Track stars will be looking like this at the 2012 Summer Olympics:
That's the new "TurboSpeed" suit from Nike, which they say can shave off 0.23 seconds in the 100 meter. How? Dimples:
Basically, the suit turns sprinters into giant golf balls, cutting down on wind resistance. And if Nike's claims are true, then in theory, someone could beat Usain Bolt -- a Puma-sponsored athlete -- simply by putting on the suit (USA's Walter Dix finished 0.22 seconds behind Bolt in Beijing).
Runner's World's "Ask Dr. Daily" has some fun with the "TurboSpeed" suits.
Onto the other running links!
OTL - University of Alaska Anchorage runner Marko Cheseto's most tragic run - ESPN The Magazine
His feet brought Marko Cheseto from Kenya to Alaska. Then a tragic run into his own private storm forced him to change course, writes Seth Wickersham in ESPN The Magazine.
World's Best Milers Flock to Pre Classic
Kiprop, Kiplagat, Centrowitz, Manzano, Lagat, Lomong -- it's a star-studded event at the Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field
Honoring the first sub-four minute mile, "My most memorable mile" | Tim Layden - SI.com
"As part of his quest to restore the mile run to its proper place in track and field, Running USA's Ryan Lamppa created the website www.bringbackthemile.com. (Described here by SI's David Epstein in January). Most recently, Lamppa has asked visitors to his website to submit essays of 359 words or less, outlining their most memorable mile. Here's mine, checking in at exactly 359 words, although it should be 421."
Two Top U.S. Men Set for Brooklyn Half-Marathon | NYRR
Jason Hartmann and Nick Arciniaga will lead the professional field for Saturday’s Brooklyn Half-Marathon -- say hi to Cory, you guys!
Kenya: Geoffrey Mutai Feels Let Down By Team Selectors
Boston Marathon champion Geoffrey Mutai has expressed his disappointment at being overlooked by Kenyan selectors for the 2012 London Olympic Games. "I did not expect to be left out of the team," Mutai said. "What is more painful is that after being selected in the initial team of six, I was not informed again of the decision to leave me and I only learnt of it through the media."