Though nothing is confirmed yet, David Rudisha could most likely be included in anchoring the 4 x 400m men's relay and be up against Jamaica's Usain Bolt who's main specialities are the 100m , 200m and 4 x 100m races. It could be far-fetched as none of the two is a one-lap specialist but seeing the potential that it would bring in terms of viewership, prestige and national pride in winning an additional medal not just for oneself but for their country, anything is possible.
First off though will be making the cut for their respective national teams in the Olympic Games pre-trials starting in June. Then comes the tricky part of maintaining tip-top fitness conditions amidst the Grand Prix races and finally winning in their respective specialities.
TV rights holders and sponsors of these athletes would be rubbing their hands with glee at the prospects of this showdown. Let's see what comes of it.
Point to Note:
Remember Kenya won gold in the 4 x 400 m men's relay in the Munich Games in 1972. Can they repeat this feat by adding this world beater?
A sports event of any magnitude is bound to excite the passions of the enduring sports enthusiast. The buzz that accompanies it too is supposed to be almost fever pitch and reaching climax highs once the event starts.
For all African sports or otherwise, this year has been really 'sportified' if there is such a word. Starting with an African Cup of Nations that almost stalled before it started, the 2010 World Cup, the African Athletics Championships among other highlights; the next stop is the Commonwealth Games - New Delhi - India ( what they are calling, Friendly Games)
This lore started by the British to cater for its colonies or territories is supposedly the 3rd largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games and the Asian Games *( this one is disputable) . In fact it was initially known as the British Empire Games!
Pre-2010 World Cup ,most pundits had initially expressed their doubts of the African continent hosting such a major event. South Africa shown the light for Africa and didn't disappoint ( proving even our pessimist bone wrong...) (Logo from the 2010 Commonwealth Games website,http://www.cwgdelhi2010.com/)
Fast forward the Asian sub-continent with India in the spotlight. Now this is one of the greatest sporting nation known more for its exploits in cricket, archery, hockey, indoor games such as squash among others. They earned the right to hold Games and sought to prove themselves as the next frontier, after China wowed us in 2008 with its Beijing Games.
Allegations of corruption, poor workmanship and delays in venues are among the woes that the New Delhi authorities are fighting with. Word has it that the Indian Government might be felled by this event if all these allegations finger any authorities in the power allays. This might also cost India future bids for Olympics or any major event of its kind.
While we are not at liberty to pass judgement, 1 and 1/2 month into the event, isn't it time we wondered if these Games are doing us any good? The current bill that India incurs for hosting it stands at US$ 1.6 billion - easily making it the most expensive Commonwealth Games ever.
There are also the numerous sporting disciplines that have aligned their calendars accordingly to try accommodate their teams honouring their presence there. Rugby, athletics, swimming are some of the main ones. Already 3 major stars in athletics who would have featured in the Games have withdrawn, Usain Bolt of course being the biggest.
We also know of the ever lurking danger of 'terrorists' and their attention-seeking methods. New Delhi was visited by these in 2008 and has been a fragile city given the islands and aggressive neighbours surrounding the Federal State of India. Security has over 100,000 security officials seeking to make it impregnable to these elements.
We also know the weather conditions that have hit Asia and the northern hemisphere. With some places recording dangerously high rainfall levels, and others having temperatures soaring into their 30s and 40degrees Centigrade, it is NOT your sports person's favourite haunt.
Just like many other Games of such proportions, what legacy do they leave for New Delhi and India as a whole? There are many concerns that some of the venues may turn out to dumpsites and wasting white elephants ....
Regarding appearances as has become of such national representation, some elite sportsmen may opt to give them a pass. We all know there is nothing much coming in the way of athletes and sports people except for a nice medal and photo op which most can't trade for their appearance fees in more lucrative events. This makes the Games lacklustre, ensuring media rights become a hard sell for the organisers.
