Wednesday 31 July 2013

Anniversary Games



A two day spectacular at the Olympic Stadium. Well two pretty reasonable days of athletics lifted by a massive crowd for a Diamond League meeting. I think to be fair it was enjoyed by all. I was particularly pleased as I had booked perfect seats, right opposite the finishing line and at the front of the stand. Perhaps a little too far away for the best photos, but a good view of events.


My friends' son, not paying full attention!
Brett Morse, our best discus thrower

Finish to the 100m B race, Adam Gemili just nicking it in a domestic field in the opening track event

Women's 400m hurdles - good second place by Perri-Shakes Drayton, behind  Hejnova, a strong favourite for the forthcoming worlds.


Women's 3000m


Unidentified high jumper looking like he has been swallowed head first by the cushion monster. Not my best action shot!





Women's 1500m start


Bondarenko, who had some good attempts at a world record after winning the high jump competition




Start of men's 100m
 
Flashbulbs going off to greet Usain Bolt



Saturday afternoon was supposed to be all showers and storms, so I arrived with a rucksack full of waterproofs. How wet does this look? Actually sunny and 29 degrees. Even Colin Murphy, who did the pre-meeting warm-up, was taking the piss.




Lord Coe being interviewed

A tiny smattering of Olympic medallists parading before the crowd


Chris Tomlinson being interviewed by the ever  over-enthusiastic Iwan Thomas. Sadly Chris once again just couldn't get it right when it mattered, a decent 7.99 long jump to open followed by a series of fouls. So no place in the worlds, which is a pity.





Women's shot won by the popular Valerie Adams of New Zealand

Men's 110 m Hurdles

And the 400m Hurdles

Dejected Tomlinson after the long jump finishes

Big field in the men's 3000m Steeplechase


Men's 3000m with Mo Farah back in fourth early on





Now up to second

And then sprinting away on the last lap to leave the rest for dead

Leading to the inevitable scrum of photographers


And post run interview
Followed by victory lap
 
Jess Ennis waves to the crowd after finishing last in the long jump.




British men's 4x100m relay team prepare for the almost inevitable baton drop. But of course Usain brought home the Jamaicans to win.