PreRaceJitters’ Interview: Sam Chelanga, Livin’ on a Prayer
April 30, 2009 by Cheryl Lowe · Leave a Comment
Photo by David Bracetty.
By Cheryl Lowe.
Timing is everything. Going into the race, Sam Chelanga of Liberty University stepped up to the line of the men’s 10,000-meter race at the 2009 Brutus Hamilton Invitational meet in Berkeley, CA, with the goal in mind of running around a 27:40.
The Liberty All-American distance runner crossed the finish line in a collegiate record time of 27:28.48 instead, with a huge smile on his face and fans cheering on the sidelines.
Chelanga’s finish time is now one of the fastest in the world at the 10,000-meter distance, and there is little doubt that Neirobi-born runner will keep shifting gears to stay up at the front of the pack in the future.
Only a college sophomore so far, Chelanga has plans on dominating the rest of this track season in preparation for the NCAA Outdoor Nationals, where he and Oregon’s Galen Rupp will once again duel it out for the title.
PreRaceJitters.com sat down with Sam Chelanga to ask him about his recent record setting race, and what the future bodes for him this season.
PRJ: This past weekend at the Brutus Hamilton Invitational you ran 27:28.48, setting a new collegiate record in the 10,000. What were you thoughts immediately after crossing the finish line?
SC: I was amazed, because I wasn’t expecting to win the race, given the tough competition.
PRJ: Was breaking the collegiate record on your mind going into the race? If so, what was your race strategy going into the race?
SC: No, it wasn’t. I had never run anywhere close to the collegiate record. I was just aiming for a nice PR.
PRJ: Did the race unfold as you had planned? Were you waiting for the moment that you ran ahead of the pack with Collis Birmingham, and poured on the kick for the win?
SC: My plan was to sit back behind the leaders, and that went smoothly until the last three laps. Then, I thought maybe I should try to push the last couple laps. The kick was spontaneous and wasn’t planned at all.
PRJ: We are at the midway point in the outdoor season and you’ve already run 27:28.48, so far. What does this race say about what you can achieve at the 10K this season?
SC: I don’t think it will be easy to run faster than that this season, because such times require a good field of competitors and rabbits. I’ll just take that for now and pray that I stay fit for nationals.
PRJ: What are your goals for IC4A Outdoor Track Championships and Outdoor Nationals? Are you planning on doubling in the 5,000 and 10,000 at NCAA Nationals?
SC: I might just run the 5K at the IC4A meet to score points for our team. At nationals, I’m thinking of focusing on the 10K right now.
PRJ: It’s almost becoming a standing appointment with you and Galen Rupp. It came down to a two-man race with you at the 2008 NCAA Cross Country Championships and at the 2009 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Does breaking Rupp’s 10k record this past week add any anticipation to running against him at the Outdoor NCAA Championships?
SC: I actually do not get excited at all after huge races like the ones you just mentioned. Even after breaking his record, I just consider it a great performance and move on. Every day is a new day, and the past is gone. It all depends on what happens now and on the day when we race each other again.
PRJ: How do you balance school with training and competing especially at this time of year with finals looming?
SC: I just try my best to do my work on time and get my training done. I also do schoolwork while traveling, so I don’t lose time. I sometimes get tired though.
PRJ: How do you mentally prepare for each race?
SC: I just try to relax and not worry about the race. I also talk to my brother (my American brother, Josh Cox). We just talk about general stuff and then pray over the phone. It’s relaxing to have Coach Tolsma there as well, in case I have a question. My friends and teammates leave me messages, and that gets me focused.
PRJ: Are you still doing a lot of training with Josh McDougal? Are you still seeking advice and mentorship from marathoner Paul Tergat?
SC:I do most of my training with the other guys on the team, and I also do some workouts on my own. I don’t get to talk to Paul Tergat often, but when we do talk, he always has something good to say.
PRJ: What does your older brother Joshua Chelanga have to say about all your performances this year?
SC: My brother Joshua Chelanga gets really excited about my success, but he is slow to accept the fact that I will one day beat his PRs. He is so glad that I am getting better every day.
Finally, I just want to thank everyone who is reading this interview. I always delight in the little things, like putting a smile on someone’s face or inspiring others by sharing the love of God through running.
Cheryl Lowe is a sportwriter for PreRaceJitters.com.
PreRaceJitters’ podcast with Michigan’s Geena Gall
April 30, 2009 by Jay Hicks · 3 Comments
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Coming into the 2009 - 2009 season, she was already one of the most decorated track and field athletes in Michigan history having earned All-American honors in each of the three previous seasons of her collegiate career. Gall holds numerous Michigan records, Big 10 and U of M titles and other athletic accolades along with receiving U-M Athletic Academic Achievement honors.
