The World Championships are winding down with only a few days left. That means it is time for the relays.

I really like the relays as they bring back some wonderful memories of running in High School.

I was on the track team during high school and lettered all four years. I was a distance runner and would run the half, mile and two mile. Of course these were really the 800, 1600 and 3200 but in the US we like to hold on to our old designations. I also ran in the 2 mile relay.

My best memories come from the relays. We were always competitive and would gain valuable points toward capturing the team championship.

In my Freshman year we won the Iroquois League Championship and our relay team took the Gold to contribute to the win. Eight years ago the school had new banners made and auctioned off the old banners. I now have the banner for the championship that I helped win. See my post Running Down Memory Lane for more about this banner.

In my Senior year our 4×800 relay team qualified for the Kansas State Track Meet. We did not finish in the medals at State, but I have some great memories of running in the meet.

I still have the baton from the race. I don’t remember how I ended up with it, but it has been tucked safely away for years. Just holding it brings back some great running memories.

Tonight were the heats for the 4×100 meter relays. Both the USA teams qualified for the finals.

I really wish that they would run the 4×800 at the Olympics. Also, why not add the 4×200, the sprint medley and the distance medley. This would give more track athletes a chance to win medals.

Just imagine a sprint medley of a 200, 200, 400 and 800 with the best runners in the world.

What do you think? Does professional track need more relays?

Steven