Running News Daily

'My gold medal is peeling'- Tara Davis-Woodhall stuns fans as Paris Olympics medal quality concerns grow

Olympic and Paralympic medalists raise concerns about the rapid deterioration of their recently awarded medals, sparking widespread athlete frustration.

Olympic gold medalist Tara Davis-Woodhall has sparked a storm of controversy after revealing that her prized gold medal is peeling, joining the growing concerns of fellow athletes, including Paralympic bronze medalist Allison E. Lang.

What should be an enduring symbol of their achievements is, instead, tarnishing—both literally and symbolically—just weeks after the medals were awarded.

Davis-Woodhall’s revelation came after Lang, who secured bronze in the recent Paris Paralympic Games, expressed her frustration on Threads.

Lang shared a photo of her rapidly deteriorating medal, showing visible signs of oxidation and peeling.

“I’m kind of disappointed. My Bronze Medal from Paris is already oxidizing and looks like it’s peeling/rusting like what’s going on @paralympics? I’ve only had it for less than a month!!” Lang posted.

Initially, some social media users dismissed Lang’s concerns, with one commenter stating, “Gold does not tarnish by the way,” but Davis-Woodhall quickly came to her defense with a stunning admission: “Actually… it does ? my gold medal is peeling.”

The long jump athlete’s candid response added fuel to the fire, shifting the spotlight from a single case to a potential widespread issue.

The idea that gold and bronze medals—symbols of lifelong dedication and effort—could deteriorate so quickly has shocked athletes and fans alike.

In the wake of the revelations, several athletes have started to inspect their own medals. Some, like Lang and Davis-Woodhall, are reporting similar problems, while others have claimed their medals remain in pristine condition.

This inconsistency has only deepened the mystery, raising questions about the materials and manufacturing processes behind these prestigious awards.

Tessa Axsom, the director of CNC at Fictive, a San Francisco-based company that specializes in custom mechanical parts, has weighed in on the issue.

According to Axsom, the problem may lie in the materials used in the medals, particularly copper oxidation.

“This year’s bronze medal is actually 97% copper, 2.5% zinc, and a half a percent tin,” Axsom explained as reported by The Sport Rush.

“Copper oxidation is natural, and it reaches stability when it forms oxides and salts. So, when you have sweaty athletes wearing these medals, getting salt on them, you’re going to get oxidation. The metal should have been protectively coated.”

Despite some media reports attributing the issue to the use of recycled metals—a sustainable practice championed by the Olympic and Paralympic committees—Axsom was quick to refute those claims.

She emphasized that using recycled metals is not the cause of the peeling and rusting. Rather, it is the lack of a proper protective coating that has left these medals vulnerable to the elements and wear.

As of now, neither the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) nor the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has issued an official statement addressing the situation.

However, whispers of cost-cutting measures have begun circulating, with speculation that the medals may have been produced under tighter budget constraints, potentially leading to the quality issues now being reported.

For athletes like Lang and Davis-Woodhall, the peeling medals are more than just a cosmetic problem. They represent the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Seeing their hard-earned medals deteriorate so quickly has left them and their fans questioning the lasting value of these symbols.

(10/05/2024) Views: 230 ⚡AMP
by Festus Chuma

Meet USA Women's athletics team for Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Discover Team USA's women athletes ready for Paris 2024, featuring new talent and seasoned champions aiming for Olympic glory.

The Olympic track and field trials have concluded and the roster for the USA Women’s Athletics Team heading to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is set.

This year’s team is a powerful mix of returning champions and new faces, each ready to leave their mark on the grandest stage in sports.

Pulse Sports dives into the details of each event and the athletes representing the United States.

Marathon

The USA women’s marathon team sees a complete refresh from the last Olympics, introducing Dakotah Lindwurm, Fiona O’Keeffe, and Emily Sisson.

O’Keeffe leads this group, having clinched her spot by winning this year's Olympic marathon trials in an impressive 2:22.10.

The team looks to build on the bronze medal performance from three years ago with this new, dynamic lineup.

100m

Sha'Carri Richardson is making a much-anticipated return to the Olympics in the 100m dash after missing the previous games.

Her trial time of 10.71 seconds shows she’s back with blazing speed and ready to compete on the Olympic track.

Joining her are Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry, both formidable sprinters who have proven their prowess to secure their spots in this highly competitive event.

100m Hurdles

The 100m hurdles will feature an entirely new USA trio: Masai Russell, Alaysha Johnson, and Grace Stark.

Russell dominated at the trials with a swift 12.25 seconds, while Johnson and Stark showed exceptional skill, each clocking in at 12.31 seconds.

This team replaces the previous Olympic medalists and aims to bring a new energy to the hurdles.

200m

Gabby Thomas returns to the 200m, having won a bronze in Tokyo and posting even better times since.

