Home/Track & Field

Former track and field sprinter shows empathy toward athletes soaking in the downpour. A well-maintained physique endures several challenges in the background. The world champions struggle to keep up with regular practice while suffering ailments that hinder them from competing. As the team makes it to the track events, they certainly do not desire another challenge waiting for them on the ground.

The difficulty was undoubtedly exacerbated by the extreme weather conditions. As athletes raced toward the finish line midst of a hailstorm, a former sprinter felt compelled to talk about the struggle raising some questions.

Track and field drips as athletes run for victory

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The 2023 UK Athletics Championships saw sprinters cut past heavy rains at Manchester Regional Arena. During the annual event held on July 8th, the men’s 100m race began while the tracks were slippery from the heavy rains and thunderstorms. Taking note of the matter, track legend Michael Johnson took it to Twitter and wrote-

Eight prominent runners displayed athletism at its best giving spectators one of the best races of their lives. Finally, the British 100-meter title was clenched by Zharnel Hughes who clocked an impressive 10.03 seconds. Huges?beat Reece Prescod this time in the Championships despite?fierce competition from his rival. Nevertheless, the two sprinters will compete in the World Championships in Budapest?next month.

After his win, the Anguilla-born athlete said, “I train in these conditions sometimes in Jamaica. But I am soaked, these conditions are the worst ever.” Seems like yesterday(June 24) when the 27-year-old broke the thirty-year record in 100 meters at the New York City Grand Prix. While it poured for over 90 minutes in Manchester, it looks like climatic conditions at the Athletic Championships are setting their own record on the ground.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

History of Track and fields drenched during races

The Championships have been subjected to their fair share of odd circumstances since its beginning in 1983. The women’s discus final on the fourth day of the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki was cut short by a severe downpour that arrived soon after the fourth throw. The men’s 100-meter event was won by American sprinter Justin Gatlin in 9.88 seconds after a 90-minute storm soaked the track, d?j? vu! And despite the harsh weather conditions, men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, women’s 800-meter run, and men’s 400-meter hurdle continued later.

READ MORE Can?t Really Go Wrong With It?: US Track Gabby Thomas Ditches $2936.23B Company for Another Brand of Fitness

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The torrential rainfall in August that forced the women’s 100-meter hurdles race to be moved to the evening is still regarded as one of the most difficult events in history. The challenges undoubtedly grow less important as the athletes train harder. Well, don’t the unfavorable conditions make them the undisputed favorite of the fans because of their unquestionably tested caliber?

Watch this Story As Retirement Nears, Track Legend Allyson Felix Hints at a Fresh Career Path