Defending NCAA outdoor 800 meter champion Geena Gall discusses her pending graduation, career at the University of Michigan and the 2009 season thus far. On this special podcast, the Grand Blanc, Michigan native also talks about preparing for the second half of the outdoor season and beyond.
Special thanks for Geena Gall and the University of Michigan.
PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show with Carmelita Jeter
April 28, 2009 by Jay Hicks · Leave a Comment
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Jay Hicks and John W. Davis recap the U.S dominate performances at Penn Relays, comment on building successful Team U.S. relay teams, and the duo catch up with Carmelita Jeter about anchoring the 4×100 meter relay at Penn Relays and the difference this year resulting in her world leading time of 10.96 in the 100 meters.
- USA vs. the World
- Sam Chelanga breaks NCAA 10 k record
- Runnerspace Video: Shannon Rowbury sets world lead in 5k
Special thanks to Carmelita Jeter. PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show, where the real playas come to hang out!
Distance Gala Weekly:
April 27, 2009 by Scott Bush · Leave a Comment
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Impressive Performances at Drake Relays Trump Poor Weather
April 27, 2009 by Jerry Boyd · Leave a Comment
Adam Nelson. Photo by Glenda Boyd.
-Des Moines, Iowa - April 25, 2009. By Jerry Boyd.
The big stories were nonstop from the 100th Drake Relays in Des Moines, IA. Twenty of the century’s top athletes were honored for their participation over the years, from Jessie Owens to Essie Kelly Washington. Michael Johnson and Gwen Torrence were selected as the male and female athletes of the century. The Drake Relays is in its first year as one of the first outdoor events in the 2009 Visa Championship Series. The weather also claimed its share of the news starting with near perfect weather the first two days and a cold, rainy Saturday for the final day of competition.
Lolo Jones was scheduled to run the 100m hurdles and the fans came to life as she stepped on the wet track in a tuxedo like two-piece uniform. She got a good start but started pulling up before the 8th hurdle and was unable to finish the race. The crowd was stunned as she was carted off holding her right hamstring. Jones later came back on the field to speak to the sold out stadium saying that there had been some soreness for a few weeks and if it had not been the Drake Relays she “would have pulled out” of the meet.
Jones reassured everyone saying, “it is only a slight tear, and is not as bad as it seems.” Again the fans responded with appreciation as Jones walked gingerly off the field. Michigan’s Tiffany Ofili won the race with the worlds third fastest time of 12.82.
In the men’s 400m Special, Olympic Gold medalist and former Drake champion Jeremy Wariner dominated the field, starting strong and hit it hard at the 300m mark to finish with a convincing 45.06 for the second fastest time in the world. This is Wariner’s first 400m of the season and after wards Wariner said, “I really wanted to give the crowd a good show.” The four time Olympic medalist is competing in two week in Osaka.
Lauren Hagans won the women’s 1500m with a strong run of 4:18.24 and Alan Webb continues to be unbeaten at Drake in the men’s mile at 4:00.61
The men’s 400m hurdles featured a heavily loaded field with former LSU standout Isa Phillips taking the win with a 49.60. The cold and rain required a little extra warm up, but Philips said, “at this level you have to be able to compete regardless of the weather”. His next appearance will be in Jamaica next week.
The best race of the day might have been the high school boy’s 4 X 400m relay. On the anchor leg Indianola and Waukee came down the home stretch shoulder to shoulder with Waukee appearing to cross the line first but an out of control lean and hard fall got the win for Indianola by one, one hundredth of a second, 3:23.15.
Once again Baylor is the Drake Relays 4X400m relay champion at 3:05.11. They have compiled an impressive string of victories winning 18 of the last 21 years and 5 straight titles in Des Moines. The victory was also the relays 40th consecutive 4 X 400m collegiate win.
Suzy Powell-Roos won the women’ discus with a throw of 59.15m – 194’01” but second place winner and Olympic champion Stephanie Brown-Trafton 58.76m – 192’09” was able to put the day in perspective. Brown-Trafton was prepared for the rain and saying ”it is a great opportunity to not be afraid to compete in wet weather” because the U.S. Championships will be held in Des Moines next year. This was Brown-Trafton’s first competing in Drake and she went on to say, “I am happy that there is a town outside of Eugene that is into track and field”.
Jerry Boyd is a sportswriter for PreRaceJitters.com. All photos by Glenda Boyd.
