Day 3 Wrap - U.S. Ready For the World

The Nick Symmonds vs. Khadevis Robinson show unfolded beautifully in the 800m final. Tevon Everett led the pack through the first 400m in 51 seconds. As usual, Symmonds began his signature kick from fourth to first at 600m. Symmonds and Robinson were neck and neck over the last 100m, but Symmonds had the home turf advantage and the roar of the crowd to pull him past the line first in 1:45.86.

Two young stars, Geena Gall and Phoebe Wright, trailed three-time Olympian Hazel Clark in the women’s 800m. Clark led from the gun through a 59.43 first lap. She struggled some on lap 2, but pulled ahead to win it in 2:00.79.

Jenny Barringer and Anna Willard expectantly went 1-2 in the 3000m steeplechase. Willard has raced a lot over the past few days as she also competed in the 1500m, so she did not quite have enough left to challenge Barringer. She did, however, have a good race with Bridget Franek and Lindsey Anderson.

Barringer went to the lead and stayed there. She cruised along with Anderson and Willard close behind.

“It was really windy out there so I wanted to take command of the race from the beginning,” Barringer said.

The breeze was no problem for Willard because she had Franek and Anderson with her. With about 1200m left in the race, Barringer surged ahead to open a 30-meter gap. Franek made her move to second on the next lap and dropped Anderson. Then it was a battle for 2nd place as Willard went with Franek. Willard beat her to the line about 6 seconds behind Barringer.

Shawn Crawford ran a fast 19.73 in the 200m. He had a good start among the talented field. He dominated the race with Charles Clark behind him in 20.00 and Wallace Spearmon in 20.03.

“It was pretty controlled,” Crawford said. “I’ve been practicing driving through the first 120 and letting my body carry me the rest of the way.”

After winning the semifinals, Allyson Felix also started well in the women’s race to win her fifth national title in 22.02, followed by Muna Lee and Marshavet Hooker.

“What I wanted to do was just really focus on the start, and just work on driving out,” Felix said.

The 1500m was an exciting race. Leonel Manzano, Lopez Lomong and Will Leer led the first 800m, but then Stephen Pifer sprinted to the front. He could not hold the pace as he was passed by Lomong, Manzano and Leer. Lomong moved in front of Manzano with 200m to go, and Dorian Ulrey kicked for a surprising 3rd place. Ulrey came into the race as one of the underdogs and was elated with his race. Cloud nine is not the limit for Ulrey. He said he was on cloud 10.5 after this accomplishment.

In the 100m hurdles, Dawn Harper won her first national title and ran 12.36. Virginia Powell and Damu Cherry were close behind.

Bershawn Jackson ran the fastest time in the world this year in the men’s 400m hurdles, 48.03 seconds. Johnny Dutch was surprised by his 2nd place finish, ahead of Olympic gold medalist Angelo Taylor.

“I looked over to my left and noticed I was 2nd or 3rd and thought ‘oh I made the team!’” Dutch said.

Taylor seemed disappointed not to win, but said he was glad to be on the team. Jackson agrees that the main goal is Berlin.

“Once you make the team, everything will take care of itself,” Jackson said. “We have the greatest hurdlers in the world.”

Olympic champion Harper wins at USA Championships

Press Release Courtesy of USA Track & Field.

EUGENE, Ore - 2008 Olympic gold medalist Dawn Harper won her first national outdoor title and the women’s Visa Championship Series crown on the final day of the 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field in Eugene.

The final event of the 2009 USATF Outdoor Visa Championship Series, the USA Outdoor Championships serves as the selection event for the 2009 World Outdoor Championships in Berlin, Germany, August 15-23.

Dawn Harper captured her first-ever USA Outdoor national title with her win in the Nike Women’s 100m hurdles in 12.36 seconds. A tailwind of 2.2 meters per second at her back helped Harper post the fourth-fastest time ever by an American under any conditions.

Harper’s performance gave her 1,220 points and the women’s USA Track & Field Outdoor Visa Championship Series title, as she barely edged out 2009 USA Outdoor 100m champion Carmelita Jeter, who finished second with 1,216 points.

Others joining reigning world champion Michelle Perry at the World Championships in Berlin will be 2007 USA Outdoor champion and fifth-place finisher at the World Championships that year, Ginnie Powell, who was the runner-up in 12.47 seconds, and 2008 Olympic Trials runner-up and Olympic Games fourth-place finisher Damu Cherry, who finished third in 12.58. Two-time NCAA Outdoor champion and 2008 NACAC gold medalist Tiffany Ofili placed fourth in 12.66.

Jackson keeps world lead in men’s 400m hurdles.

2005 World champion and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Bershawn Jackson captured his second-consecutive national 400m hurdles title with his time of 48.03 seconds, which is the fastest time in the world this year. Jackson posted the previous world best this season with his win in Ostrava on June 17 when he was clocked at 48.32.

Others joining reigning World Champion Kerron Clement at the 2009 World Outdoor Championships in Berlin will be University of South Carolina standout and 2009 NCAA runner-up Johnny Dutch (2nd-48.18), and two-time Olympic 400m hurdles gold medalist Angelo Taylor (3rd-48.30).

Symmonds wins Nike Men’s 800m, named Visa Athlete of the Meet.

Eugene area resident Nick Symmonds won the most dramatic race of last year’s Olympic Trials at Hayward Field, and he continued his success here this afternoon in being named the Visa Athlete of the Meet following his dramatic win in the Nike Men’s 800 meters.

Symmonds began the race in his customary place near the back of the pack before building a sizeable lead coming off the final turn. 2004 Olympian Khadevis Robinson, who finished fourth at last year’s Olympic Trials, began closing on Symmonds down the stretch but didn’t quite have enough to catch him. Symmonds edged Robinson at the finish, crossing the line first in 1:45.86. Robinson finished as the runner-up in 1:45.97, with former University of Washington standout and 2006 NCAA Outdoor champion Ryan Brown third in 1:46.67. Christian Smith, who finished third at last year’s Trials, finished fourth at 1:46.92.

Clark wins women’s two-lapper.

