprinted for my high school team (indoor track, so I only ran the 55m, not 100m). I was the fastest on our team in the 55m, but I never won a race–the type of speed I had translated well to soccer, but not as much to an all-out sprint with no feints or lateral movement.
Yet I’ve always found sprinting thrilling to experience, whether I’m watching or running. So yesterday I was super excited to tune into the race that would determine the world’s fastest man.
What a race it was! I thought Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson had it, but the favored Noah Lyles made up for lost ground in the final 50 and leaned into the final step, causing his chest to cross the finish line 0.005 seconds ahead of Thompson (I didn’t know until then that it’s the chest that matters, not the head or feet).
I may tune into the 200m as well, but the 100m is definitely my favorite. Do you have a favorite summer Olympic event, one that you try to watch live?
We love the Olympics. Swimming, diving, athletics are the favorites but I can watch any sport and get into it in the Olympics, doesn’t even matter who competes. Love seeing all the countries and sports I never have a chance of following. It’s one big competitive celebration of humanity.
That’s great! 🙂
1500 m race. I ran the mile way back before it was dropped in favor of the 1500m. I love the combination of strategy, speed, and endurance needed to win.
I’m impressed by the pace they’re able to keep in the 1500!