WORLD ATHLETICS FINAL - STUTTGART, GERMANY

Last weekend, I was in Stuttgart - the final stop on my athletics tour this season which has included Paris, Brussels, Rome and Berlin. I have been to Stuttgart once before, and I have to say that the city center there is surprisingly nice. The shopping district and central square are bursting with people and energy and lots of street artists. The meet is held over 2 days and we had brilliant weather. The 1st day started kind of slow because I was late to the stadium because someone gave me bad directions. Then, after forgetting to get a program, I had to return to the entrance to get one. That is when my luck changed because I found the athletes exit where they meet spectators, take pics and sign autographs. So, I happily spent my remaining time running back and forth between seeing the events and meeting the athletes.

DAY 1

Schlossplatz and the New Castle; local artist taking it to the street.

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One of my favorites in the sport - Maryam Yusuf Jamal (1500mt champ), on and off the track. One of the great beauties and champions of the sport.
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British 100mt and 200mt vet Joice Maduaka (L) used to sport the "80's Hump Weave" but introduced her new sleek, blunt, bob weave in Stuttgart - I live for an upgrade. Stephanie Durst, American sprint newbie, was a real hoot. Mama fell into a fierce pose worthy of Liya Kebede when I asked for a pic. This cutie pie has a big future in athletics.

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OHHHHH the beauty!!!!!! Canadian 400mt stunner Tyler Christopher (L) poses with an urban swagger; serving a cute smile with a side of cheekbones is Nigerian 100mt star Olusoji Fasuba.

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Me with Francis Obikwelu, Portuguese and European sprint champ - we were a double scoop of chocolate. Me with Reese Hoffa, US shotput star and all around great guy. Don't you just want to squeeze his cheeks (and I mean on his face - don't be fresh!)? He is such a teddy bear.

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Amy and Aaron. How much more all-American can you get?! Amy is also a part-time model having appeared in Playboy, FHM and Maxim:

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I met Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell in the city center after the event. He is the world record holder at 100mt. Powell is amazing on the track and has the body of a super hero. But, he has the personality of a wet rag. Maybe I am used to the Americans who have personality and charisma to spare, but even Powell's bravado would induce narcolepsy, unlike former ego-maniacal sprinter Maurice Greene who you could count on for an arrogant pose and strut peacock session. Powell's rival, Tyson Gay, has it all - talent, looks and an endearing, humble personality.
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DAY 2

Fresh Faced - 110mt hurdler Ryan Wilson and 400 mt runner Mary Wineberg both serve ivory fresh cuteness.

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Two of the biggest stars on the scene also happen to be two of my faves. Americans Sanya Richards, 400mt diva (L), and the amazing 200mt specialist Allyson Felix (R) are creating legacies for themselves right now with their dominance in multiple events. Allyson is absolutely stunning in person - she is as graceful, quick and delicate as a gazelle.

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International hotness: 100mt & 200mt star Johan Wissman of Sweden, the cutie with the big booty (L); Japanese hammer thrower Koji Murofushi is half Japanese, half Romanian and 100% fine .
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American miler Alan Webb is the boy next door, but with a devilish grin.

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200mt sprinter Christopher Williams always adds a touch of spicy Jamaican flavor, hold the jerk sauce. 400mt British hurdler Tasha Danvers-Smith always brings a touch of fashion to her performance - this time a flippy tennis skirt, a jewelled headband and vivacious, curly locks.

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American 400mt hurdler and sprinter Angelo Taylor is one of the most handsome boys on the circuit. Peace out to you too!!!
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Now you know I love diversity, taking chances and individuality, but Russian long and triple jumper Tatyana Lebedeva looks like the valedictorian of the graduating class of "BOZO'S CLOWN COLLEGE". That hair was many things and none of them pretty. She was the official M.O.T.M. - MESS OF THE MEET.

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One of the things that stood out to me about this meet was that the girls hit the track camera-ready. After their event, they go directly to interviews so the hair must be snatched and faces must be beat. The Americans have it down to a science - natural makeup with flowing locks or a long pony tail. I assume this has a lot to do with getting sponsorship and/or endorsements. Whatever the case, they were DONE and I always appreciate the effort!!!

Track season is over for me this year, but I will resume my spectator duties in the springtime. I had a great time documenting such an amazing season.

All pics by me except the one of me with Obikwelu and Amy's pics from Playboy and Maxim.