Three-time Olympian Hazel Clark won her fifth career USA Outdoor 800m title and the fourth in the last five years by crossing the finish line first in this afternoon’s final in 2:00.79.

Clark, who qualified for her fourth U.S. World Outdoor Championships team, finished ahead of two-time NCAA Outdoor champion from the University of Michigan Geena Gall (2nd-2:01.01), University of Tennessee standout Phoebe Wright (3rd-2:01.12) and 2005 NCAA Outdoor Championships runner-up Maggie Vessey (4th-2:01.19).

Lomong wins Nike Men’s 1,500 Meters.

2008 Olympic Trials third-place finisher and 2007 NCAA champion Lopez Lomong won his first U.S. Outdoor title in holding off former University of Texas star Leonel Manzano in an exciting Nike Men’s 1,500m final.

Lomong held the lead coming off the final turn and Manzano gave chase through to the finish. Although Manzano gained ground on his 2008 Olympic teammate, Lomong held on to win in 3:41.68, with Manzano finishing second in 3:41.82. 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships fourth-place finisher Dorain Ulrey was third in 3:42.84, with 2008 NCAA Outdoor Champs runner-up Steven Pifer fourth in 3:44.21.

Crawford continues excellence in men’s 200 meters.

2004 Olympic Games gold medalist and 2008 Olympic silver medalist Shawn Crawford got out well from the start and was unchallenged as he dominated a talented field in the men’s 200m final.

Crawford crossed the line in 19.73 seconds (+3.3 mps), which is the fastest time under any conditions ever run at Hayward Field. Crawford easily won ahead of Florida State University standout and 2009 NCAA Outdoor champion Charles Clark, who finished as the runner-up in 20.00. 2005 World Outdoor Championships silver medalist Wallace Spearmon came from behind to take third in 20.03 seconds. Crawford, Clark and Spearmon will join reigning World Outdoor champion Tyson Gay at the World Outdoor Championships this summer in Berlin.

Felix wins fifth U.S. women’s 200m title.

Two-time Olympic Games silver medalist and reigning World Outdoor champion Allyson Felix won her fifth U.S. women’s 200m title in the last six years with her time of 22.02w.

Joining Felix at the World Championships later this summer in Berlin will be 2004 Olympic Games fourth-place finisher Muna Lee (2nd-22.13), 2008 Olympic Games fifth-placer Marshevet Hooker and Arizona State’s Charonda Williams (4th-22.39), who was the runner-up at the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships,

Barringer wins women’s steeple crown.

American record holder Jenny Barringer, who won the 1,500m and 3,000m steeplechase at the 2009 NCAA Championships, took control of the women’s 3,000m steeplechase final early on and cruised to her second U.S. title in this event with her time of 9 minutes 29.38 seconds.

2008 Olympic Trials champion and former U.S. record holder Anna Willard was the runner-up in 9:35.01, with Bridget Franek posting a personal best time of 9:36.74 in finishing third in the race. 2008 Olympic Trials finalist and 2007 U.S. Championships runner-up Lindsey Anderson finished fourth in 9:36.74.

Pickler wins first U.S. heptathlon title.

2008 Olympian Diana Pickler qualified for her second World Outdoor Championships team by winning the women’s heptathlon with 6,290 points, which is a new personal best score.

2008 Olympic high jumper Sharon Day posted five personal bests in finishing second with 6,177 points, which is also a personal best total score. Day earlier qualified for the trip to Berlin by finishing third in the high jump competition here in Eugene.

The University of Michigan’s Bettie Wade finished third with a total of 5,908 points, bettering the “B” qualifying standard for the World Championships.

2008 Olympic Games silver medalist Hyleas Fountain hurt her neck during the first day of competition on Saturday, and re-aggravated it today during the long jump. Fountain, who held the lead through the first five events with 5,193 points, withdrew from the competition with two events remaining and a 472-point margin over her nearest competitor.

Stuczynski victorious in Gill Women’s Pole Vault.

2008 Olympic silver medalist Jenn Stuczynski won her fourth consecutive U.S. women’s outdoor pole vault title with her clearance of 4.65 meters/15 feet 3 inches.

Joining Stuczynski at the World Championships this summer will be 2008 Olympic Trials finalist Chelsea Johnson (2nd-4.60m/15-1) and 2000 Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Outdoor champion Stacy Dragila (4.55m/14-11).

2004 Olympian and 2006 USA Outdoor champion Tora Harris won his second U.S. Outdoor men’s high jump title with a clearance of 2.31 meters/7 feet 7 inches. Other top finishers included 2008 Olympic Trials fifth-place finisher Keith Moffatt, who cleared 2.28m/7-5.75 and tied with 2008 Olympian Andra Manson. Moffatt and Manson posted identical series.

Reese wins women’s long jump

2008 NCAA Outdoor champion and fifth-place finisher at the Olympic Games Brittney Reese won her first U.S. Outdoor title with a jump of 7.09 meters/23 feet 3.25 inches.

Other top finishers included 2002 USA Outdoor champion Brianna Glenn (2nd-6.82m/22-4.50), 2008 Olympian Funmi Jimoh (3rd-6.77m/22-2.50) and two-time U.S. champion and two-time Olympian Grace Upshaw (4th-6.77m/22-2.50.

Cantwell wins Visa Men’s Shot Put.

2008 Olympic Games silver medalist Christian Cantwell posted the second best throw in the world this year in winning the Visa Men’s Shot Put with a toss of 21.82 meters/71 feet, 7.25 inches.

He’ll be joined on the U.S. roster for Berlin by runner-up and reigning U.S. Indoor champion Dan Taylor (2nd-21.21m/69-7), reigning World Outdoor champion Reese Hoffa (3rd-21.10m/69-2.75 and two-time Olympic silver medalist Adam Nelson (4th-21.01m/68-11.25).

In the women’s hammer throw final, Jessica Cosby captured her third U.S. title with a best toss of 72.04m/236-4. Other top finishers on their way to the World Outdoor Championships in Berlin were 2008 Olympian Amber Campbell (2nd-68.92m/226-1) and U.S. record holder Erin Gilreath (3rd-68.08m/223-4).

