Maybe his best performance ever, really. Only .17 behing Tyson Gay with 10.32, and Gay got 10.15. He beat Tyrone Edgar, Kim Collins, Harry AA, Marlon Devonish. Lol, he beat everyone but Williamson on the relay team. That time may even be a sub 10 with any wind behind him.
Craig Pickering
- Thread starter white lightning
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Jimmy Chitwood
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again, out of curiosity, how can the black Brits and Gay run so far off their previous times at the trials and World Championships? i mean, we all know about PEDs being cycled. so is this more circumstantial evidence that they are on something and their cycles had peaked earlier?
it's just so obvious that virtually all the elite sprinters are taking some special vitamins, because not only are they throwing down impossible times, but their times are all over the map. Gay ran nearly a full 4-tenths of a second slower than he did at the Worlds, if my memory serves me correctly. yet, there he ran multiple heats and eventsover just a couple of days and ran faster each and every time. that's not supposed to happen, because fatigue is supposed to set in at some point.
yet, here, after a couple of weeks of rest, he runs almost a half secondslower thanhis time from the WC. weird, don't you think?
meanwhile, you have a White man like Craig who is obviously clean, and he's getting jerked around. this has to be so incredibly frustrating for him, because he's trying to compete against these a-holes.
it's just so obvious that virtually all the elite sprinters are taking some special vitamins, because not only are they throwing down impossible times, but their times are all over the map. Gay ran nearly a full 4-tenths of a second slower than he did at the Worlds, if my memory serves me correctly. yet, there he ran multiple heats and eventsover just a couple of days and ran faster each and every time. that's not supposed to happen, because fatigue is supposed to set in at some point.
yet, here, after a couple of weeks of rest, he runs almost a half secondslower thanhis time from the WC. weird, don't you think?
meanwhile, you have a White man like Craig who is obviously clean, and he's getting jerked around. this has to be so incredibly frustrating for him, because he's trying to compete against these a-holes.
albinosprint
Mentor
with a max allowable wind of 2.0 he would have ran a 10 flat. not bad considering the conditions.
devans
Mentor
Craigs time would was good enough for second place behind Gay in the A race. A great performance in really bad conditions.
Edited by: devans
Edited by: devans
white lightning
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Again the treatment of Craig is pathetic. It makes me sick to my stomach. The general hatred towards this kid just continues to amaze me. What the hell has he ever done to deserve this crap? Pickering is competing in what most consider to be a black sport and alot of blacks don't want him to succeed. They also think he is getting special treatment. Bulls**t! That is why they have screwed him over all year. If he is getting special treatment, it is only in a negative way. Williamson and all of the rest get even more publicity yet they still bitch and cry like a baby.
Craig deserves better. I want him to run angry but at the same time, he shouldn't have to be in this type of environment. Look at the support guys like Lemaitre get. Even Unger, Blum and many others have an environment where they get along with the other guys. The other sprinters support each other. Sorry Craig but that will probably never happen in England. It's ok though. If he decides to stay there, he can still rise above it. Use that hatred & envy to train even harder. Get your form right with the arm movement and lengthen your stride. He is not that far away. I know this kid can still go sub 10. I don't doubt it. He needs support from his family, friends, and the fans. He also needs a new coach. It is time for a change. He has to make major changes to get to the next level. It will be so worth the work when he starts beating some of his teammates again like he did back in 2007! You can still represent England Craig. We belive in you. London in 2012 will be your time my friend. Enjoy the off season.
Craig deserves better. I want him to run angry but at the same time, he shouldn't have to be in this type of environment. Look at the support guys like Lemaitre get. Even Unger, Blum and many others have an environment where they get along with the other guys. The other sprinters support each other. Sorry Craig but that will probably never happen in England. It's ok though. If he decides to stay there, he can still rise above it. Use that hatred & envy to train even harder. Get your form right with the arm movement and lengthen your stride. He is not that far away. I know this kid can still go sub 10. I don't doubt it. He needs support from his family, friends, and the fans. He also needs a new coach. It is time for a change. He has to make major changes to get to the next level. It will be so worth the work when he starts beating some of his teammates again like he did back in 2007! You can still represent England Craig. We belive in you. London in 2012 will be your time my friend. Enjoy the off season.
