The following article is from my personal site. Click through to the full version to read all the points and more details about each one.

The international season starts up this weekend with the first leg of the IAAF Hammer Challenge in Kawasaki, Japan. Until the hammer throw is added to the Diamond League, the hammer challenge will remain the top circuit of throwing meets. And with so few competitive opportunities many of the best are jumping right in. The field in Kawasaki will feature five 80-meter throwers (see the full start list here).

By the end of the year, my wish list from last season was mostly fulfilled. On the eve of the 2012 season I’ve thought of the top 10 things I’m looking forward to this year.

1 – A woman over 80 meters.

2 – The last hurrah for the old guard.

3 – A little momentum for the “Diamond League + hammer throw” movement. 

4 – An American record (or two). 

5 – An American medal...