Phillips wins men’s Visa Championship Series title.

The USA Outdoor Championships are the final event of USATF’s Visa Championship Series, and earlier this afternoon 2004 Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Outdoor champion Dwight Phillips was declared the winner of the men’s VCS and received a bonus from Visa worth $25,000. Reigning world outdoor 100m and 200m champion Tyson Gay finished second in the standings with 1,285 points

Phillips’ VCS winning performance came via his monster effort at the 2009 Nike Prefontaine Classic here in Eugene, when he easily won the event at 8.74 meters/28 feet 8.25 inches. That effort tied him with Larry Myricks and Erick Walder for the eighth-best outdoor mark in history. The trio are also tied as the #5 performers all time. It was also the longest jump in the world since National Track & Field Hall of Famer Mike Powell set the world record in 1991.

Phillips won his fifth U.S. men’s long jump title Saturday with a leap of 8.57m/28-1.50 (+2.2 mps).

Men’s Outdoor Final VCS Standings

1. Dwight Phillips 1290

2. Tyson Gay 1285

3. Shawn Crawford 1250

4. Reese Hoffa 1234

5. Christian Cantwell 1230

6. Michael Rodgers 1229

7. Terrence Trammell 1228

8. Mike Rodgers 1226

9. Bershawn Jackson 1221

10. LaShawn Merritt 1220

Women’s Outdoor VCS Final Standings

1. Dawn Harper 1220

2. Carmelita Jeter 1216

3. Lashinda Demus 1211

4. Sanya Richards 1206

5. Jenny Barringer 1203

6. Jenn Stuczynski 1193

6. Lauryn Williams 1193

8. Allyson Felix 1190

9. Dawn Harper 1186

10. Michelle Perry 1179

Day 3 Wrap Up - 2009 U.S. Nationals

The action continues on day three of the 2009 USA Track & Field Championships. Fans and athletes enjoyed the sunny weather and exciting races.

It was a good day for LaShawn Merritt, who celebrated his 23rd birthday with another national title in the 400m. He ran it in 44.50 seconds and is undefeated in the event this season.

“When you’re in the #1 spot, you just know you have to work that much harder,” Merritt said. “Every time I come out I bring my A game.”

Merritt said he is happy with the team going to World’s, including runner-up Gil Roberts of Texas Tech and 3rd place finisher Kerron Clement. Jeremy Wariner is also on the team, but did not compete today. Merritt said he believes Wariner earned the right not to be here and will get his chance to race him in Berlin.

Sanya Richards reclaimed her US title in the women’s 400m final in 50.05 seconds. Richards said she was not happy with the time, but the wind was a factor. Debbie Dunn was second, and Jessica Beard proved herself against the senior women by finishing 3rd to make the world team.

A new Hayward record and fastest time in the world this year was set by Lashinda Davis when she ran 53.78 in the women’s 400m hurdle finals. Sheena Tosta and Tiffany Ross-Williams will join her in Berlin.

David Payne out-inched Terrence Trammel in the thrilling 110m hurdle finals. The race was so close that Payne said he had to check the jumbotron before he celebrated the victory. His time was 13.12 seconds.

The women’s 1500m was led almost entirely by Christin Wurth-Thomas. She ran to the front and looked strong, running about 62 seconds for the first lap.

“I knew once I went for it, I needed to throw in a 62,” Wurth-Thomas said.

Erin Donahue, Shannon Rowbury and Anna Willard went with with her. Rowbury was ready for the quick change of pace, due to her focus on sharpening her speed in training. No one else could stay with them.

“I thought someone would follow her, but they didn’t. I knew someone had to go,” Rowbury said.

Wurth-Thomas’s stamina could not match Rowbury’s speed. On the homestretch, Rowbury pulled into first, followed by Wurth-Thomas and Willard.

“I like to be the hunter, not the hunted,” Wurth-Thomas said. “I didn’t know if anyone was with me. I panicked.”

The 3000m steeplechase got off to a conservative start with William Nelson in the lead. Daniel Huling stuck behind him until the last three laps when he and Josh McAdams made a dash for the lead. At the bell, it was McAdams, Huling and Kyle Alcorn. McAdams pushed to the finish to win the national title.

2009 National Championships Good, So Far

Despite the monsoon like winds in Eugene, the 2009 Nationals are holding up their high expectations, so far. Sure the high winds are impacting the races but they are in no way taking away from the fans enjoying pleasure.

The final day of competition still is to run the men’s and women’s 200 and 800 meters. Get ready because they are going to be definately worth watching.

Some will say that the automatic bids for the 2007 World Championships takes away from the meets drama.

That is complete baloney.

Just ask Michael Rodgers, Darvis “Doc” Patton and others who were gunning for an elusive individual spot on the U.S. National team competing in a World Championships and you might get a completely different response.

The race resulted in 9.91 (3.1) seconds and a national introductions of Rodgers and Monzavous Edwards, sprinters who has been on the grind trying to crash the party.

Edwards did just that running flat 10 and Rodgers built upon his undefeated record while running in the United States.

That race was drama and exciting because it was something fresh, new.

Ditto goes for Carmelita Jeter.

Those fans and observsors are familiar with the Rodgers, Edwards and Jeter but they ultimately performed at a high level. Therefore adding pressure to Tyson Gay and the like because he and others know the perfect race is needed to get the win.

The 200 meter preliminary heats start today along with the 400 meter finals and many other hot races. I will be watching the names with great anticipation and expectation to see who will make a new name for themselves or continue building a legacy.

Merritt wins 400m title at USA Championships, remains undefeated

Press Release Courtesy of USA Track & Field.

EUGENE, Ore - 2008 Olympic gold medalist LaShawn Merritt remained unbeaten this outdoor season, winning the Gatorade Men’s U.S. 400m title Saturday at the 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.

The final event of the 2009 USATF Outdoor Visa Championship Series, the USA Outdoor Championships will conclude Sunday in Eugene.

