The story of the photo-finish judge

Sports Illustrated's Tim Layden journals the interesting story of Roger Jennings, the man behind the photo finish review of the Allyson Felix-Jeneba Tarmoh dead heat. Although he played no role in USATF's decision on how to decide the dead heat, he is the man responsible for protesting his own decision (read the story for more).

Dead Heat

The 2012 USATF Olympic Trials are underway and although these events are always exciting to me, something happened this weekend which is quite unusual. Two women in the 100m race tied for third. [see here] There was some confusion about what to do with the race. Initially, Jeneba Tarmoh was declared the winner over Allyson Felix by 0.001s, a small margin by any account. The race was soon declared a "dead heat," and then not long thereafter Felix was declared the winner. But all evidence was inconclusive and the race was again ruled a "dead heat." USATF has now ruled that the 3rd place position (and final berth on the 2012 Olympic Team for this event) will be decided in a run-off later during the Olympic Trials (unless both racers prefer a coin-flip instead). The decision by these ladies, who are training partners, and the run-off (presumably they will select this option) should be exciting to watch, even if you aren't a Trackhead. For now, however, you'll have to be satisfied watching the 100m final again (linked below). NBC Olympics coverage of the USATF Olympic Trials 100m Final

Jonah Lehrer discusses creativity with Russ Roberts. Very interesting; Lehrer may be an author to add to my reading list (which is really a sitting on the shelf to be read later list).