Drake Athlete Quotes
April 26, 2009 by Jay Hicks · Leave a Comment
100TH RUNNING OF DRAKE RELAYS
Saturday, April 25, 2009 - Quotes
Alan Webb, winner, invitational mile, 4:00.61. Set Drake Relays record (3.51.71) in 2007. American record holder. Three time U.S. outdoor champion in 1500
On his time
“I think everybody wanted to go a little bit faster. It was chilly, cold, windy, just ended being one of those days where competing was the goal, just trying to win the race. This is sort of my weakness sometimes, start expecting something and having it be totally not what I expect and still do well. That’s why I’m definitely pleased with this. I think I have not done well in these circumstances in the past, so it’s definitely a positive step, even I would have liked to run a little faster.”
On the race
“I tried to have a preemptive strike. I was out in front and I wanted to not let anybody catch me off guard. I wanted to make my own move without anybody coming up on me. It worked out.”
He rubbed his arms after finishing as if shivering and mouthed, “It’s cold.”
“I was kind of just joking around and everybody was looking at me. That’s definitely one of the draws to Drake, the people are watching each race intently to be able to pick up on some small little gesture like that.”
Generally slow pace in the race
“We kind of got off on a slow rhythm and couldn’t get it going. Even the first 200, I could kind of tell, ah, we’re only 29 (seconds), it’s not going to be super fast. But I still crossed the finish line first.”
On maturing mentally as a runner
“Today was such a victory. I think in the past I might have got caught up in oh my gosh, I ran 3:51 here two years ago. Am I going to do that again? Just taking a step back and what is my goal and where does this fit into my season. This is only my second race outdoors. It’s a big meet, you want to run well, just do the best you can and feel like I did that. And when you do that good comes from that. This race was much more competitive in terms of the depth of it than it was two years ago. It still was a great race. It’s just sort of reminding yourself, hey, this is what it is, it’s a big meet, but it’s also early. I’m still learning that.”
Jeremy Wariner, winner, men’s invitational 400, 45.06. Won the race by more than a full second. Three Olympic gold medals, one silver. No. 1 in world in 400 from 2004-07.
On the weather
“It was cold, but I’ve run in worse weather than this. Two years ago I ran in Poland, it was probably about 44 degrees with cold rain. It was colder than this to me. It’s my first 400. I wanted to go under 45. Came real close, but I was happy with the way I ran. I got out fine and from the 200 to the finish I worked hard. So I was impressed with the way I ran today.”
On what he looks for early in the season
“Early my main goal is to work on things, get ready, gear up and as the season goes on I get out of that role and start going for the wins. I want to go out there and work on things, but at the same time, I do want to win. I don’t want to go out there and get second. But my main thing is to go out there and work on some things like it’s practice.”
Easing up at the end
“If I did slow down, it wasn’t on purpose. With the cold weather, my legs were getting tight toward the end. I didn’t want to pull anything this early in the season. I might have taken it a little easy down the home stretch, but I was really impressed with the way I ran today.”
On returning to Drake after going to Penn
“Last year I went to Penn Relays just to see what it was like. I kind of missed Drake. I wanted to come back this year and run for the fans. The fans here are always supportive of every athlete no matter who they are. They really get into the meet.”
Perdita Felicien, unattached, third women’s invitational 100 hurdles, 12.88. Five-time Drake Relays individual winner. Two-time world champion. 2004 Olympian from Canadian. Ran on world-record setting shuttle hurdle relay for Illinois at Drake Relays in 2001.
On Lolo Jones’ stopping late in the race
“I guess outside maybe the pole vault, it’s probably one of the most treacherous races in track and field. You’re at the mercy of the conditions and then you’re obviously at the mercy of the woman beside you. Someone hits you with their arm, knocks the hurdle into your lane, you’re done with your race as well.”
How has Lolo Jones handled her Beijing disappointment
“Needless to say she’s handled it extremely well. I was part of the media in Beijing covering the Olympics and when I saw it happen, the way she handled it was just her true self. We’ve competed against each other for years and years. We’re competitive first and foremost, but from a distance she’s just a great person. A lot of people in that situation wouldn’t have shown the same grace she did that day.”
How does this help winner Tiffany Ofili
“I think it’s definitely a confidence booster. She’s probably extremely hungry. I remember I was there not too long ago, just hungry and wanting to turn heads. Kudos to her. She’s the champion of the day.”
Coming back to the Drake Relays
“It’s been four years. This is only my second race (since her injury in 2008) and to finish at the top of the field just shows that I’m competitive. I still have all the cups from the world record setting relay.”
Tiffany Ofili, senior, Michigan, winner women’s invitational 100 hurdles, 12.82. Only collegian in the field. 2008 NCAA indoor and outdoor champion, 2009 NCAA indoor champion. Drake Relays university-college 100 hurdles champion last year.
Were you leading when Lolo Jones pulled up
“I wasn’t sure. I was just concentrating on my lane and keeping my composure throughout the race.”
How did you keep your composure
“It kind of comes along with the race. It comes with experience. I just learned how to focus on my lane and not worry about what’s going on to the left and the right of me.”