The #1 ranked quarter-miler in the world, LaShawn Merritt was in control of the race from start to finish as he captured his second-consecutive national men’s 400m title in 44.50 seconds. Merritt’s performance matches his world-leading time originally set on May 1 at Baie Mahault, France

The 2007 World Outdoor Championships silver medalist, Merritt will be joined in Berlin by runner-up Gil Roberts of Texas Tech, who finished the race in 44.93, and 2008 Olympic Games silver medalist and 2007 World Outdoor 400m hurdles champion Kerron Clement, who was third in 45.14. They will be joined by reigning World Outdoor champion Jeremy Wariner at the World Outdoor Championships in Berlin.

Demus posts world leader in winning Hershey 400m Hurdles

2004 Olympian and 2005 World Outdoor silver medalist Lashinda Demus took the lead for good over the final hurdle and beat 2008 Olympic silver medalist Sheena Tosta to the finish line in winning her third career U.S. Outdoor title in 53.78 seconds.

Demus’ time was the fastest in the world this year and a new Hayward Field record, bettering the 53.96 clocking by Sandra Farmer-Patrick set in 1993. Tosta, who qualified for her second World Outdoor Championships team, finished second in 54.45 seconds, with 2004 Olympic finalist Tiffany Ross-Williams finishing third in 55.18.

Richards wins Visa Women’s 400 Meters.

2008 Olympic 4×400m relay gold medalist and 400m bronze medalist Sanya Richards captured her fourth U.S. Outdoor title in winning the Visa Women’s 400 meters in 50.05 seconds, which is the third-fastest time in the world this year. Richards, who entered the 2009 season ranked #1 in the world at 400 meters, posted the fastest time in the world this season with her 49.57 win June 14 in Berlin.

Two-time Olympic Trials eighth-place finisher Debbie Dunn qualified for her first World Outdoor Championships roster with her runner-up finish in 50.79, and 2008 World Junior Championships silver medalist Jessica Beard finished third in 50.81. 2008 Olympic Games 4×400m relay gold medalist Natasha Hastings was fourth in 50.89.

Payne wins first U.S. outdoor crown in Visa Men’s 110m Hurdles

2008 Olympic bronze medalist David Payne captured his first U.S. national 110m hurdles title after a tremendous battle with two-time Olympic silver medalist Terrence Trammell.

Payne and Trammell were inseparable as they crossed the finish line and both were clocked at 13.12 seconds, with Payne emerging as the victor by three-one thousandths of a second (13.115 to 13.118). 2006 NCAA champion and 2008 Olympic Trials fourth-place finisher Aries Merritt punched his ticket to the World Championships in Berlin with his third-place finish in 13.15.

Phillips back on top in men’s long jump

2004 Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Outdoor champion Dwight Phillips won his fifth U.S. men’s long jump title with his second round leap of 8.57m/28-1.50 (+2.2 mps).

Phillips leaped back on the world stage with a monster effort at the 2009 Nike Prefontaine Classic here in Eugene, when he easily won the event at 8.74 meters/28 feet 8.25 inches. That effort tied him with Larry Myricks and Erick Walder for the eighth-best outdoor mark in history. The trio are also tied as the #5 performers all time. It was also the longest jump in the world since National Track & Field Hall of Famer Mike Powell set the world record in 1991.

Joining Phillips at the World Outdoor Championships in Berlin will be 2008 Olympian Brian Johnson, who finished second with a best leap of 8.26m/27-1.25. A two-time ACC Outdoor champion while at Clemson, George Kitchens placed third with a best of 8.23m/27-0. Kitchens has neither the A nor B qualifying standard for the World Championships in Berlin. 2008 Olympian Miguel Pate finished fourth with a leap of 8.20m/26-11.

Texas high schooler Marquise Goodwin, who earlier today won the Junior title, finished fifth with a national prep record leap of 8.18m/26-10, topping the 20-year-old standard of 8.16m/26-9.25 set by Dion Bentley.

Rowbury wins Nike Women’s 1,500 meters

2008 Olympic Trials champion and Olympic Games finalist Shannon Rowbury trailed Christin Wurth-Thomas until the final stretch before overtaking her and reaching the finish first in 4:05.07.

Wurth-Thomas made a mad dash in an attempt to steal the race, at one point leading by 30 meters, but ran out of gas over the final 200 meters and finishing as the runner-up in 4:06.00.
2008 Olympic Trials 3,000m steeplechase champion and former national record holder in that event Anna Willard secured her place in Berlin by finishing third in 4:07.70.

Patterson wins women’s javelin with monster throw

Former Purdue University standout and 2008 Olympic Trials champion Kara Patterson successfully defended her U.S. women’s javelin title on her fifth attempt with a personal best throw of 63.95 meters/209-10. Patterson’s winning throw was the second best ever by a U.S. woman.

University of Oregon senior and 2009 NCAA champion Rachel Yurkovich was the runner-up with a toss of 59.31m/194-7, and four-time USA champion and American record holder Kim Kreiner finished third with a throw of 58.00m/190-3.

Walker wins men’s pole vault

Reigning World Outdoor champion and 2008 Olympian Brad Walker won his third U.S. Outdoor men’s pole vault title with his clearance of 5.75m/18-10.25.

He will be joined at this summer’s World Outdoor Championships by 2003 World Champs team member and runner-up today Jeremy Scott, 2008 Olympic Trials winner and fourth-place finisher at the Beijing Olympics Derek Miles (3rd) and 2004 Olympic Games silver medalist Toby Stevenson (4th). All of the top four finishers cleared the winning height of 5.75m/18-10.25, with the order of finish determined by the number of misses by each competitor.

Seaman wins 20 km race walk title

Two-time Olympian Tim Seaman captured his sixth career USA 20 km race walk title this morning with his time of 1 hour 26 minutes 14 seconds. Seaman has now qualified for his fifth World Outdoor Championship team, and has increased his USA national titles won total to 37.

2008 Olympic Trials third-place finisher Patrick Stroupe was the runner-up in 1:26:41, with three-time Olympic Trials participant Ben Shorey third in 1:27:17. 2004 Olympian John Nunn was fourth in 1:27:42 and Stephen Quirke finished fifth in 1:29:40.