Alongside her are Brittany Brown and McKenzie Long, both just hundredths of a second apart at the trials, setting the stage for a strong competition in Paris.

Notably, Sha'Carri Richardson, despite high expectations, will not compete in this event after finishing fourth at the trials.

400m

Kendall Ellis, Aaliyah Butler, and Alexis Holmes are the new faces for the 400m, each having run sub-50 seconds at the trials—a benchmark not met by the previous Olympic team.

Their performances suggest that they are serious contenders for the podium in Paris.

400m Hurdles

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone returns after setting a world record at the trials, clearly positioning herself as the favorite to defend her Olympic title.

She is joined by Anna Cockrell and newcomer Jasmine Jones, rounding out a team that mixes experience with fresh talent.

800m

With Athing Mu absent due to a fall at the trials, Nia Akins took the lead, winning the women's 800m in a commanding 1:57.36.

Allie Wilson and Juliette Whittaker also qualified bringing new energy to an event that saw unexpected twists during the trials.

5000m and 10,000m

Elle St. Pierre narrowly outpaced Elise Cranny in the 5000m, with Karissa Schweizer also making the team.

Schweizer and Parker Valby are waiting on world rankings to confirm their spots in the 10,000m, adding an element of suspense as they aim to compete in both distances.

Discus

Valarie Allman is set to defend her Olympic title in the discus throw, having dominated the trials with a throw of 70.73 meters.

Veronica Fraley, joining her, also showed strong form, ensuring that Team USA remains a top contender in this event.

Hammer

Annette Echikunwoke and DeAnna Price, both meeting the Olympic standard, are ready to improve upon their previous Olympic performances.

Their impressive throws at the trials indicate they are in peak form.

Heptathlon

Anna Hall, Chari Hawkins, and Taliyah Brooks are set for the heptathlon, each with their own story of redemption and debut at the Olympics.

Their diverse skills across multiple events make them versatile and formidable competitors.

High Jump

Vashti Cunningham and Rachel Glenn, both clearing the Olympic standard, aim to surpass their previous performances.

Their consistent top-three finishes at trials underscore their capabilities and medal potential.

Javelin

Maggie Malone Hardin is the sole qualifier for the javelin throw, her victory at the trials marking her as a key athlete to watch in this discipline.

Long Jump

Tara Davis-Woodhall, Jasmine Moore, and Monae' Nichols are set to represent the USA in the long jump.

Davis-Woodhall's recent silver at the world championships positions her as a favorite for gold in Paris.

Pole Vault

Bridget Williams, Katie Moon, and Brynn King, each having cleared impressive heights at the trials, are the pole vaulters heading to Paris.

Their collective performances suggest a strong potential for medal finishes.

3,000m Steeplechase

Valerie Constien, Courtney Wayment, and Marisa Howard, each having excelled at the trials, are prepared to make their mark in the steeplechase.

Their exceptional times are indicative of their strong conditioning and competitive spirit.

Shot Put

Chase Jackson, Raven Saunders, and Jaida Ross form a powerful trio in shot put.

Jackson's leading throw at the trials sets her up as a medal hopeful, while Saunders looks to add to her Tokyo silver.

Triple Jump

Jasmine Moore, Keturah Orji, and Tori Franklin are ready to challenge the distances that will be seen in Paris.

Moore's standout performance at the trials signals great potential for an impactful showing.

(07/03/2024) Views: 263 ⚡AMP
by Festus Chuma

Global champions Holloway, Moon and Lyles feature on USA's team for WIC Glasgow 24

The United States has named a team of 57 athletes for the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24 on March 1-3.

World and Olympic champions Ryan Crouser and Katie Moon head the men’s and women’s entries respectively. They will be joined by world champions Noah Lyles, Grant Holloway and Chase Jackson (nee Ealey).

Sandi Morris will defend her world indoor pole vault title, while world leaders Tara Davis-Woodhall, Yared Nuguse and Shelby McEwen also feature on the team.

US team for Glasgow

Women

60m: Celera Barnes, Mikiah Brisco, Aleia Hobbs

400m: Talitha Diggs, Alexis Holmes

800m: Addison Wiley, Allie Wilson

1500: Nikki Hiltz, Emily Mackay

3000m: Josette Andrews, Elle St Pierre

60m hurdles: Christina Clemons, Masai Russell

High jump: Vashti Cunningham

Pole vault: Katie Moon, Sandi Morris

Long jump: Tara Davis-Woodhall, Monae' Nichols

Triple jump: Jasmine Moore, Keturah Orji

Shot put: Maggie Ewen, Chase Jackson

Pentathlon: Chari Hawkins

4x400m: Quanera Hayes, Bailey Lear, Na'Asha Robinson, Maya Singletary, Jessica Wright

