|
"This will reintroduce people to the sport and showcase world-class athletes and great competition," new USATF CEO Max Siegel said. "I actually think (a runoff) is the best way to solve it. It's a reflection of both of their competitive spirits. They want to be fair and prove what they've worked hard."
And then when it looked like everything was heading toward a showdown, Tarmoh threw a wrinkle into the plans just 18 hours before they were going to step into the starting blocks.
Sports Illustrated was the first to report that Tarmoh was thinking of not running.
Felix said her legs were feeling a little exhausted, especially after turning in a personal-best of 21.69 in winning the 200, her signature event and one she is favored to win in London. It was an electric performance that was almost overshadowed by the flap.
After she finished, all anyone wanted to know was how she was going to break the tie in the 100.
"I didn't get to really enjoy it," Felix said. "As soon as I came off (the track), that's the first time that I actually thought about the process. Of course, I wasn't thinking I wanted to do a coin toss, but that's the first time I sat down and went through things in my head."
Felix didn't realize how big a deal the controversy was until after the 200. She was sequestered from social media until that race and had no idea the topic was being discussed on shows such as "CNN" and National Public Radio.
"Any attention our sport gets is good," Felix said.
Before the news broke of Tarmoh reconsidering her decision to race, Felix issued a caution of her own.
"If anything feels off whatsoever, I'm just going to speak up and have to pull out of it," she said. "We're both not feeling our greatest."
For Tarmoh, there's also an emotional element. She went from the high of thinking she made the team immediately after the 100, to the low of having to claim her spot all over again.
"I went to bed so happy and then I woke up to do something I don't want to do at all," Tarmoh said.
[Associated Press;
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
News | Sports | Business | Rural Review | Teaching & Learning | Home and Family | Tourism | Obituaries
Community |
Perspectives
|
Law & Courts |
Leisure Time
|
Spiritual Life |
Health & Fitness |
Teen Scene
Calendar
|
Letters to the Editor