Yeah, it was a good finish to a bad season. Whites usually react better to cold conditions (we're built for them!) but you can still knock off at least two-tenths from all the times. Plus there was a strong headwind, and I think it may have actually been raining for the B race. It wasn't raining for the A race but the track was wet.
To be honest, although it was a bad season overall for Craig, he had two very good runs: here, and the 10.08w against Bolt. The 10.08 was with a +2.1 wind, only a fraction over the limit, so we can call it 10.10 in normal conditions. And here, 10.32 despite rain and a headwind is worth a 10.10 as well.
10.10's damn good for a 22 year old still learning his trade. I actually had concerns earlier this year that Craig may drift out of the sport, but this comeback and his angry words afterwards show that that's not going to happen. I hope he can get some warm weather training in this winter, and that he forgets about the indoors to focus on the European Championships outdoor. Dream result would be a 123 for Pickering, Lemaitre and Guliyev: nice to have Europeans winning the Euros for a change!
To be honest, although it was a bad season overall for Craig, he had two very good runs: here, and the 10.08w against Bolt. The 10.08 was with a +2.1 wind, only a fraction over the limit, so we can call it 10.10 in normal conditions. And here, 10.32 despite rain and a headwind is worth a 10.10 as well.
10.10's damn good for a 22 year old still learning his trade. I actually had concerns earlier this year that Craig may drift out of the sport, but this comeback and his angry words afterwards show that that's not going to happen. I hope he can get some warm weather training in this winter, and that he forgets about the indoors to focus on the European Championships outdoor. Dream result would be a 123 for Pickering, Lemaitre and Guliyev: nice to have Europeans winning the Euros for a change!
charlie180
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Was a little surprised by Pickering's form in that race, especially considering his awful start and also by the interview afterwards. He was quite angry, as gulf 177 said, saying that there were people in the A race that he'd beaten, and that he should have been in it!
On times he certainly should have been. Interesting points about the relay though from Craig:
"I haven't been in the relay A team all year, for whatever reasons."
On his times:
"The AAA's final, -1.8 headwind, Crystal Palace -2.9 headwind in the heats, here headwind and rain, I always seem to run quite well when the conditions aren't good, which makes my times out to be worse than they probably are. My good races are when there aren't good conditions."
I may have to revise my opinion of Pickering, I saw him giving up this year but maybe not, looks as though he has some backbone.
That is also one of his best races of the season and I'd say a 10.15s under better conditions.
I am still not sure that Malcolm Arnold is to blame for his poor form, he coached Colin Jackson and let's be honest, coaches who have coached British sprint champions are few and far between. Ron Roddan was Chrisitie's one and only coach. I think that Roddan is still coaching. Then there is Mike McFarlane, but that's all that I can think of. Of those three, I think that Craig may be better off where he is.
Craig won't be going abroad.
On times he certainly should have been. Interesting points about the relay though from Craig:
"I haven't been in the relay A team all year, for whatever reasons."
On his times:
"The AAA's final, -1.8 headwind, Crystal Palace -2.9 headwind in the heats, here headwind and rain, I always seem to run quite well when the conditions aren't good, which makes my times out to be worse than they probably are. My good races are when there aren't good conditions."
I may have to revise my opinion of Pickering, I saw him giving up this year but maybe not, looks as though he has some backbone.
That is also one of his best races of the season and I'd say a 10.15s under better conditions.
I am still not sure that Malcolm Arnold is to blame for his poor form, he coached Colin Jackson and let's be honest, coaches who have coached British sprint champions are few and far between. Ron Roddan was Chrisitie's one and only coach. I think that Roddan is still coaching. Then there is Mike McFarlane, but that's all that I can think of. Of those three, I think that Craig may be better off where he is.
Craig won't be going abroad.
white lightning
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There is so much evidence of the bias against Craig but let me just show you what former sprinter Jason Gardner said exactly.
"Craig's problem is that a lot of the sprinters come from the same area of east London and have a camaraderie and mutual respect and I think they all gang together to put pressure on Craig."
