Jackpot contenders take spotlight off the gold
30 August 2001 - Berlin – The yellow bib which visually identifies athletes still in contention for the Golden League jackpot is more than just a tool to assist spectators and TV viewers.
“The fifty kilos of gold are not really a motivator for me”, claims Allen Johnson, one of the five athletes who can join Violeta Szekely and Marion Jones in a share of Golden League jackpot tomorrow night.
“Of course, anyone involved is the race for the jackpot cannot help thinking about the gold, but what motivates me is the yellow bib: it’s like the yellow jersey at the Tour de France. It is an honour that sets me apart from the other competitors in my event. Wearing the yellow bib means I am the top competitor, and it is important for me to try to keep it when everyone else aims at taking it away.”
Hicham El Guerrouj, who admits to collecting all his bibs, spikes and vests in order to present them to his family to remember his feats, will not only attempt to keep his golden bib tomorrow night, but will add extra spice to it by vying to improve his own world record over 2000m, set in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium two years ago.
“I am feeling good and am ready for a great performance here in Berlin after running the 1500m in 3:26.12 in Brussels last week. If the conditions are good, and we pass the 1500 metre mark in 3:32 or 3:33 with the support of the spectators I can do it.”