What does winning this race mean
“I’m excited. I’m happy with the win. It hopefully is going to give me some momentum for the rest of my season so I can just finish up my college career to the best of my ability.”
Lolo Jones, pulled up at eighth hurdle and did not finish. Had won the last four invitational 100 hurdles races at Drake. Des Moines native. Named one of the Relays Athletes of the Century for the meet’s 100th running.
What happened
“About 10 days my leg was slightly inflamed and so I backed off on the workouts so I could get ready for Drake Relays. I thought I could pull off a win or just finish the race, but sadly I couldn’t. If this would have been any other race, it’s cold, it’s raining, I would have pulled out. But due to the fact this is my hometown, I grew up a couple of blocks away from the Drake Stadium, I just felt it was too important for me to pull out. Maybe I should have. It definitely would have been better for me in the long run because there’s a World Championships this year. But like I said, I have friends and family in the stands and it was very important for me to run today, very.”
Feel it injured before the hurdle
“Yeah, definitely. That’s why I want to emphasize. It wasn’t me hitting a hurdle like in the Olympics. It’s like a tennis ball that moved down my hamstring and I felt the pop. With that, I pulled up. You’ll see in the video I popped straight up and that’s why I hit the hurdle. It wasn’t the simple fact that I was in the groove running and hit the hurdle. I definitely could not get over that hurdle. My leg would just not go over that hurdle.
How bad is it
“It’s not as bad as thought. I can walk a little a bit on it. I’m not on crutches, so that’s good. We don’t know everything right now because I have to get X-rays. We definitely think it’s just a slight tear. I think my leg protected itself in the race. It kind of cramped up and saved me from getting an all-around tear.”
On all her activities during the week
“It was definitely not the best for someone with an injury. Everyone knows the way to get rid of an injury is to rehab and rest. And when I’m doing a lot of things, it definitely was taking a toll on my body. It’s also important for me to give back to the community and kids. Stuff like that gives me energy. I thank God I’m not severely injured. I’m not going to be out the rest of the season for show.”
Next events
“We had plans for Jamaica and Doha, but now everything has got to be shifted.”
On difference from Bejing
“In the slow-mo, you definitely see me pop straight up in the air. That’s why I hit the hurdle. In the Olympics I hit the hurdle coming down. It was clearly technical. This was definitely my body saying, no, the next gear is not possible.”
Liz Wanless, New York AC, winner, Women’s Invitational Shot Put, Drake Relays record 60-1 (18.31M) (Old Record: 58-3, Terri Steer, Nike, 2002). Wanless is ranked fourth in the U.S. and won among a field that featured the top five ranked throwers in the U.S.
On how the weather played to her advantage:
“I couldn’t have been happier with the weather. This is Rocky weather. This is my favorite way to compete - dog eat dog - and it couldn’t have been more fun. Like I said, I really was excited when I heard it was raining. This is what I practice in every day in Muncie, Ind. It was a dog eat dog win and it was fun to win.”
On her winning throw, which was her second on the day:
“A big thing for me was keeping my upper body loose and letting my hips get ahead and I felt a nice rhythm. I felt smooth. So, I think keeping my upper body loose, that was what did it for me today.”
On what it means to win a competition against the top five throwers in the nation:
“It’s amazing (to win). Jill (Camarena) and Michelle (Carter) made the finals of the Olympic Games. I didn’t even make the team. So to compete with them and win is fabulous.”
Kristin Heaston, Nike, second, Women’s Invitational Shot Put, 57-7 (17.55M). Heston is ranked third in the U.S.
On competing with the top five throwers in the nation:
“It’s awesome. I mean, it was a rough competition day for all of us and a little cold, but there’s no other place that has done this for the female throwers like Drake has. So we’re all just so happy to be here and be a part of this. And hopefully next year, we’ll get some better performances.”
On this being a preview of USA Outdoor nationals at Drake in 2010:
“For all of us, we all want to throw well, particularly when we’re going to be coming back. But it doesn’t always happen that way. So, at least we’re going to get experience now and we’ll come back and be ready to go.”
On her performance today:
“It wasn’t a great distance, but it was better today than it’s been in practice, so I can’t ask for more than that.”
Jill Camarena, New York AC, third, Women’s Invitational Shot Putl, 57-3½ (17.46M). Heston is ranked second in the U.S.
On the experience of competing in such a top field:
“Yeah, it’s always great to get them (the top throwers in the nation) together. It’s always a good competition, regardless of whatever the weather is. So it’s fun to compete against them, and we don’t see each other that much being spread across the country. So to get us all at one meet is awesome.”
On her third-place throw:
“I had a rough day overall. I was kind of all over the place with my technique and working on an injury. So it was OK. I wasn’t super excited about it, but it was a decent mark for right now.”