Jason was trying to be very p.c. as he carefully worded that. To say they are putting pressure on Craig is true. It's above and beyond pressure. They have turned it into a hate fest. They don't even bother to talk to him or look in his direction. This is his teammates were talking about. That's the way it goes. Can you guys just imagine the pressure he feels all the time? Most people would crack under that kind of pressure. Maybe the next time he chokes as some people say here, think about what any of you guys would do if you were in the same position. It's not easy to walk in Craigs shoes.
That being said, he is tough and he is a warrior. Craig is driven to be the best. He will not go down without one hell of a fight. His biggest problems this year have been his starts. Almost every race, he has been dead last out of the blocks. Craig needs to get his start back like in 2007. Then the arm swing and the stride needs some work. If he does all three things by next summer, look out for some serious new personal bests around or under 10 seconds!
Let me give you guys an example of stride length. I have told you guys many times before that the majority of world class sprinters have a huge stride. Usain Bolt takes just 41 strides to cover 100 meters. Now he is 6'5 tall so that is pretty normal except for his turnover stride ratio is exceptional. Now Tyson Gay at only 5'11 takes just 45 strides to cover the 100 meters. That is an amazing stride length for his height! J.Gatlin and many others have had this kind of stride that helps them to run astronomical times along with some good vitamins. Lol.
So if Tyson Gay can run the 100 in 45 strides, why can't Craig increase his stride just a little? He can and he just needs the right coach. I wish I could personally talk to Malcom Arnold. Some times older coach's get set in their ways. He has some good methods but he hasn't helped Craig much other than helping him with his start in 2007! Why haven't they fixed the form? Why haven't they worked on his stride length? These are questions that need to be asked. Craig can be a sub 10 sprinter. He should have acheived it already in my opinion but he hasn't. The time to change is now. Craig has incredible top end speed. Up there with the top 1% of guys in the world. He just needs a few minor changes.
Fix the start, the arm swing and lengthen out that stride. I guarantee this would make him a top 10 sprinter in the world. He will go sub 10 if they just do these three simple things. Please don't waste this kids talent. He has so much talent. Just needs a little more coaching. I hope to see some adjustments in 2010! I am probably one of his biggest fans but the time to change is now! Good luck to him next year. It's all about outdoors!
"Craig's problem is that a lot of the sprinters come from the same area of east London and have a camaraderie and mutual respect and I think they all gang together to put pressure on Craig."
Jason was trying to be very p.c. as he carefully worded that. To say they are putting pressure on Craig is true. It's above and beyond pressure. They have turned it into a hate fest. They don't even bother to talk to him or look in his direction. This is his teammates were talking about. That's the way it goes. Can you guys just imagine the pressure he feels all the time? Most people would crack under that kind of pressure. Maybe the next time he chokes as some people say here, think about what any of you guys would do if you were in the same position. It's not easy to walk in Craigs shoes.
That being said, he is tough and he is a warrior. Craig is driven to be the best. He will not go down without one hell of a fight. His biggest problems this year have been his starts. Almost every race, he has been dead last out of the blocks. Craig needs to get his start back like in 2007. Then the arm swing and the stride needs some work. If he does all three things by next summer, look out for some serious new personal bests around or under 10 seconds!
Let me give you guys an example of stride length. I have told you guys many times before that the majority of world class sprinters have a huge stride. Usain Bolt takes just 41 strides to cover 100 meters. Now he is 6'5 tall so that is pretty normal except for his turnover stride ratio is exceptional. Now Tyson Gay at only 5'11 takes just 45 strides to cover the 100 meters. That is an amazing stride length for his height! J.Gatlin and many others have had this kind of stride that helps them to run astronomical times along with some good vitamins. Lol.
So if Tyson Gay can run the 100 in 45 strides, why can't Craig increase his stride just a little? He can and he just needs the right coach. I wish I could personally talk to Malcom Arnold. Some times older coach's get set in their ways. He has some good methods but he hasn't helped Craig much other than helping him with his start in 2007! Why haven't they fixed the form? Why haven't they worked on his stride length? These are questions that need to be asked. Craig can be a sub 10 sprinter. He should have acheived it already in my opinion but he hasn't. The time to change is now. Craig has incredible top end speed. Up there with the top 1% of guys in the world. He just needs a few minor changes.
