Monzanator

Just now, Olympian1010 said:

The innovation is the strategic options. It also forces countries to be good in both genders. Plus, we still need all the basic requirements of running a good 400m

Right. 15 teams went with the same strategy M-F-F-M and the one that did otherwise got royally panned for it and still finish last. Thanks for that kind of innovation. Just add another gold and we're done with this crap. USA, GB, Poland and Jamaica are good in 400m in both genders already and we actually didn't put our best athletes here and still won SF with ease. So much for a high standard. Backups can win here without breaking sweat.

Just now, Olympian1010 said:

Except they are truly different events and add to the program. The Mass Start does need to be reworked a bit though I admit. Cross Country Mass Start is awesome.

 

I hate the disrespect distance athletes (like myself) get on a constant basis.

You haven't followed cross country a lot? Most cc skiing fans I know absolutely HATE the mass start. It's just for TV purpose because the interval race lasted longer and TV rules everything these days. 50km mass start must be one of the worst ideas ever.

Just now, dcro said:

 

But where is the innovation in the mixed 4x400m relay?? It's redundant, and in that case already established events clearly have more value.

 

Plus, top 400m runners are usually busy enough even without this addition...

Yeah, just like in alpine skiing team event, back-ups and people without a chance for individual medal actually make the team. Just check some of the and line-ups. Even Marcel Hirscher didn't bother to show up for the team event to win an easy medal

Just now, Olympian1010 said:

Every event in swimming after the 100m events are redundant. Team events in Archery and Judo and Table Tennis are redundant. Doubles in Table Tennis, Badminton, and Tennis are redundant. The 200m is redundant.

What the hell are you talking about?

Yeah, team event in judo is completely useless. Just another gold for Japan without breaking sweat.

Just now, orangeman said:

 

Out of the answers so far, I understand this the most.  It does seem like just another opportunity to give medals to the same countries.  I don't really follow the "no history" answer, because that can be applied to everything new in order to prevent progress and innovation.  I mean, steeplechase has history but is it a natural event?  Are hurdles necessary?  It's just for entertainment, it's not like any of these events have some sort of intrinsic value outside of athleticism.  

110m & 400m hurdles are the BEST track events for me by a country mile. You need both speed & technique and also stamina.

Just now, Olympian1010 said:

Disrespect the best event in Speed Skating and you’ll be seeing me pop up in Poland pretty soon sir 

I suggest you watch short track if you want to see mass starts. In speed skating it's just boring as hell. Nothing happens until the last lap. FIS wrecked the cross country with 50km mass starts which are downright horrible and mass starts in speed skating are equally repulsive tbh.

Just now, orangeman said:

Why is mixed relay any less valid than normal relay?  

The rich only get richer which is useless. Same thing as mass start in speed skating.

  in the final!

  out? What an epic blunder! He had the inside lane!

This must be the most meaningless WR ever tbh.

Rooney run out of it in 4th

BBC probably doesn't show any events where doesn't have a chance for a medal

Holzdeppe clears 5,75m so that means Wojciechowski & Filippidis are out!

Two in women's 800m final.

Fiodorow 76,35m PB!!! Her previous best was 75,03!

Lavillenie bombs out   Time to hang 'em up!

Oskan-Clarke faceplants before the finish...

Sibine & Hughes but nobody inside 10,00 secs.

Just now, dcro said:

Yohan Blake's PB of 9.69 is one of the most ridiculous things ever...

His 19,26 at 200m is even more ridiculous tbh.

Slow-ass time. This is Coleman's gold to lose...

@bestmen in meltdown mode!!! Incoming...

Just now, bestmen said:

but 48.40 is pretty good time he 'll q

Yeah, I know. But I picked Copello to win a medal so I won't complain about this finish. He got me worried in the heats.

Polish TV hyping Dobek like shit. He ain't gonna make it IMO. Dobek would have to beat his PB to be faster than McMaster's time already.

Dos Santos & Copello beat McMaster at the line.

Kszczot 5th. Epic failure. He's obviously not in contention for medals here.

It's unbelievable. Babiarz still doesn't realize that Amos is out even when they show the athletes on track...

Polish TVP obviously doesn't realize Amos has pulled out. What a bunch of morons!

Meanwhile cycling is still on ES...