Well, the dust has settled in Doha, but after listening to David Gillick on Off the Ball last night, we were still perplexed by the whole scenario surrounding the disqualification of the Dubliner at the World Indoor Championships last Saturday. Maybe if the rugby hadn’t clashed with the race, there might have been more uproar.
Gillick, when interviewed, did not sound the slightest bit repentant for his outlandish tactical decision coming into the last 150m of the race. I thought his clear ambition for gold was admirable, until I went back and watched the race. Having run a few indoor 400m’s in my day (really), I couldn’t believe he would have had the gall to try to pass the American on the inside. That’s completely crazy and certain to fail, especially for a lanky runner like Gillick.
So hero or doofus? We did the thing we always do when faced with moral conundrums: asked Dad. In this case, Mr McDaniel is something of an expert, having been a former Mason-Dixon Conference champion in his day. Here’s his two cents:
Gillick is a real good runner. I think he was in the semis or in the finals in the 400 in the Olympics. He looked very good into the turn. If he didn't cut in he would have probably gotten 2nd. It's a tough call. It looks like the Yank with the headband gave him a slight opening and he went for it. Unfortunately, the Yank moved back in just when Gillick moved inside. Passing on the inside is really a dangerous move. Even if there was no contact, he wouldn't have beaten the Bahamas guy. The 400 is a cruel race - one bad move and it's over.
The verdict seems to be: David Gillick, foolishly brave. Watch the race below and decide for yourself.