Fix the start, the arm swing and lengthen out that stride. I guarantee this would make him a top 10 sprinter in the world. He will go sub 10 if they just do these three simple things. Please don't waste this kids talent. He has so much talent. Just needs a little more coaching. I hope to see some adjustments in 2010! I am probably one of his biggest fans but the time to change is now! Good luck to him next year. It's all about outdoors!
white lightning
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Here is a great article just posted about Craig. He again states how angry he is and also how dissapointed he was with the decision. The best thing I like about this article is that part towards the end. It looks like he will work on his speed endurance for next season. He want's to run some longer races! Finally they have seen the light. Craig hasn't run a 200 in around 4 or 5 years! This is only part of the problem, but a big part. Most elite sprinters run 200's and even a 400 or two to build their speed endurance. Even Bolt and Gay do it. These races help you as you progress through the season. It helps you to finish out that 100 with explosiveness. The times don't matter. Craig could finish last in the deuce for all I care. He needs to get the work in to help his 100 times. Great news.
Now if they can just fix the other few things. The arm swing, improve the start and lengthen the stride. If all of these things are fixed, we are in for a special year.
Craig will be racing one last time this season in Rieti this weekend.If he can get great conditions and repeat his Gateshead performance, we might finally see a new p.b.
Good luck to Craig this weekend and in fixing the problems in the off season!
http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/025979-pickering-has-point-prove-after-world-championship-disappointmentEdited by: white lightning
Now if they can just fix the other few things. The arm swing, improve the start and lengthen the stride. If all of these things are fixed, we are in for a special year.
Craig will be racing one last time this season in Rieti this weekend.If he can get great conditions and repeat his Gateshead performance, we might finally see a new p.b.
Good luck to Craig this weekend and in fixing the problems in the off season!
http://www.morethanthegames.co.uk/athletics/025979-pickering-has-point-prove-after-world-championship-disappointmentEdited by: white lightning
DegradationParadox
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<div>white lightning said:
</div><div>I have a really good feeling about this next race. He's been shat on with weather conditions most of this season and he's clearly pissed off. I haven't had this feeling before!</div>
white lightning
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Here is the video of his win yesterday. Craig has won alot of races this year. I know the times haven't been there, but the conditions in alot of his races were horrible. Combine that with the drama with his teammates and UK Athletics, you can undestand what he is going through. I hate how every article says he is 23. They have been saying that for 9 months. Craig doesn't hit 23 until Ocotber. The stupid media.
I have a good feeling as well. I wish he would have got an invite to Brussels this Friday. That meet has Gay and Powell running. Rieti it is. Show them how you roll Craig! One last thing. On this video, Craig gets his worst start off the year. Then he is running in the light rain and into a -2.4 wind! He still runs everyone down. His drive phase was crap. His top end speed is amazing though and also his arm swing wasn't as bad as usual. Not great but better than his normal cross body swing. Keep up the great work Craig.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzH4tjfutps&feature=channel_pageEdited by: white lightning
I have a good feeling as well. I wish he would have got an invite to Brussels this Friday. That meet has Gay and Powell running. Rieti it is. Show them how you roll Craig! One last thing. On this video, Craig gets his worst start off the year. Then he is running in the light rain and into a -2.4 wind! He still runs everyone down. His drive phase was crap. His top end speed is amazing though and also his arm swing wasn't as bad as usual. Not great but better than his normal cross body swing. Keep up the great work Craig.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzH4tjfutps&feature=channel_pageEdited by: white lightning
albinosprint
Mentor
love the article! this kid needs some serious respect. I'm saying a pray this kid drops a well needed PB in Rieti!
white lightning
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Well I guess I was wrong about the competition. The race in Rieti on Sunday is loaded with talent. Asafa Powell will be there. He will be joined in the race by fellow Jamaicans Michael Frater and Nesta Carter, along with Trinidad and Tobago's World Championships finalist Marc Burns. That is a whole sub 10 crew for Pickering to try and contend with. If he can get his best start of the season for a change, I sense a new personal best weather permitting. Come on Craig! You can do this!
white lightning
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Good vibes StarWars. We need all the positive energy we can get. The kid feels all alone most of the time. Like I've said in the past, it's like he is on an island all by himself or in the water with a bunch of sharks hunting. He has more courage than people can imagine to not back down to some of these punks. I think that a few of them are ok but most of them are just jealous, envious haters.