On her injury:
“I sprained my ankle a couple of weeks ago and I’m a little sick. So just when I hit that toe board with that right foot and tried to stay, I fell a couple of times. That’s OK though.”
Michelle Carter, Nike, fourth, Women’s Invitational Shot Put, 57-2¾ (17.44M). Carter is ranked first in the U.S.
On the experience at Drake today:
“I enjoy coming to Drake. It’s a great track meet, so I was really excited - even though the weather’s pretty bad today. But I enjoy coming here.”
On competing in a competition featuring the top five throwers in the country:
“Oh yes, it was very exciting. The top people are here and it was a great competition today.”
On her performance today and why it was a little rough for her:
“With me, it was more that I hate cold weather and I hate rain. So that’s something that I mentally have to overcome over time. I don’t like to be cold and I don’t like to be wet, so mentally I have to really try and think about other things to throw well on a day like today.”
Justin Gaymon, Georgia, sr., winner men’s university-college 400 hurdles, 50.72 seconds, finished fourth at U.S. Olympic trials last summer. Third straight Drake Relays victory in UC 400 hurdles. Set meet record last year.
On the race
“I was hoping, with some good weather, that I could get down into the low 49s. However, when I came around the last turn, the wind picked up. It was tough, but it was still a good finish.”
About the Relays
“I feel like a celebrity being here. The weather isn’t too good, but yet, there is a full house and they’re cheering everyone. It’s great coming here every year, and winning three straight 400 meter hurdle races is something special.”
USA vs. The World Athlete Quotes
April 26, 2009 by Jay Hicks · Leave a Comment
100TH RUNNING OF DRAKE RELAYS
Saturday, April 25, 2009 - Quotes
Alan Webb, winner, invitational mile, 4:00.61. Set Drake Relays record (3.51.71) in 2007. American record holder. Three time U.S. outdoor champion in 1500
On his time
“I think everybody wanted to go a little bit faster. It was chilly, cold, windy, just ended being one of those days where competing was the goal, just trying to win the race. This is sort of my weakness sometimes, start expecting something and having it be totally not what I expect and still do well. That’s why I’m definitely pleased with this. I think I have not done well in these circumstances in the past, so it’s definitely a positive step, even I would have liked to run a little faster.”
On the race
“I tried to have a preemptive strike. I was out in front and I wanted to not let anybody catch me off guard. I wanted to make my own move without anybody coming up on me. It worked out.”
He rubbed his arms after finishing as if shivering and mouthed, “It’s cold.”
“I was kind of just joking around and everybody was looking at me. That’s definitely one of the draws to Drake, the people are watching each race intently to be able to pick up on some small little gesture like that.”
Generally slow pace in the race
“We kind of got off on a slow rhythm and couldn’t get it going. Even the first 200, I could kind of tell, ah, we’re only 29 (seconds), it’s not going to be super fast. But I still crossed the finish line first.”
On maturing mentally as a runner
“Today was such a victory. I think in the past I might have got caught up in oh my gosh, I ran 3:51 here two years ago. Am I going to do that again? Just taking a step back and what is my goal and where does this fit into my season. This is only my second race outdoors. It’s a big meet, you want to run well, just do the best you can and feel like I did that. And when you do that good comes from that. This race was much more competitive in terms of the depth of it than it was two years ago. It still was a great race. It’s just sort of reminding yourself, hey, this is what it is, it’s a big meet, but it’s also early. I’m still learning that.”
Jeremy Wariner, winner, men’s invitational 400, 45.06. Won the race by more than a full second. Three Olympic gold medals, one silver. No. 1 in world in 400 from 2004-07.
On the weather
“It was cold, but I’ve run in worse weather than this. Two years ago I ran in Poland, it was probably about 44 degrees with cold rain. It was colder than this to me. It’s my first 400. I wanted to go under 45. Came real close, but I was happy with the way I ran. I got out fine and from the 200 to the finish I worked hard. So I was impressed with the way I ran today.”
On what he looks for early in the season
“Early my main goal is to work on things, get ready, gear up and as the season goes on I get out of that role and start going for the wins. I want to go out there and work on things, but at the same time, I do want to win. I don’t want to go out there and get second. But my main thing is to go out there and work on some things like it’s practice.”
Easing up at the end
“If I did slow down, it wasn’t on purpose. With the cold weather, my legs were getting tight toward the end. I didn’t want to pull anything this early in the season. I might have taken it a little easy down the home stretch, but I was really impressed with the way I ran today.”
On returning to Drake after going to Penn
“Last year I went to Penn Relays just to see what it was like. I kind of missed Drake. I wanted to come back this year and run for the fans. The fans here are always supportive of every athlete no matter who they are. They really get into the meet.”
