Crystal Palace

Two weeks until the opening ceremonies and I've already kicked off the athletics competition with a visit to Crystal Palace for the Diamond League Grand Prix.  Quick note to my American friends, in England and for the duration of the Olympics, Athletics is the official name for Track & Field.  The highlights of the meet I attended last night were victories by Mo Farah, Tyson Gay, and Javier Culson.

The stadium at Crystal Palace holds nearly 16,000 spectators.

Tyson Gay didn't get off to his best start, but finished strong to win the 100 meters in 10.03 over the up-and-coming Ryan Bailey.  Keep an eye on both to challenge the Jamaicans.

Puerto Rico's Javier Culson seems to get little respect, but is my favorite for gold in the 400 hurdles.  In this race, he held off England's hopeful and fan favorite, Dai Greene with a 47.78 finish.  Unfortunately, Bershawn "Batman" Jackson, whom I met at the KU Relays, false-started and didn't get to compete.

Speaking of hurdles, China's Liu Xiang posted the fastest time in the prelims, but scratched out of the final with a sore back.  The USA then placed 1st-6th, with Aries Merritt winning in 12.93, the fastest time in the world this year.

Mo Farah is England's best distance runner and easily won the 5000 in 13:06.05.  He is definitely a crowd favorite and the stadium was rocking for the entire race.

Mo Farah on BBC Two: "Thanks to the crowd, one last time here at home and then it's the Olympics on my door step. I'm in great shape. It's important I work on speed. It was a good race, I love this race, I love this crowd. I'm used to the conditions - it won't be a problem [at the Games]. I just have to take it as a another race. I'm looking forward to it."