For those of you who have never checked out the youtube channel. It's worth subscribing to in my opinion. You can see most of his races in one place.
http://www.youtube.com/user/PickeringFanSiteEdited by: white lightning
For those of you who have never checked out the youtube channel. It's worth subscribing to in my opinion. You can see most of his races in one place.
http://www.youtube.com/user/PickeringFanSiteEdited by: white lightning
In the video from Gateshead, I noticed after the racePickering was friendly with the other young white British sprinter, Richard Kilty. HopefullyKiltycan raise his game and get among the relay squad, and ease the pressure on Craig by breaking up the black mafia.
Looking forward to Rieti - a legal sub-10.10 would be a brilliant way to end the season...
Also, hasn't Mark Lewis-Francis lost it?! I remember when he was the next big thing; maybe he needs an off-season in Jamaica, lol.
Looking forward to Rieti - a legal sub-10.10 would be a brilliant way to end the season...
Also, hasn't Mark Lewis-Francis lost it?! I remember when he was the next big thing; maybe he needs an off-season in Jamaica, lol.
white lightning
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Great points gulf177. Kilty was one of the first guys in a while to congratulate Craig. You can see some respect there. Hope he takes it up another level next year.
MLF should retire. He has also almost always been fat & out of shape.
MLF should retire. He has also almost always been fat & out of shape.
mastermulti
Master
and Fearon, the young black guy from lane 1 was quick to congratulate him too.
That start, where's his reaction gone? His drive is good, his top speed excellent but you can't run the best starters down if you give them 1 meter for free.
He looked very determined here and strong...the hip drive seen side-on in slo-mo is very powerful. I'd say he was running equivalent to a legal 10.10 pace here all things considered.
Now, let's hope he's not in awe next weekend... he ran well against Bolt for his 10.08 and no-one in the race is that quick. I'd rather he kept his cool (and his form) and didn't try too hard. Running relaxed he's capable of getting a time to match some of these guys.
A fourth place in 10.05 would do nicely!
and bloody Lewis-Francis..... would he have won the womens race?Edited by: mastermulti
That start, where's his reaction gone? His drive is good, his top speed excellent but you can't run the best starters down if you give them 1 meter for free.
He looked very determined here and strong...the hip drive seen side-on in slo-mo is very powerful. I'd say he was running equivalent to a legal 10.10 pace here all things considered.
Now, let's hope he's not in awe next weekend... he ran well against Bolt for his 10.08 and no-one in the race is that quick. I'd rather he kept his cool (and his form) and didn't try too hard. Running relaxed he's capable of getting a time to match some of these guys.
A fourth place in 10.05 would do nicely!
and bloody Lewis-Francis..... would he have won the womens race?Edited by: mastermulti
DegradationParadox
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I like how the black guy that Craig ran down from behind acted like he hurt his hamstring
white lightning
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That is so typical. So many sprinters fake an injury either in the middle of the race or at the end of the race to explain why they got beat. He clearly ran normal the whole race. What a poser. Hahaha. I noticed that too and was going to post on it. Good catch my man. Most sprinters say der ain't nutng wurse dan losn to a wht boy!
white lightning
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Here is the link for the Rieti Meeting tommorow. There are so many great sprinters there. Even I.Lalova is in both the 100 & 200 meters. She has never quite regained her form from several years ago but I still love watching her run. She is so fine. Lol. There will be a semi final and a final in the mens 100. So Craig will have to run at his best twice. I just would like to see a new p.b. I know it's asking alot this late in the season but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Enjoy the meet guys.
http://www.rai.tv/dl/RaiTV/diretta.html?cid=ContentSet-37f0f5d4-af33-48df-9281-2d46214c1b5dEdited by: white lightning
http://www.rai.tv/dl/RaiTV/diretta.html?cid=ContentSet-37f0f5d4-af33-48df-9281-2d46214c1b5dEdited by: white lightning
white lightning
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Craig pulled out of the race. It seems like the conditions weren't that great anyway. No one really ran that good. Asafa won in a time of 9.99 and everyone else was way down the ladder.