Perdita Felicien, unattached, third women’s invitational 100 hurdles, 12.88. Five-time Drake Relays individual winner. Two-time world champion. 2004 Olympian from Canadian. Ran on world-record setting shuttle hurdle relay for Illinois at Drake Relays in 2001.
On Lolo Jones’ stopping late in the race
“I guess outside maybe the pole vault, it’s probably one of the most treacherous races in track and field. You’re at the mercy of the conditions and then you’re obviously at the mercy of the woman beside you. Someone hits you with their arm, knocks the hurdle into your lane, you’re done with your race as well.”
How has Lolo Jones handled her Beijing disappointment
“Needless to say she’s handled it extremely well. I was part of the media in Beijing covering the Olympics and when I saw it happen, the way she handled it was just her true self. We’ve competed against each other for years and years. We’re competitive first and foremost, but from a distance she’s just a great person. A lot of people in that situation wouldn’t have shown the same grace she did that day.”
How does this help winner Tiffany Ofili
“I think it’s definitely a confidence booster. She’s probably extremely hungry. I remember I was there not too long ago, just hungry and wanting to turn heads. Kudos to her. She’s the champion of the day.”
Coming back to the Drake Relays
“It’s been four years. This is only my second race (since her injury in 2008) and to finish at the top of the field just shows that I’m competitive. I still have all the cups from the world record setting relay.”
Tiffany Ofili, senior, Michigan, winner women’s invitational 100 hurdles, 12.82. Only collegian in the field. 2008 NCAA indoor and outdoor champion, 2009 NCAA indoor champion. Drake Relays university-college 100 hurdles champion last year.
Were you leading when Lolo Jones pulled up
“I wasn’t sure. I was just concentrating on my lane and keeping my composure throughout the race.”
How did you keep your composure
“It kind of comes along with the race. It comes with experience. I just learned how to focus on my lane and not worry about what’s going on to the left and the right of me.”
What does winning this race mean
“I’m excited. I’m happy with the win. It hopefully is going to give me some momentum for the rest of my season so I can just finish up my college career to the best of my ability.”
Lolo Jones, pulled up at eighth hurdle and did not finish. Had won the last four invitational 100 hurdles races at Drake. Des Moines native. Named one of the Relays Athletes of the Century for the meet’s 100th running.
What happened
“About 10 days my leg was slightly inflamed and so I backed off on the workouts so I could get ready for Drake Relays. I thought I could pull off a win or just finish the race, but sadly I couldn’t. If this would have been any other race, it’s cold, it’s raining, I would have pulled out. But due to the fact this is my hometown, I grew up a couple of blocks away from the Drake Stadium, I just felt it was too important for me to pull out. Maybe I should have. It definitely would have been better for me in the long run because there’s a World Championships this year. But like I said, I have friends and family in the stands and it was very important for me to run today, very.”
Feel it injured before the hurdle
“Yeah, definitely. That’s why I want to emphasize. It wasn’t me hitting a hurdle like in the Olympics. It’s like a tennis ball that moved down my hamstring and I felt the pop. With that, I pulled up. You’ll see in the video I popped straight up and that’s why I hit the hurdle. It wasn’t the simple fact that I was in the groove running and hit the hurdle. I definitely could not get over that hurdle. My leg would just not go over that hurdle.
How bad is it
“It’s not as bad as thought. I can walk a little a bit on it. I’m not on crutches, so that’s good. We don’t know everything right now because I have to get X-rays. We definitely think it’s just a slight tear. I think my leg protected itself in the race. It kind of cramped up and saved me from getting an all-around tear.”
On all her activities during the week
“It was definitely not the best for someone with an injury. Everyone knows the way to get rid of an injury is to rehab and rest. And when I’m doing a lot of things, it definitely was taking a toll on my body. It’s also important for me to give back to the community and kids. Stuff like that gives me energy. I thank God I’m not severely injured. I’m not going to be out the rest of the season for show.”
Next events
“We had plans for Jamaica and Doha, but now everything has got to be shifted.”
On difference from Bejing
“In the slow-mo, you definitely see me pop straight up in the air. That’s why I hit the hurdle. In the Olympics I hit the hurdle coming down. It was clearly technical. This was definitely my body saying, no, the next gear is not possible.”
Liz Wanless, New York AC, winner, Women’s Invitational Shot Put, Drake Relays record 60-1 (18.31M) (Old Record: 58-3, Terri Steer, Nike, 2002). Wanless is ranked fourth in the U.S. and won among a field that featured the top five ranked throwers in the U.S.
