Paris Predictions

[Barto]

First the ladies:

Shades of Seoul all over again. I'm predicting a sweep.

Gold - Isinbayeva Yelena RUS
Silver - Feofanova Svetlana RUS
Bronze - Polnova Tatyana RUS


For the Men:

It is wide open. When in doubt, go with experience.

Gold - Brits Okkert RSA
Silver - Lobinger Tim GER
Bronze - Hartwig Jeff USA


I wish there were a few more USA's on my list, but I just call 'em like I see 'em.

Barto

[smokinvaulter1]

I would have to agree with Barto He hit right on the head, maybe Markov might sneak in on the mens, but Russia rules the women right now.

[achtungpv]

1. Romain Mensil
2. Aleksandr Averbukh ISR
3. Tim Lobinger GER

I just read another report and Mesnil is in after all. I guess the report of the broken thumb was incorrect. So, I've adjusted my picks.

1. Isinbayeva Yelena RUS
2. Polnova Tatyana RUS (go check out the video on stabhochsprung.com of her. She's on at least 15' poles and doesn't look that far away from jumping very high.
3. Feofanova Svetlana RUS

[Skyin' Brian]

mens predictions:
1. lobinger
2. markov
3. miles

women's predictions
1. isinbayeva
2. dragila
3. feofanova

polnova is out because she didnt do well enough in russia's trials i believe
i think the other russuan entered is Yelena Belyakova

[Cpvault]

Men:

1.) Markov
2.) Hartwig
3.) Brits

Women:

All Russia (although an American may sneak in; I hope)

[zack]

How can you not have Mesnil medalling?? Hes been the hottest jumper this year.

1. Hartwig
2. Lobinger
3. Mesnil

I would love to see Hartwig at medal.

1. Feofonova
2. Dragila
3. Isinbayeva

Dragila will manage to pull out a medal despite jumping like crap in Europe.

[vaultguru6]

1. Averbukh
2. Mensil
3. Okkert



Wish I could sneak Lobinger in there somewhere, but there are only three spots. After silvering in '01, I think Averbukh is ready to take it all. Markov will be my all or none wild card.


Women:

Same as everyone else.

1. Isinbayeva
2. Feofanova
3. Polnova


Don't think Stacy would even make my top 10.

[lonpvh]

Women: Russia in any order, but I'm guessing you might see your first 4.90 jump.


Men: 1). Hartwig at 5.77 in somewhat of a suprise as long as his neck is feeling better 2). Lobinger 5.72 3). Miles5.72
Mesnil NH, Poor boy will go off crying in front of the home crowd.
*No one has ever jumped over 19' here because the back of the box approaches 90 degrees*

LB

[vaultguru6]

*No one has ever jumped over 19' here because the back of the box approaches 90 degrees*

Please elaborate. Would they really allow for facilities like that to remain for the WC's? I find that very hard to believe.

[lonpvh]

Yes they would, its Europe. The promoter came up to Jeff after the Paris GL Meeting and asked what they need to do to make the meet better for them. Jeff told them the same thing that they all have told them for the last few years, fix the box. Anyway, the guy told him he would look into it for next year but he had nothing to do with it this year. You think such a big meet like Paris wouldn't have had someone jump over 19' by now if it wasn't for something like that holding them back. SO, look for your guys that don't bend the pole much like Derrick to do well, and your guys Markov and Lobinger to struggle a bit more. I think it was Derrick who won the first Paris meet wasn't it. I hope that helps. LB

[rainbowgirl28]

The Start List for women is here http://www.iaaf.org/WCH03/results/gende ... tlist.html

[zack]

Can't they say something to the IAAF to get it fixed? I mean this is the World Champs not some small backwoods meet. If I was one of the guys who was gonna jump there I would do my best to get it fixed. I mean its equivalent to having a track thats 410 meters instead of 400.