Men

60m: Christian Coleman, Noah Lyles

400m: Brian Faust, Jacory Patterson

800m: Isaiah Harris, Bryce Hoppel

1500m: Cole Hocker, Hobbs Kessler

300m: Olin Hacker, Yared Nuguse

60m hurdles: Trey Cunningham, Grant Holloway, Cameron Murray

High jump: Shelby McEwen, Vernon Turner

Pole vault: Sam Kendricks, Chris Nilsen

Long jump: Jarrion Lawson, Will Williams

Triple jump: Chris Benard, Donald Scott

Shot put: Ryan Crouser, Roger Steen

Heptathlon: Harrison Williams

4x400m: Chris Bailey, Trevor Bassitt, Matthew Boling, Paul Dedewo, Wil London

(02/23/2024) Views: 403 ⚡AMP
by World Athletics

World 60m hurdles records for Holloway and Jones in Albuquerque

By running the fastest time in hurdling history on Friday (16), Grant Holloway also extended one of the sport’s longest stretches of dominance.

On the first day of the US Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Holloway ran 7.27* in the heats to break his own 60m hurdles world record before skipping the final hours later because he was already assured of a berth on the US team bound for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow next month. 

The victory was Holloway’s 60th consecutive at the senior 60m hurdles, part of an astounding, decade-long streak that has left him still the only hurdler all time to dip under 7.30, a feat he has now achieved three times. That longevity and speed ensures he will arrive at Glasgow the prohibitive favourite to win a second straight world indoor gold medal – what he called the “main goal” of this season.

“I knew it was going to be a good one after I got out of the blocks,” Holloway said. “My main thing was just to continue going through with my steps and my rhythm. I wasn’t too upset about it but, you know, 7.27 at a nice track is always a good thing.”

With Holloway a spectator for Friday’s final, Trey Cunningham’s comeback season continued with a personal best 7.39 to claim his first national indoor title. The silver medallist at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, Cunningham was hobbled by an injured back and hamstring in 2023, but has returned to form. 

Holloway’s world record run came only 20 minutes after another. Tia Jones equalled the women’s world record in the 60m hurdles by clocking 7.67* in the heats to match the mark set by Devynne Charlton of The Bahamas just five days earlier at the Millrose Games.

After crossing the finish line and bouncing off the facility’s protective padding, Jones glanced at the clock and initially turned away – before doing a double-take when recognising she had just equalled Charlton’s mark. 

In the final more than two hours later, Jones nearly matched her record yet again. Her winning time of 7.68 was 0.10 ahead of Jasmine Jones.

They were not the only favourites to win convincingly on the championships’ first day.

World-leading marks were set by Daniel Haugh, whose weight throw of 26.35m also broke the US record; Chase Jackson, who led the shot put from her first attempt and won it on her third with a mark of 20.02m; and long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall, who described herself as “shocked” after leaping a personal best of 7.18m. Despite acknowledging that she was struggling with her approach on her final four jumps, Davis-Woodhall’s mark moves her to No.6 on the all-time list indoors.

“I think we have more in the tank,” said Davis-Woodall. 

In the pole vault, Chris Nilsen set a US Championships record with his winning vault of 6.00m, ahead of Sam Kendricks, who cleared 5.95m. Nilsen missed once and Kendricks twice at a US record height of 6.05m, before Nilsen raised the bar to 6.10m and missed two more attempts at the record. In one of the night’s few instances where a top contender stumbled, KC Lightfoot finished eighth on 5.65m.

Elle St. Pierre, the only racer in the 3000m with the World Indoor Championships standard, ran alone for much of the final to win in 8:54.40, nearly nine seconds ahead of second-placed Josette Andrews. Countries are allowed two entrants per event for the World Indoor Championships – unless they also have a wild card entry in certain disciplines due to athletes winning the World Indoor Tour in 2023 or 2024, as is the case for Holloway – and competitors must either own their event’s qualifying standard or, if not, advance via world ranking.

Expecting a tactical race, St. Pierre, who was accustomed to racing at Albuquerque’s altitude after months of training at elevation in Arizona, took control of the pace early. If she qualifies for the World Indoor Championships in the 1500m as well, St. Pierre indicated she “would just focus on the 3km” in Glasgow.

Like St. Pierre, Yared Nuguse entered his own 3000m final as the only racer already owning the standard for the World Indoor Championships. Unlike St. Pierre, he waited out a slower, more strategic race with his kick to win in 7:55.76.

Running in fifth through 1400m, Nuguse moved up to stay patient in second until taking the lead entering the bell lap. He never let it go by closing the final 400m in 54.39 to edge Olin Hacker, who was second in 7:56.22. Nuguse set the US mile record last year, but said he and his coach had aimed for the 3000m in Glasgow out of a desire to maintain the strength he’d accumulated during winter training.