On how the weather played to her advantage:
“I couldn’t have been happier with the weather. This is Rocky weather. This is my favorite way to compete - dog eat dog - and it couldn’t have been more fun. Like I said, I really was excited when I heard it was raining. This is what I practice in every day in Muncie, Ind. It was a dog eat dog win and it was fun to win.”
On her winning throw, which was her second on the day:
“A big thing for me was keeping my upper body loose and letting my hips get ahead and I felt a nice rhythm. I felt smooth. So, I think keeping my upper body loose, that was what did it for me today.”
On what it means to win a competition against the top five throwers in the nation:
“It’s amazing (to win). Jill (Camarena) and Michelle (Carter) made the finals of the Olympic Games. I didn’t even make the team. So to compete with them and win is fabulous.”
Kristin Heaston, Nike, second, Women’s Invitational Shot Put, 57-7 (17.55M). Heston is ranked third in the U.S.
On competing with the top five throwers in the nation:
“It’s awesome. I mean, it was a rough competition day for all of us and a little cold, but there’s no other place that has done this for the female throwers like Drake has. So we’re all just so happy to be here and be a part of this. And hopefully next year, we’ll get some better performances.”
On this being a preview of USA Outdoor nationals at Drake in 2010:
“For all of us, we all want to throw well, particularly when we’re going to be coming back. But it doesn’t always happen that way. So, at least we’re going to get experience now and we’ll come back and be ready to go.”
On her performance today:
“It wasn’t a great distance, but it was better today than it’s been in practice, so I can’t ask for more than that.”
Jill Camarena, New York AC, third, Women’s Invitational Shot Putl, 57-3½ (17.46M). Heston is ranked second in the U.S.
On the experience of competing in such a top field:
“Yeah, it’s always great to get them (the top throwers in the nation) together. It’s always a good competition, regardless of whatever the weather is. So it’s fun to compete against them, and we don’t see each other that much being spread across the country. So to get us all at one meet is awesome.”
On her third-place throw:
“I had a rough day overall. I was kind of all over the place with my technique and working on an injury. So it was OK. I wasn’t super excited about it, but it was a decent mark for right now.”
On her injury:
“I sprained my ankle a couple of weeks ago and I’m a little sick. So just when I hit that toe board with that right foot and tried to stay, I fell a couple of times. That’s OK though.”
Michelle Carter, Nike, fourth, Women’s Invitational Shot Put, 57-2¾ (17.44M). Carter is ranked first in the U.S.
On the experience at Drake today:
“I enjoy coming to Drake. It’s a great track meet, so I was really excited - even though the weather’s pretty bad today. But I enjoy coming here.”
On competing in a competition featuring the top five throwers in the country:
“Oh yes, it was very exciting. The top people are here and it was a great competition today.”
On her performance today and why it was a little rough for her:
“With me, it was more that I hate cold weather and I hate rain. So that’s something that I mentally have to overcome over time. I don’t like to be cold and I don’t like to be wet, so mentally I have to really try and think about other things to throw well on a day like today.”
Justin Gaymon, Georgia, sr., winner men’s university-college 400 hurdles, 50.72 seconds, finished fourth at U.S. Olympic trials last summer. Third straight Drake Relays victory in UC 400 hurdles. Set meet record last year.
On the race
“I was hoping, with some good weather, that I could get down into the low 49s. However, when I came around the last turn, the wind picked up. It was tough, but it was still a good finish.”
About the Relays
“I feel like a celebrity being here. The weather isn’t too good, but yet, there is a full house and they’re cheering everyone. It’s great coming here every year, and winning three straight 400 meter hurdle races is something special.”
Weekend Results: 4/23 - 4/25
April 23, 2009 by Jay Hicks · Leave a Comment
- Drake Relays
- Penn Relays Thursday | Friday | Saturday
- BYU Invitational
- Cal State Lister Classic
- Southern Mississippi
- Nebraska Open
- Northwestern State Invitational
- Oregon Relays
- Oklahoma Sooner Open
- Sun Devil Invitational
- UCSD Triton Invitational - La Jolla, CA
Kara Goucher named USA Track & Field Athlete of the Week
April 23, 2009 by Jay Hicks · Leave a Comment
Press Release Courtesy of USA Track & Field.
INDIANAPOLIS - Kara Goucher has been named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week after finishing third in the Boston Marathon Monday in Boston, Mass.
The 2007 World Outdoor 10,000m bronze medalist, Goucher took third in the women’s marathon in 2 hours 32 minutes 25 seconds. It was the top finish for an American woman since Kim Jones took second in 1993.
Now in its eighth year, USATF’s Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.