Kruger hammers the competition again

Two-time Olympian A.G. Kruger won his fourth consecutive U.S. men’s hammer throw title with a best throw of 75.31 meters/247 feet 1 inch.

2004 NCAA champion and 2007 NACAC champion Jake Freeman finished second with a toss of 74.64m/244-10, and Michael Mai of the U.S. Army finished third with his final attempt throw of 73.80m/242-1.

McAdams wins steeple national title

2008 Olympian Josh McAdams won his second career national title in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase with his time of 8 minutes 29.91 seconds. 2008 Olympic Trials fifth-place finisher Dan Huling was the runner-up in 8:32.86 and 2008 Pac 10 champion Kyle Alcorn finished third in 8:34.65. Brigham Young University standout Kyle Perry finished fourth in 8:36.65.

Fountain leads heptathlon

2008 Olympic Games heptathlon silver medalist and reigning national champion Hyleas Fountain has the lead after the first day of the women’s heptathlon.

Fountain tallied an outstanding first day total of 4,038 points, and will carry a 270-point lead over her nearest competitor and 2008 Olympic teammate Diana Pickler, into tomorrow’s final three events. Other top scorers after today’s four events include 2008 Olympic high jumper Sharon Day (3rd-3,739) and University of Southern California standout Nia Ali (4th-3,621), who finished fourth at the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Favorites move on in qualifying

Highlights of the Nike Women’s 100m hurdles first round of competition included 2008 Olympic gold medalist Dawn Harper posting the fastest time by an American this season with her clocking of 12.68 seconds in winning the first of three heats.

The winner in the second semifinal was 2008 Olympic Games fourth-place finisher Damu Cherry, who ran the fastest time in the world this year under any conditions of 12.49 (+2.6 mps).

Heat winners in the first round of the men’s 200 meters were 2004 Olympic gold medalist Shawn Crawford, who won the fifth heat in 20.19w seconds, 2006 NCAA 100 and 400m winner Xavier Carter won the sixth heat in 20.51w and 2005 World Outdoor Championships silver medalist Wallace Spearmon won the third heat in 20.53. The Heat 1 winner was Bernard Williams (20.72) and Heat 2 was won by Charles Clark (20.54). Chris Lawson won the fourth heat in 20.39w.

Winners in the women’s first round of 200m qualifying were LaShauntea Moore, crossing the line ahead of the field in the first heat in 22.60, 2009 NCAA champion Porscha Lucas won the second heat in 22.77, and in Heat 3, Arizona State star and 2009 NCAA runner-up Charonda Williams was the victor in 22.65w. Two-time Olympic Games silver medalist Allyson Felix won the fourth heat in 22.58w.

University of South Carolina standout Johnny Dutch was the winner of the first men’s 400m hurdles semifinal in 49.24 seconds. 2008 Olympic gold medalist Angelo Taylor will move on to Sunday’s final after finishing second in 49.28. Other finalists will include Justin Gaymon (3rd-49.39) and 2005 World Outdoor Championships bronze medalist James Carter was fourth in 49.55.

Top finishers in the second semi moving on to Sunday’s final include 2005 World Outdoor champion and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Bershawn Jackson (1st-48.80), 2009 NCAA champion Jeshua Anderson of Washington State (2nd-48.89), Michael Tinsley (3rd-49.43) and Brandon Johnson (4th-50.40).

Records highlight day 2 of USA Junior Champs

Press release by USA Track & Field.

EUGENE, Ore. - National high school record-holder Curtis Beach dominated the junior men’s decathlon Friday at the 2009 USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.

Duke-bound Beach finished the two-day, ten-event competition with 7,599 points, the best score ever by an American using the junior implements. In the final event of the competition, Beach pulled away from the pack to win the 1,500m in a world junior decathlon best 4:07.85. Florida’s Gray Horn held on for second with 7,114 points and Neamen Wise was third with 6,854.

2008 World Junior silver medalist Conor McCullough is finally out of the reigning world junior champions shadow. McCullough won the men’s hammer throw with a meet-record heave of 75.30 meters/247 feet. His nearest competitor, runner-up Justin Welch, was over nine meters back with a best mark of 66.04m/216-8.

American junior record-holder Natalie Willer of Nebraska added a meet record to her resume in the women’s pole vault with her winning clearance of 4.25 meters/13 feet 11.25 inches. Shade Weygandt was second at the same height.

The fastest qualifier out of the first rounds at 11.17 (+6.0mps), three-time Nike Outdoor National champion Chalonda Goodman decimated the field in the women’s 100m final, crossing the finish line in a windy 11.19 (+2.8mps). Hometown favorite Amber Purvis, a freshman at the University of Oregon, was the runner-up in 11.42. SEC freshman of the year Marcus Rowland, who took third at the 2009 NCAA Championships, won the men’s 100m in 10.02 (+2.4mps). Mississippi State freshman Dangelo Cherry, who had the fastest times out of the morning rounds at 10.02 (+2.8mps), took second in 10.07.

2007 World Youth champion Wayne Davis set the meet record in the men’s 110-meter hurdles in winning his first-round heat in 13.31 seconds, with the wind at a just-allowable +2.0mps. Davis came back four hours later to win the final in 13.16 (+3.8mps), the second-fastest junior time ever under any conditions. 2008 World Junior silver medalist Booker Nunley was second in 13.36.

Arizona State’s Jordan Clarke won the men’s shot put with a meet record heave of 20.46m/67-1.5. Reigning Nike Outdoor National shot put champion Mason Finley took the runner-up position with his throw of 20.15m/66-1.5. On the women’s side, Anastasia Jelmini won her first national junior title, after last year’s fourth-place finish, with a throw of 16.15m/53-0. Iowa State’s Laishema Hampton was second with 15.32m/50-3.25 and teammate Danielle Frere was third with 15.06m/49-5.

Also at the track, Villanova’s Shericka Ward won the women’s 100m hurdles in 13.47 (+2.6mps). Mississippi high school state champion Ricky Robertson won the men’s high jump with a clearance of 2.18m/7-1.25. Twentynine Palms High School junior Casey Kraychir stole the show in the women’s hammer throw, winning the competition with a heave of 57.22m/187-9 and Elizabeth Rohl took runner-up honors with 56.05m/183-11.

