Jeneba Tarmoh Concedes Olympic 100m Spot


Jena Tarmoh tied training partner Allyson Felix in the Women’s 100 meters. The photo finished showed both women crossing the line at the exact same time, 11.068 seconds. Surprisingly, The U.S. Olympic Committee has no protocol in place to determine how such an occurrence will be handled. On Tuesday, Scott Blackmun, U.S. Olympic Committee CEO said, “We all got blindsided a little bit.” This after Tarmoh declined to runoff despite initially agreeing to do so.

 

Initially Tarmoh celebrated on the the track when she was initially shown as the third place finisher in the 100 meter. She was later informed that she had in fact tied for the third place spot. The Olympic Committee left the decision to the athletes, they women could have a coin toss or a runoff. The coin toss seems a bit juvenile for such a prestigious spot, at least in my opinion. These athletes train years in hopes of securing a spot on the Olympic team.

When it was announced on Sunday that a runoff would take place people were excited. This had all the makings of “must see” tv. How often do women’s sports capture world wide attention and become the lead sports story? Not very often at all. There were multiple story lines heading into the event. Two training partners facing off with only one Olympic spot available. Tarmoh feeling slighted and Felix rejuvenated after smoking the field in the 200 meters.

Nike Running shared this image via facebook when news broke that the two women would be racing for the final spot. Thousands of fans “liked” it and were excited for the event.

 

Jeneba decided the runoff was not for her and conceded her spot to Allyson. Allyson tweeted, “We dedicate our lives for a shot at our dreams. Very disappointed I didn’t get to earn my 100m spot. I love & respect my friend regardless.” Obviously this was an emotional time for both athletes. Is it a decision Tarmoh will look back on years from now and wish she had competed in the race-off? I’d think so but that’s for her to decide. When an opportunity only comes along once every four years you have to take advantage and seize the day. If not it will be a long four years before that chance comes along again and who knows how your body will hold up along the way. Some athletes get better, stronger, faster and others well not so much.

Tarmoh will still compete in the Olympics on the USA 400 meter relay.

(Photo by USATF)






Disclaimer: Reader discretion advised, please consult your physician before beginning any exercise or diet program.