2009 USATF Athlete of the Week Winners: January 6, Mason Finley; January 13, Amber Campbell; January 20, Josh Cox; January 27, German Fernandez; February 3, Ashton Eaton; February 10, Shalane Flanagan; February 17, Galen Rupp; February 25, Dexter Faulk; March 3, Terrence Trammell; March 10, Diana Pickler; March 17, Galen Rupp; March 25, Sumi Onodera-Leonard; April 1, German Fernandez; April 7, Cyrus Hostetler; April 14, Curtis Beach; April 21, Kara Goucher.
BEST MARKS WEEK ENDING APRIL 19
MEN
100 - 10.19 Darvis Patton (Nike) - Waco, TX 4/18
200 - 20.17 LaShawn Merritt (Nike) - Greensboro, NC 4/18
400 - 45.27 Gil Roberts (Texas Tech) - Waco, TX 4/18
800 - 1:46.85 Duane Solomon (unat) - Walnut, CA 4/18
1500 - 3:41.46 Tommy Schmitz (WRRT) - Walnut, CA 4/17
Mile - 3:58.90 Alan Webb (Nike) - Lawrence, KS 4/18
3000SC - 8:39.19 Cory Thorne (Louisville) - Walnut, CA 4/16
5000 - 13:17.98 Anthony Famiglietti (Saucony) - Walnut, CA 4/17
10,000 - 28:52.26 Carls Trujillo (Eugene RC) - Walnut, CA 4/16
110H - 13.37 Antwon Hicks (adidas) & Dexter Faulk (Nike) - Lawrence, KS 4/18
400H - 49.78 Reuben McCoy (unat) - Lawrence, KS 4/18
HJ - 2.25/7-4.5 Jamie Nieto (Nike) & Trent Arrivey (Washington State)
- Walnut, CA 4/18
PV - 5.50/18-0.5 Jason Colwick (Rice) - Austin, TX 4/18 & Jordan Scott
(unat) - Lawrence, KS 4/17
LJ - 8.01/26-3.5 Jarod Tobler (unat) - Walnut, CA 4/18
TJ - 16.97/55-8.25 Brandon Roulhac (Shore AC) - Walnut, CA 4/18
SP - 21.53/70-7.75 Christian Cantwell (Nike) - Goree, SEN 4/17
DT - 59.87/196-5 Casey Malone (Nike) - Walnut, CA 4/18
HT - 76.85/252-1 Jake Freeman (Iron Ball AC) - Princeton, NJ 4/17
JT - 78.38/257-2 Cyrus Hostetler (Oregon) - Eugene, OR 4/18
Dec - 7636W Chris Randolph (unat) - Azusa, CA 4/16
WOMEN
100 - 10.96 Carmelita Jeter (Nike) - Walnut, CA 4/18
200 - 22.74 Shalonda Solomon (Reebok) - Greensboro, NC 4/18
400 - 52.26 Jessica Beard (Texas A&M) - Baton Rouge, LA 4/18
800 - 2:02.69 Geena Gall (Michigan) - Walnut, CA 4/18
1500 - 4:14.66 Brenda Martinez (UC-Riverside) - Walnut, CA 4/17
3000SC - 9:46.56 Lindsey Anderson (Nike) - Walnut, CA 4/16
5000 - 15:34.17 Christin Wurth-Thomas (Nike) - Walnut, CA 4/17
10,000 - 33:37.83 Catherine White (Arkansas) - Walnut, CA 4/16
100H - 12.83 Damu Cherry (Nike) - Lawrence, KS 4/18
400H - 56.03 Queen Harrison (Virginia Tech) - Coral Gables, FL 4/18
HJ - 1.90/6-2.75 Amy Acuff (Asics) - Walnut, CA 4/18
PV - 4.55/14-11 Chelsea Johnson (Nike) - Walnut, CA 4/18
LJ - 6.75/22-1.75 Akiba McKinney (HPC Elite) - Walnut, CA 4/18
TJ - 13.92/45-8 Shakeema Welsch (unat) - Walnut, CA 4/18
SP - 17.96/58-11.25 Jill Camarena (NYAC) - Walnut, CA 4/18
DT - 59.67/195-9 Suzy Powell (Asics) - Walnut, CA 4/18
HT - 70.61/231-8 Amber Campbell (Mjolnir) - Walnut, CA 4/18
JT - 55.62/182-6 Kim Kreiner (Nike) - Walnut, CA 4/17
Hept - 5823 Sharon Day (Asics) - Azusa, CA 4/16
About USA Track & Field
USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States.
For more information on USATF, visit, usatf.org.
Kicks: Nike’s Luna Mariah
Reminiscent of last year’s black Luna racer, Nike Sportswear is set to release the Lunar Mariah on April 25th at 21 Mercer in New York.
The original Air Mariah, which was made up of the upper of the Nike Eagle combined with full-length Air. These kicks were developed in the 1980s as a lightweight racing shoe and was a part of their line throughout the ’90s.
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