For more information, live video coverage and complete results, visit www.usatf.org.

Day 2 Wrap Up - 2009 Nationals

Day 2 of the 2009 USA Track and Field Championships was full of surprises.

Can you run 10.78 and lose a race? Muna Lee did, by a fraction of a second. In the 100m finals, Carmelita Jeter beat her by a hair. The clock read 10.78 for both women, but Jeter’s was .001 faster. Lauryn Williams was right behind in 10.96. Jeter was ecstatic to defeat the defending champion and make her first world championship team.

“It’s a new year for me in 2009 and I’m really doing well,” Jeter said.

There was no Tyson Gay in the men’s race, but that did not take much away from the competition. Michael Rogers flew through in 9.91 with Darvis Patton and Manzavous Edwards.

“I came here with a lot of confidence. And when I get to Berlin, I think I can medal. I just have to train hard and stay humble,” Rogers said after his win.

Believe it or not, the most exciting race of the day was a distance race - the men’s 5000m.

“It was a hell of a race,” according to German Fernandez. Fernandez finished 5th and ran a new American Junior record, 13:25.56.

Anthony Famiglietti certainly made the race interesting. He bolted to the lead and did not let go, but Matt Tegenkamp and Chris Solinsky were close on his heels with Bolota Asmerom and Evan Jager. With one mile left, Asmerom moved to first and Famiglietti fell to the fifth position.

“Fam is notoriously a front-runner,” Tegenkamp explained, which helped him mentally through the race.

As the pack slipped away from Famiglietti, he made a bold sprint back to the front with 3 laps to go. However, he expelled too much energy with that move, Asmerom reacted in the last 800m, and Solinsky, Tegenkamp, Jager and Fernandez all went with him.

“I lost today, but the fans won,” Famiglietti said with a smile.

At 4800m, Tegenkamp, Solinsky and Jager took over and let the energy of the Oregon crowd carry them through the finish line for a 13:20.57 win for Tegenkamp.

All three men are members of the Oregon Track Club, but according to Tegenkamp, there is no team strategy for a championship race.

Another Oregon Track Club member, Kara Goucher, is one of the most versatile athletes in women’s track and field. This year she will run the world championship marathon, but the 5000m today despite her focus on the marathon.

“This has been the hardest season I’ve ever tried to put together,” Goucher described.

The endurance paid off as she hung on for a blistering final 3 laps with Jen Rhines. Goucher and Rhines cruised with the pack consisting of Erin Donahue, and gradually made their way to the front. Then with 3 laps to go, Rhines pushed to the lead and threw down a 69.4 lap. Goucher went with her as they left the field in the dust. Then Goucher unleashed her kick at the bell to finish in 15:20.94.

There are two more days of competition at the US Track & Field Championships, and more amazing races to come.

The much-anticipated Barringer vs. Willard match is Sunday, but today both women ran conservatively in their preliminary heats.

“Today I was going out and trying to be as easy as possible. I wanted to stay in my rhythm,” Willard said.

Geena Gall makes a smooth transition to the professional level so far, and says she believes she can make the world team. Not only did she run a fast time in her semifinal heat (2:01.99), but she showed that she can remain focused in a tactical race. Phoebe Wright tried to make a move on the home stretch, but Gall was able to hold her off.

Khadevis Robinson is in good form this year as he won the first heat of the 800m semifinals, followed by Ryan Brown and Christian Smith. Tevan Everett led most of the race, but could not stay there for long.

“We had a guy that took it out and made an honest race of it. That’s what we need, that’s what we want,” Robinson said.

Oregon favorite Nick Symmonds won heat 2 with a slightly faster time. Symmonds will duel Robinson on his home turf in the finals on Sunday. It will likely be a close finish between the two, but if the 5000m is any indication, OTC green is a lucky color.

Jeter, Rodgers win U.S. titles and remain undefeated in Visa Championship Series

EUGENE, Ore - Carmelita Jeter and Michael Rodgers blistered the Hayward Field track in winning their first-ever USA Outdoor sprint titles Friday at the 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.

The final event of the 2009 USATF Outdoor Visa Championship Series, the USA Outdoor Championships run through Sunday in Eugene.

Jeter edges Lee in Visa Women’s 100m

2007 World Outdoor Championships bronze medalist Carmelita Jeter and 2008 Olympic Trials champion Muna Lee staged a tremendous battle in the Visa Women’s 100m final with both crossing the finish line in 10.78 seconds (+3.3 mps).

In the end, Jeter was declared the winner by one-1,000th of a second, 10.776 to 10.777. Jeter’s best previous finish at the USA Outdoor Championship came in 2007 when she finished third.

2005 World Outdoor champion and 2007 World Championships silver medalist Lauryn Williams qualified for her third U.S. World Championships team with her third-place finish in 10.96. Alexandria Anderson was fourth in 11.00.

Rodgers wins men’s 100 meters

2009 USA Indoor 60m champion and two-time NAIA outdoor sprint champion Michael Rodgers, who posted the fastest time in the world this year in winning at the Nike Prefontaine Classic in a career best time of 9.94, won his first ever U.S. national title in 9.91 seconds (+3.1 mps).

Olympic Trials third-place finisher and Beijing Olympic finalist Darvis “Doc” Patton, finished as the runner-up in 9.92, with Rae Edwards finishing third in his eighth trip to the USA Outdoor Championships in 10.00. Travis Padgett was fourth in 10.02, with 2004 Olympic 200m gold medalist Shawn Crawford fifth in 10.07. 2008 Olympic 100m and 200m medalist Walter Dix finished sixth in his semifinal and did not qualify for the final.

Hardee wins decathlon national title

2005 NCAA champion Trey Hardee won his first U.S. decathlon national title this afternoon, completing the two-day, ten-event challenge with 8,261 points. Hardee posted his personal best score of 8,534 points when he finished second to 2008 Olympic gold medalist Bryan Clay at the 2008 Olympic Trials. Earlier this year he was the runner-up at Gotzis with the second-highest score in the world this outdoor season of 8,516 points.

