Eugene. Few of the branches open more than 800 meters from the men’s side.
But one of the biggest names is missing. Nigel Amos has been suspended for doping, with only days left until the tournament.
– I was really shocked, I met him at many competitions around the world, he says.
Andreas Kramer He comes to the World Cup in the form of his life. During this year’s season, he’s had a steady level of just under 1.45 and if you’re going to believe Guthenberger, it’s only a matter of time until it delivers.
– I was hoping to have a really quick time before I went to pre-camp when I set a high and stable. He says I was hoping to cut another second.
Another second of the year’s 1.44.59 best, Kramer is suddenly at the absolute top of the year with Max Borgen taking the world’s top spot at 1.43.52.
“I’m not here just to be with”
– I’ve known for a long time that I have to do this. It’s tight this year and it’s not certain who will reach the semi-finals and final. I know I have something to do here and I’m in great shape. Now I’ll put together a good tactic.
– The whole focus now is to get to the semi-finals and it will be difficult there but I want to be part of the fight in the final. It’s the World Cup, and I’m not here just to join in.
Whoever is not allowed to join is the son of Amos. The world’s third best sprinter of all time is in Eugene where he trains under the Oregon Track Club, a training group sponsored by Nike. But in the days leading up to the World Cup, it was suspended due to an illegal metabolite being tested in beta testing on animals as a diet drug.
– I was a little shocked, in fact, I met him in many festivals and tournaments. It is sad with all these cases. It is not good for sports.
“a hard question”
He belongs in the Nike group here, and world champion Donovan Brazier was also in the Eugene-based group that stopped Alberto Salazar. How credible are the contestants here in your opinion?
– Yes… It’s a tough question. I try not to focus on that, there are organizations that work with these issues and I fully trust all of the runners. I suppose everyone is vying for the same terms, but different cases appear here and there and then think a bit.
How is it talked about on the tour?
There’s probably not as much talk as you might think, it’s sad when it happens but we don’t talk as much about it. It’s very boring to talk about. I can do more than show that it is possible to work quickly without shortcuts.
The 800m trials will be scheduled the night before Thursday.
