Life after a legend: the 100m sprinters stepping into Bolt’s shoes in Tokyo | Tokyo Olympic Games 2020

So given these information, you’d be forgiven for pondering this blue riband occasion was not merely Hamlet with out the prince, however bereft of the complete major solid. The reality is a bit of completely different. A brand new order of sprinting expertise has assembled.

The American manufacturing line as soon as once more created an astonishing array of sprinters, and followers on the US Olympic Trials, held a number of weeks in the past in Oregon, witnessed a stellar race, with the highest 4 all going beneath 9.90sec. The winner, in 9.80, was the slim determine of Trayvon Bromell.

Bromell’s story is one among ache, arduous work, religion and redemption. He comes from “The Trenches”, a troublesome neighbourhood on the south aspect of St Petersburg, Florida. “It ain’t no Disneyland,” was his succinct description. After a stellar faculty profession he was touted as the brand new sprinting marvel, however after ending final within the 100m last in Rio, he was dogged by recurring damage, operations and even a physician’s verdict that he ought to simply give all of it up.

His comeback has been uplifting and the quietly-spoken 25-year-old has the unshakeable view that God has a plan for him.

Second within the US trials was the likeable Kentuckian Ronnie Baker, a sprinter who was going toe-to-toe with Coleman again in 2018 earlier than damage struck him down, however now working into some actual kind.

The large shock was the towering determine of third positioned Fred Kerley – the 400m bronze medallist from the 2019 world championships in Doha – who determined to scratch from the quarter and assault the shorter distance. The Texan’s 9.86 suggests he made the best name.

It’s arduous to look past the People, however historical past tells us that accidents usually occur. And in the event that they did, who would choose up the items? Don’t underestimate the Canadian Andre De Grasse, bronze medallist in each Rio and Doha, whereas South Africa may also boast some particular expertise – – Akani Simbine ran an African file 9.84 in early July whereas TG Leotlela has additionally run beneath 10 seconds this yr. For the house followers, Hiroshima-born Ryota Yamagata – who scorched a private finest 9.95 final month – will profit from the native crowd no matter its dimension.

And the Brits? No British sprinter has damaged 10 seconds this season, so it will likely be powerful for any of them to make the ultimate, however it could be some achievement if Enfield’s CJ Ujah, who has a 2021 10.03 beneath his belt and received the British trials, may power his approach by. And there’s normally a wildcard flying up on the rails that no one thought-about.

Nonetheless, the one sprinter with a sub 9.80 in his pocket this season is Bromell. The 9.77 he ran in Florida again in June, exhibits he’s within the type of his life and if he can stay damage free and survive the demanding rounds of the competitors, it’s very arduous to see every other winner.

Neil Duncanson is the creator of The Fastest Men on Earth: The Inside Stories of the Olympic Men’s 100m Champions