The University of Oregon’s Ashton Eaton, who earlier this month successfully defended his NCAA national decathlon title with his total of 8,241 points, finished as the runner-up with 8,075 points. Olympic Trials fourth-place finisher and two-time NCAA champion Jake Arnold, who finished 13th at the 2007 World Outdoor Championships, qualified for his second U.S. World Champs team with his total of 7,984 points.

Oregon TC dominates men’s 5,000 meters

The Hayward Field crowd was overjoyed to see three of its own take the top spots in the men’s 5,000m final.

2007 World Outdoor Championships fourth-place finisher and 2008 Olympic Games finalist Matt Tegenkamp was first across the finish line in 13:20.57 in winning his first-ever USA Outdoor title.

Two-time NCAA Outdoor 5,000m champion Chris Solinsky had his best ever finish at a USA Outdoor Championship in finishing second in 13:20.82, and Evan Jager posted a personal best with his third place finish in 13:22.18. All of the top three finishers hail from Wisconsin.

Fifth-place finisher German Fernandez set a new U.S. Junior record with his time of 13:25.46, bettering the previous standard of 13:29.98 set by Stanford’s Chris Derrick in May. A freshman at Oklahoma State, Fernandez won the 2009 NCAA 1,500m title earlier this month in Fayetteville, Ark.

Goucher wins Nike Women’s 5,000 meters

2008 Olympic Games 5,000m and 10,000m finalist Kara Goucher faced a strong challenge from fellow 2008 Olympian Jenn Rhines in the Nike Women’s 5,000 meters.

It was a two-person race for most of the last five laps between Goucher and Rhines before Goucher took command for good with 250 meters left. Goucher captured the win and her second consecutive USA Outdoor 5,000m title in 15 minutes 20.94 seconds. Goucher, who earlier qualified for the Team USA Marathon Team that will compete at the 2009 World Championships, will compete only in the marathon in Berlin.

Rhines, who has now qualified for fourth U.S. World Championships team, finished second in 15:26.92 and 2009 NCAA Outdoor champion and University of Illinois standout Angela Bizzarri finished third in 15:33.02.

Malone wins men’s discus

2004 Olympian and 1996 World Junior champion Casey Malone, 32, won his first-ever USA Outdoor men’s discus title with his fourth round toss of 64.99m/213-3. 2004 Olympian Jarred Rome was the runner-up for the second time of his career at a USA Outdoor Championships with a toss of 63.48m/208-3 and three-time USA Outdoor champion and two-time Olympian Ian Waltz qualified for his third USA World Outdoor Championships team with a best of 61.91m/203-1.

Carter, Welsch win women’s field events

2008 Olympic Trials women’s shot put champion Michelle Carter successfully defended her USA Outdoor title with her fourth round throw of 18.03m/59-2. The 2004 World Junior champion, Carter, who is following in her father’s footsteps (Michael Carter was the 1984 Olympic silver medalist), has the farthest throw by an American this year (18.43m/60-5.75).

Three-time USA Indoor champion and 2008 Olympic finalist Jillian Camarena was the runner-up with a toss of 17.94m/58-10.25, and three-time USA Outdoor champion and 2008 Olympian Kristin Heaston placed third with a toss of 17.88m/58-8.

In the women’s triple jump, two-time Olympic Trials runner-up Shakeema Welsch won her first USA Outdoor title with her second round leap of 14.30 meters/46 feet 11 inches.

Other top finishers were 2008 NCAA champion and Olympic Trials third-place finisher Erica McLain, who was the runner-up with a best of 13.91m/45-7.75 and former University of Oklahoma standout Toni Smith, who finished third with a best jump of 13.90m/45-7.25.

Moving on up!

The opening round of the Visa Men’s 110m Hurdles took place this afternoon with 2008 Olympic silver medalist and 2007 World Outdoor Championships bronze medalist David Payne winning Heat 1 in 13.48 seconds. 2008 Olympic Trials fourth-place finisher and 2004 World Junior champion Aries Merritt won the second heat in 13.34, 2008 Olympic Trials fifth-place finisher Antwon Hicks won Heat 3 in 13.41 and Dexter Faulk picked up the win in Heat 4 in 13.16.

The men’s 400m hurdles qualifying featured four heats with 2008 Olympic Trials fourth-place finisher and NACAC champion Justin Gaymon winning the first heat in 49.86 seconds. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Angelo Taylor was victorious in Heat 2 in 50.79 and 2008 World Junior champion Jeshua Anderson finished first in the third heat in 50.22. 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Bershawn Jackson won Heat 4 in 50.57.

2005 World Championships silver medalist Lashinda Demus, who posted the fastest women’s 400m hurdles time in the world this year with her 54.17 clocking on May 1, won the first semifinal in that event this afternoon in 54.80. Others joining Demus in tomorrow’s final from this race include UCLA’s NCAA champ Nichole Leach (2nd-56.59), Deserea Brown (3rd-56.85) and Latosha Wallace (4th - 56.87).

The second semifinal was won by 2008 Olympic Games silver medalist Sheena Tosta, who crossed the finish line in 55.96. Others moving on to the final include 2008 Olympic Trials champion and Olympic Games finalist Tiffany Ross-Williams (2nd-56.41), Jennifer Grossarth (3rd-58.01) and Ebony Collins (4th-58.22).

In the Visa Women’s 400m semifinals, 2008 World Indoor Championships bronze medalist Shareese Woods was victorious in the first semi in 51.46. Joining her in tomorrow’s final will be Monica Hargrove (2nd-51.54), 2008 Olympic Games 4×400m relay gold medalist Natasha Hastings (4th-51.59) and Keshia Baker (4th-52.10).

The second semifinal was dominated by Sanya Richards, who entered this season ranked #1 in the world by Track & Field News after winning the bronze medal in the 400m and gold in the 4×400m relay in Beijing. Richards sailed across the finish line in 50.96 seconds, and was followed by Debbie Dunn (2nd-51.39), Texas A&M’s Jessica Beard (3rd-51.88) and Dominique Darden (4th-52.27).