Will Nuguse race Josh Kerr in Glasgow, in what would be a showdown of top 1500m medal contenders stepping up to a longer distance? Kerr, fresh off running 8:00.67 for two miles at the Millrose Games, has not tipped his hand. 

“Honestly, I like the suspense factor,” Nuguse said. “Maybe he’ll be there, maybe he won’t. It’s great.”

Vashti Cunningham’s reign in the high jump continued, needing only three jumps and never missing en route to winning her eighth consecutive indoor national title at 1.92m. Cunningham will enter Glasgow in position to add to her gold and silver medals earned at previous World Indoor Championships, as her season’s best of 1.97m is tied for third-best in the world this season. 

The men’s high jump saw another repeat champion, as Shelby McEwen leapt 2.28m to retain his title. McEwen has not yet met the World Indoor Championships standard of 2.34m, but could advance based on world ranking.

In other finals, Chris Carter won the men’s triple jump on his last attempt, though his mark of 16.49m remains short of the world indoor standard. Nick Christie claimed the men’s 3000m race walk in 11:56.06, and Miranda Melville claimed the women’s title in 13:55.24.

(02/17/2024) Views: 485 ⚡AMP
by World Athletics

NCAA likely to remove cannabis from banned substance list

An NCAA committee is pushing to remove cannabis from its list of banned substances, advocating that collegiate drug testing should instead focus on testing for performance-enhancing drugs rather than recreational/medical substances. The proposal was released by the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS) on Friday and represents a significant divergence for the NCAA, which has been testing for cannabis at championship events for nearly four decades.

The committee has suggested a suspension of cannabis testing at all championship events until a final decision is reached. For the rules to change, the new legislation would need to be introduced and approved by all three divisions of the NCAA: Division I, II and III. Division II and III administrators were the ones who requested that the NCAA committee examine and challenge the current rules around cannabis.

This recommendation comes amid a growing trend in the U.S., with an increasing number of states legalizing medical or recreational cannabis use. Twenty-three states have now legalized it for recreational use. In the past two years, two prominent U.S. track athletes, Tara Davis-Woodhall and Sha’Carri Richardson, have served short bans for positive cannabis tests, both losing U.S. national titles as a result of their positive tests.

In 2021, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) altered its code involving cannabis, allowing for a reduced sanction if the athlete’s use occurred out of competition and unrelated to sports performance.

Last December, CSMAS acknowledged that cannabis does not provide performance-enhancing effects and suggested implementing policies that instead address the potential risks associated with excessive recreational drug use by athletes.

Previous studies suggest that cannabis is not a performance-enhancing substance from the perspective of speed, power or strength. In one study, researchers had cyclists use cannabis and then assessed their performance on the bike. They looked at both speed and power, and both were decreased in the cannabis condition. Others showed minimal or no difference in performance.

A final decision is expected from the NCAA before the start of the fall season.

(06/24/2023) Views: 540 ⚡AMP
by Running Magazine

U.S. Olympian stripped of national title after positive cannabis test

On Tuesday, The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) reported the one-month suspension of U.S. Olympian Tara Davis-Woodhall after a positive cannabis test in February 2023. The test came after Davis-Woodhall won the long jump at the 2023 USA Indoor Track and Field Championships, held in Albuquerque, N.M. As a result, she will have to give up her national title and she will forfeit any medals, points and prizes accumulated between Feb. 17 and March 21.

Davis-Woodhall tested positive for a urinary metabolite of THC (the active ingredient in cannabis) in a sample collected on Feb. 17, according to the report. The use of cannabis is still banned in competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and usually holds a penalty of up to three months. Davis-Woodhall’s period of ineligibility was reduced to one month because her use of the substance occurred out of competition and was unrelated to sports performance, per USADA.

The 23-year-old also successfully completed a substance abuse treatment program.

Davis-Woodhall qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics in the women’s long jump, where she placed sixth in the final. She is married to a prominent U.S. Paralympian Hunter Woodhall, who won medals at the previous two Paralympic Games.

In 2021, WADA altered its code involving THC, allowing for a reduced three-month sanction if the athlete establishes that their use of the substance occurred out-of-competition and unrelated to sports performance. This came after the July 2021 suspension of Sha’Carri Richardson, who lost her chance to compete at the 2020 Olympics after she tested positive for the substance. Richardson also served a one-month suspension and had her U.S. outdoor 100m title revoked.

Richardson’s suspension caused a stir on social media, with many siding with the U.S. sprinter. Even Toronto rapper Drake weighed in on the suspension, name-dropping Richardson in the song No Friends in the Industry of his Certified Lover Boy album.

(04/29/2023) Views: 1,054 ⚡AMP
by Running Magazine