Stambolova has the same coach as Donkova, Veneva and Nuneva post-Seoul.
After seeing her in Moscow, i have no doubt she can do 49.50 once she will get and try the proper rythm for the first half in sub24sec.
Bulgaria has produced 100m, 200m, 800m and 1500m greats, i've always wondered why nobody under 50sec.
nevetsllim wrote:Do you think they might draft Lalova onto the team if she's fit?
Well, in this year's WIC short sprint specialist Tezdhian Naimova ran in the relay and it was a total disaster (her split was outside 55 seconds). More often than not, it's not a good idea to put someone who's never run a 400 on the relay (yes, I know there are counterexamples, like John Regis and Katrin Krabbe).
nevetsllim wrote:Do you think they might draft Lalova onto the team if she's fit?
Well, in this year's WIC short sprint specialist Tezdhian Naimova ran in the relay and it was a total disaster (her split was outside 55 seconds). More often than not, it's not a good idea to put someone who's never run a 400 on the relay (yes, I know there are counterexamples, like John Regis and Katrin Krabbe).
They were short-staffed and they added Dimitrova who had a 400 final the same day which wasn't ideal prep for her. Mind you, Lalova, despite her time over 100m, has shown equally, if not better form over 200m which might bode well over 400m. It was just a thought.
Powell wrote:Not if they don't have two more runners of at least decent international standard, which I think they don't.
We're talking Euro Champs here, not Olympics...
In addition to Stambalova and Dimitrova, they have Kolarova who has run 2:02 over 800m already this season. Gachevska ran a 55 400 which is indeed poor, but she should be able to go quicker. Also Nedkova ran a 53.02 last season, so she may be another one to draft in if she is competing at that level this season.
If Lalova is fit and healthy they may well draft her in, as their medal shot at 4x4 is better than 4x1.
Behind solid favourites Russia, you have to look at GBR as being in contention for silver, along with Belarus and Poland. After that it's Germany, Ukraine and Bulgaria. However, if Stambolova and Dimitrova continue with this excellent running, and Lalova is indeed fit and gambles in this event, who knows, Bulgaria could challenge for bronze.
I don't think Lalova is ready to compete this season, but even if she is, she wouldn't want to run the 400m. relay. She has way too much at stake at the 100m. for such a distraction.
Pierre-Jean wrote:After seeing her in Moscow, i have no doubt she can do 49.50 once she will get and try the proper rythm for the first half in sub24sec.
Stambolova ran 22.99 to win the 200m. Looks like she'll be running another PB over 400 soon...
Belarus runnning NR in Prague, further re-enforcing their potential as ECh medalists. They can run faster too, Usovich is worth more than 51.0, although she's not in her best form this year. Sologub did not run, nor did she run in the 4x100.
As for Belarus, I agree they will be a danger.
Sadly, the Poles aren't looking great at the moment. Monika Bejnar has run very well at 100 and 200, setting big PBs, but hasn't been able to transfer that speed to her specialist distance. Jesien is nowhere near last year's form at the moment, Guzowska is coming back from injury and not running fast so far and the others are pretty average as well.
I agree Poland are down on last year, but they do tend to raise their game and have the right approach and attitude when it comes to the relays.
Russia and GB should be out there ahead, (Ohuruogu's form pending - Sanders & McConnel running well though) but the bronze can be anyone's...but Belarus do look the best at the moment.
Germany has Hoffman (51.8 the w/e) Marx and Fink (52.2) but their 4th will let them down. On paper Ukraine can be a threat too. I think it may come down to tactics and team order on the day.
With Naimova's sub 23 200m recently she may well run in Gothenberg, and better than she did indoors you'd imagine, Bulgaria really do have a medal chance with Stambalova and Dimitrova + Kolorova
Jon wrote:22.81/50.06 double from Stambolova on Sunday in Plovdiv.
I just don't understand where Stambolova has come from! According to Iaaf, she ran 58.x in her heat at worlds 400mh! A year later and she's 50'0, 22'8, 54.x!?? EHm -nah!
VANYA STAMBOLOVA (400 M & relay 4x400 M). Born in Varna on 28 Nov 1983. Club “KLASA”. Coached by Georgi Dimitrov. Both with Teodora Kolarova were initially coached by Tsonka Gospodinova in Varna. Bulgarian champion at 400 m hurdles for 2005. Balkan champion 400 m h (2005). Balkan indoor Champion 2006. Dnq heats WC 2005. Two indoor records at 400 m in 2006 – 51.06 & 50.58. Pbs outdoors at 400 m 52.99 (2005), 400 m h 56.29 (2005). PBs indoor 200 m 23.51 (2006), 400 m 50.58 (2006).
Cheers Pav. It'll be interesting to see how Stambolova does in Paris tomorrow against Pospelova and Antyukh with regards to Gothenberg.
They really do, on paper, just need an ok 4th runner to add with Stambo', Dimi' and Kola' to make a good 4x4 team. Utilising one of their 100/200 girls may be the only option they have. Naimova ran on the last leg at the world indoors, and with her improved form she be able to run a better leg... assuming she runs in Gothenberg and not Beijing
Jon wrote:22.81/50.06 double from Stambolova on Sunday in Plovdiv.
I just don't understand where Stambolova has come from! According to Iaaf, she ran 58.x in her heat at worlds 400mh! A year later and she's 50'0, 22'8, 54.x!?? EHm -nah!
58.99 actually - so really 59! (Her SB, and then PB, was 56.29 though - still a great improvement for someone who had never broken a minute before.)
She ran in the 400H in the inaugural WYC, placing 5th in her heat in 1:04.56, however she was a year younger than Pittman and Sanders amongst others.
Arguably Bulgaria and Belarus are even more female-dominated now than they ever were in Iron Curtain and Soviet days, especially in the track events. I share your sentiments, Jaack.
