Bolt, Suhr Lead the Way in New York City

By Scott Bush

The adidas Grand Prix takes place in the New York City on Saturday and as expected the fields are strong across the board. The seventh IAAF Diamond League meet of the season, and the final one in the United States, gives stars of the sport an opportunity to fine tune their talent heading into national championships. 

Here's what to watch.

The Great One Returns

It's been a long time since Usain Bolt last competed in the United States. In fact, the last time he competed in NYC he broke the world record in the 100m. The legendary sprinter returns to run the 200m this time around, and while a world record seems out of the question, a win and plenty of showmanship seems realistic. 

Bolt is the clear favorite, with a seasonal best of 20.13 coming in. He's yet to show form capable of truly challenging American Justin Gatlin (who's not runnin and owns a SB of 19.68), but Bolt should certainly push a sub-20 second clocking. 

Julian Forte, a fellow Jamaican, is entered and should push his countryman, while Zharnel Hughes (AIA) comes in with the second best mark of the field with a seasonal best of 20.15. 2014 Diamond League 200m champion Alonso Edward (PAN) looks to get his groove back and lower his seasonal best of 20.33, while AMerican Terrell Cotton owns a season best of 20.22 and could very well challenge for a top three finish.

Oh, and whether you are watching in person or on TV, keep an eye on the passion of the Jamaican fans in attendance!

Suhr Seeks to Soar

American Jen Suhr has had a very quiet start to her season due to injury. While Suhr hasn't competed much in 2015, she still owns the top mark in the world, vaulting over 4.81m late last month. She takes to the runway again this weekend, competing against three of the next five best vaulters in the world. While collegians Sandi Morris and Demi Payne won't be in attendance having just completed their college seasons as the NCAA Outdoor Championships, Suhr sees the best of the rest in the world, which should provide plenty of entertainment. 

Greek standouts Nikoleta Kyriakopoulou and Ekaterini Stefanioi have seasonal best marks of 4.73m and 4.71 respectively, while Brazilian Fabiana Murer has cleared 4.72m this season. Suhr might be queen of the vault for now, but she'll have to be at her best to win Saturday.

Pichardo Watch

No one in the horizontal jumps has inspired quite like Pedro Pablo Pichardo (CUB) has this year. The 21 year old sensation is on a tear this season, owning four of the top five best marks in the world, along with his world-leading best of 8.08m. If anyone seems capable of breaking Jonathan Edwards' world record of 8.29m, it's Pichardo. 

Pichardo's four best marks all have measured 17.94m or better, so he's hands down better than the rest of the field based on this season, and with rival Christian Taylor (USA) bypassing this meet, Pichardo should easily win. However, Will Claye (USA) may provide some close competition if he can improve upon his world #4 best of 17.38m.

One other story to watch in this event is the emergence of David Wilson. The former New York Giants standout had to retire last year due to injury. The former All-American jumper at Virginia Tech is gaining plenty of buzz, especially competing in NYC, where Giants fans were extremely sympathetic last year when he retired. While his PRs are well off the rest of the field, it'll be interesting to see how far he can fly.

American Two-Lap Depth

American 800m runners continue to shine this year and Saturday gives many of the top two-lappers another chance to thrive. Four of the top U.S. runners are entered, including Ajee' Wilson, Brenda Martinez, Molly Ludlow and Chanelle Price. Wilson and Martinez rank in the top four in the world after placing second and third at the Pre Classic last month. They'll look to challenge for the victory and improve their seasonal bests this weekend. 

For Ludlow and Price, it's another opportunity for each to position themselves leading into the USATF Outdoor Championships in a few weeks time. With only three spots up for grabs and over a half dozen athletes with a legit chance to make the team, Saturday's race not only offers a chance to fine tune themselves physically, but mentally as well. 

Lynsey Sharp (GBR) and Janeth Jepkosgei (KEN) are two others fully capable of breaking two minutes and challenging for the win, so the American women will certainly not be alone up front. 

Kovacs Hopes to Stay On Top

One of the brighest young stars in track and field looks to continue to cement his status as best in the world on Saturday. Shot putter Joe Kovacs holds the top three furthest throws in the world this season, winning big meets and showing he'll be one to watch all summer. After a big win at the Pre Classic last month, Kovacs sets his sight on sweeping the men's shot put Diamond League titles in the United States. Kovacs' best of 22.35m is hands down better than the competition, but he'll still have to be on his game to win. 

Fellow Americans Christian Cantwell, Reese Hoffa, Ryan Whiting and Jordan Clarke each rank in the world's top ten, while fellow young gun Tom Walsh (NZL) could surprise and take home top prize, as he's been throwing exceptionally well lately. The shot put remains a must-see event for track and field fans and adidas Grand Prix viewers should be in for quite a treat.