Although Kerron Clement is primarily known as the 2007 World Outdoor champion and 2008 Olympic silver medalist in the 400m hurdles, he has been impressive thus far in the Gatorade Men’s 400 meters here in Eugene. This afternoon Clement won the first 400m semifinal in 45.08 seconds, with Texas Tech’s Gil Roberts the runner-up in 45.18. Lionel Larry, who placed third in 45.35, will move on to the final, along with the University of Florida’s Calvin Smith, who finished fourth in 45.44.

In the second semifinal, 2008 Olympic gold medalist LaShawn Merritt, who is ranked #1 in the world by T&FN, was unchallenged in crossing the finish line first in 45.45. 2004 Olympic 4×400m relay gold medalist Darold Williamson was second in 45.97, with Miles Smith third in 46.08 and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist David Neville was fourth in 46.18.

In the Visa Women’s 800 meters, the University of Michigan’s Geena Gall won the first semifinal in 2:01.99. Others advancing to the final include the University of Tennessee’s Phoebe Wright (2nd-2:02.11), three-time Olympian Hazel Clark (3rd-2:02.12) and North Dakota State’s Laura Hermanson (4th-2:02.44).

Maggie Vessey won the second semifinal in 2:03.49, followed by Morgan Uceny (2nd- 2:04.62),
Katie Waits (3rd-2:04.65) and Cal Riverside’s Brenda Martinez (4th-2:04.85).

Five-time World Outdoor Championships team member and 2004 Olympian Khadevis Robinson stayed alive in his bid for his fifth U.S. Outdoor title with his win in the first semifinal of the Nike Men’s 800 meters in 1:47.66. Ryan Brown was the runner-up in 1:47.81, with 2008 Olympian Christian Smith third in 1:47.91 and Tevan Everett finishing fourth in 1:48.00

Also earning berths in Sunday’s Nike Men’s 800m final will be the winner of the second semifinal and 2008 Olympian Nick Symmonds, who crossed the finish line in 1:47.50. Others advancing to the final include Karjuan Williams (2nd-1:47.50), Northern Iowa’s Tyler Mulder (1:47.95) and the University of Connecticut’s Michael Rutt (4th-1:47.95).

In women’s 3,000m steeplechase first-round action, 2008 Olympians Jenny Barringer and Anna Willard were both victorious this evening. The current U.S. steeple record holder, Barringer won the first semifinal in 9:47.94, with Willard, the former U.S. record holder and 2008 Olympic Trials winner, winning the second semifinal in 9:52.98.

For ticket information to the 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships visit: www.visachampionshipseries.com or www.tracktown.net. USATF welcomes you to purchase tickets with your Visa Card. Visa, the only credit card accepted by USATF.

For more information on the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships and the USATF Visa Championship Series, visit: www.visachampionshipseries.com.

Day 1 Wrap Up - 2009 U.S. Nationals

Photo by Glenda Boyd.

-Eugene,Oregon.

Sporting his University of Oregon singlet for the last time, Galen Rupp gave Duck fans quite a show in the 10,000m. He sat in the front third of the pack for most of the race, but there was no doubt he would eventually deliver his powerful finish for a 27:52.53 win.

“I could not ask for anything more than to close out [my college career] with a win,” Rupp said.

Abdi Abdirahman, the 2008 10k champion, looked strong as he led the first 3000 meters in 8:36.24, followed closely by Meb Keflezighi. Dathan Ritzenhein, James Carney and Rupp stayed comfortably with the pack. At 5000 meters, Ritz made a bold move to the front and Abdi fell back to 7th.

They went through in 14:12.09. Now it was between Ritz, Rupp, Carney and Tim Nelson. With a mile to go, Carney fell off the pack. Ritz and Rupp broke away.

Rupp unleashed his relentless kick at the last 500m. Ritz stayed strong, but did not have the speed left to catch him.

“I could tell in the last laps that I didn’t have that 10k specific training,” Ritzenhein said. “I knew he’d make a move at some point.”

“I have a lot of confidence in my kick,” Rupp said. “I was ready to go. I made sure when I went, I went. There could be no doubt at all.”

The favorite in the women’s 10,000m was 2008 Olympic bronze-medalist Shalane Flanagan. However, Flanagan soon found herself in an unexpected battle with Amy Begley. Begley led at first, and when Flanagan made her move to the front, the two broke away from the pack and took turns with the lead.

“Shalane and I wanted to put on a show, so we traded laps for the first 5K. It really made the race go faster,” Begley said.

Flanagan sat on Begley’s shoulder, but Begley held her off through the bell lap. Flanagan made a final dash to the lead at the last 200 meters, but it was too little, too late as Begley quickly reacted and hammered through the finish line in 31:22.69. Flanagan was right behind in 31:23.43. Begley represented the Oregon Track Club well by running a new Hayward Field record.

There were no other finals on Wednesday, so the athletes in the prelims focused on conserving their energy.

Tyson Gay is back on track. In one of the most exciting performances of the day, he ran 9.75 (wind-aided). However, he said he was unhappy with how he felt after a false start rattled him.

“The false start threw me off. I had too much going through my mind,” Gay said. “I ran a horrible race. It felt like a blow-up.”

After this 1st round race, Gay will not compete in the finals as he is already qualified for the World Track & Field Championships. Gay’s performance did not look bad from a spectator’s perspective, but hopefully this got the kinks out before Berlin.

In the women’s 800m, NCAA champion Geena Gall qualified in her preliminary race, wearing green. Gall, formerly of the University of Michigan, is now a member of the Oregon Track Club. Christian Smith, Khadevis Robinson and Nick Symmonds led the qualifying times in the men’s 800m.

The 1500m prelims had some talented fields. Leo Manzano ran the fastest time of 3:39.91. Alan Webb had a good-looking race and the 7th fastest qualifying time.

Kicks: Nike Air Max

To celebrate the Nike Air Max Light’s birthday then by releasing a new colorway was released. These kicks arrive in a black colorway with gold accents.

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