One of the most strategic decisions of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris took place during the men’s 110-meter hurdles heats on Sunday. The second fastest time in the world He competed in the event at the U.S. Olympic Trials this season and finished five seconds off the pace in the preliminaries.
The reason? Crittenden had been bothered by inflammation in his right abductor muscle during training on Sunday. Rather than push himself and risk further injury in his qualifying heat, Crittenden took it easy during his heat because he knew he had a chance at a mulligan.
Thank goodness for Tuesday’s repechage.
The repechage, introduced in 2022 and used for the first time at the Paris Olympics, gives athletes who don’t automatically advance to the semifinals in certain events one more chance to advance. Knowing the route existed, Crittenden decided to run slowly on Sunday to give himself a chance to recover for today’s repechage.
Crittenden won and advanced to the semi-finals tomorrow. Winner in 13.42 secondsearned the first of two spots in the semifinals. Asier Martínez of Spain came in second in 13.46 seconds to earn the other spot.
After the consolation match, Crittenden spoke with Louis Johnson about his decision. NBC Sportsand praised the team’s doctors and trainers.
The only drawback to the repechage is the schedule: Crittenden ran on Tuesday and will be competing tomorrow against athletes who are on multiple rest days.
Still, Crittenden’s plan worked and his chances at Olympic glory remained intact.
