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This wasn't the sporting article I intended but so many beautiful stories are coming out from Oregon that it just seems like a waste not to talk about them. We are only in the third day of action, yet I think any fan who goes home now will have the feeling of having got their money's worth. So far we have seen few finals contested, but there are three of them which pose unique, wonderful stories to tell. Let's jump right in!

The End of An Era

Day one we witnessed one of the most decorated track and field stars draw the curtains on her international career. Allyson Felix indicated that this year would be her last as a professional track and field athlete, making this championships her last major international event. Selected for the Mixed 4 x 400m relay, it may not have been the ending she wanted as the U.S.A only managed to come third place, but it would've only added another feather to the cap of her illustrious career.

Even google payed tribute to her. The search for her name on day one came out with an animation as well as her remarkable achievements that saw her win world medals and dominate across 100m, 200m and 400m races, further highlighting her versatility. The mother of one is the most decorated athlete in IAAF world athletics championship history and will no doubt be missed.

Finding Greatness

From one versatile athlete to another, we move on to one who did manage to win a gold medal. Fred Kerley yesterday won the Men's 100m final in what turned out to be a clean sweep for the U.S.A (1-2-3). He pipped his fellow countrymen Marvin Bracy and Trayvon Bromell in a very close race.

Originally starting out as a 400m runner, Kerley did find success in the longer sprint, winning the individual bronze medal in 2019. After an injury, he made a decision to focus on the shorter sprints in 2021 and he entered this championships as the favorite. Luckily he did not disappoint and has cemented his status among the great athletes of his generation, and certainly one of the most versatile.

Gold at Last

What can you make of someone who is the World record holder in the 5000m, 10,000m, 15km and half-marathon but has never won gold at the World stage? No doubt Letesenbet Gidey would've placed herself under enormous pressure to deliver heading into these championships. Tipped as the favorite to win the women's 10,000m, she would not doubt have concluded that being favorite doesn't always apply come race day.

The race featured some strong competitors including the woman who denied her at the Olympics, Sifan Hassan. I watched the race from beginning to the end and at a point it felt like Gidey was playing into the hands of Hassan (who has a stronger finish) by not pushing the pace. Heading into the last lap the race was still very open with Gidey holding a slight lead. Somewhat surprisingly to me, she managed to find strength and held off late surges by Helen Obiri, Margaret Kipkemboi and Sifan Hassan to win Gold.

Her somewhat subdued celebration appeared to be one of relief more than anything else. It was a well deserved triumph for such a great talent.

Conclusion

There is still so much to look forward to in these championships and this will not be my last article covering the event. In the meantime, I hope you guys find time to tune in and watch some of the most dedicated and disciplined people on earth showing us what our bodies are truly capable of at its peak.