When all's said and done, while we join the bandwagon of critics (and not proposing any recommendations), it's about time we started calling it like it is ...on some of these Games. Read about more of the Games here and concerns about the safety.
He came, he saw, he conquered. Just like he's done on the 100 & 200m tracks, this athletics wonder-kid was at it again when he landed last week. He was even accorded audience with the powers-that-be, at one point even jokingly patting the Head-of State as they addressed the Press. What do we learn from this? 1. Put a class act on the field :- Even before thinking of any antics (like Bolt gestures to cameras as he tries to calm his nerves) let your performances speak for themselves. Not just ordinary, EXCEPTIONAL ! 2. Consistency :- In sports as in many things in life, consistency is a very important thing. This helps you remain relevant among the clutter of events you maybe participating in. 3. Committed :- Do not engage your fans if you are not committed to your sport. Fans will always see through any nonchalance and mediocrity means suicide not just among your fans but the purses too ( you can ask Mike Tyson). 4. Commit to a Cause :- As much as possible, commit to a cause beyond your sporting exploits. This helps you focus energies in the chosen cause and also helps stay grounded instead of engaging in harmful exploits and stuff that may cost you. 5. Flamboyance :- Though it may sound like a bad idea, be flamboyant in a nice way. We all know there are athletes, sports heroes who excel in their sport. But the GREATEST always EXCEL in their SHOWMANSHIP. Jordan, Ali and McEnroe are just some of those I can mention here. 6. Invincibility :- This is closely related to consistency. If you achieve the unachievable, please do not let us see your weaknesses. The minute we start seeing you tottering like a has-been gone is your hero status. Maradona in the 1994 World Cup is a good example here( maybe even NBA's Allen Iverson) 7. Smart Sponsorship(s):- As much as possible, DO NOT choose irrelevant products or brands to endorse.If they do not align with your goals and are not taking the extra mile to be what it takes, you go down with their premise. Be smart while choosing this.
Usain Bolt during an interview with renowned Kenyan TV personality and K24 anchor, Jeff Koinange - on his bench.
Finally he's landed. After reporting this first ( with a threat from a few guys who thought we were pulling their legs), Usain's in town for the next 4 days for a couple of engagements relating to charities in the country and indeed the region. He comes under Puma's charitable works which include Zeitz Foundation; started by Puma's billionaire Jochen Zeitz, which aims to work towards developing an eco-tourism site in Laikipia which is about 150 km North of Nairobi. Tonight he is scheduled to attend a dinner at an invitations only event which is most likely to have the who's who in the Kenyan public and private sector circles. Too bad yours truly may not have access to these trappings of the 'esteemed' in our society. We shall keep you posted on snippets of his trip as usual and follow him on Twitter (like we are) here !
Ear on the ground says Usain Bolt maybe in town for a humanitarian and charity visit. According to PumaRunning.com (Bolt endorses Puma shoes for his track prowess),the 'phenomenon'who has been the best thing to happen on the athletics field in the recent past is expected in the country on Thursday...more details later. Check his rather interesting link here. You can also read about his publicist who makes sure we all get to know about his exploits here.
If local media stories are to be believed ,Kenya could be entertaining the fastest man in the planet in 2009. It's not your everyday guest and this would be a welcome move by athletics practitioners and sports industry alike. Puma , the official apparel company for the 'new kid off the blocks' has made an intention to develop the current African portfolio.
Photo courtesy of AFP
In addition to the football scene which is well dominated by Adidas and Nike, Puma comes in a mean 3rd or 4th depending on which count you are on. Athletics seems to be a closer bet for them and with the Jamaican-Usain Bolt-IAAF Athlete of the Year- in their bag , they couldn't ask for better ambassador.
Kenya could also do well with a high profile sports personality since this year we have already received a couple of visitors this year the latest being the Serena Williams.
We should get a brief on what he does to make him the 'lighting bolt' that he is and hopefully, just hopefully have a Kenyan win one of the sprints in 2016....
