Gay named USATF Athlete of the Week

INDIANAPOLIS- Tyson Gay has been named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week for his impressive win over Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt (JAM) at the DN Galan - Samsung Diamond League meeting Friday.

The rivalry between the world’s fastest sprinters was finally tested for the first time since the 2009 World Championships, where World Record-holder Bolt claimed the top spot. One year later, in Stockholm, Gay took full advantage of his long-awaited opportunity to settle the score, entering the finals with the fastest seed and never relinquishing that position. Gay took the lead immediately from the blocks and held on for the win in a meet record time of 9.84 seconds over Bolt’s 9.97.

Also in Stockholm, Chris Solinsky, the American Record holder in the 10,000m, finished fifth in the 5,000m in 12:55.53. That is the second-fastest time ever by an American, trailing only Bernard Lagat’s American record run of 12:54.12 from earlier this year.

Now in its ninth 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.

Winners: January 13, Jen Clayton; January 20, Shalane Flanagan; January 27, Nolan Shaheed; February 3, Bernard Lagat; February 10, Bernard Lagat; February 17, Shalane Flanagan; February 24, Amber Campbell; March 3, Amber Campbell; March 10, Phil Raschker; March 17, Ashton Eaton; March 31, Lisa Koll; April 7, Queen Harrison; April 14, Magdalena Lewy Boulet; April 21, Bershawn Jackson; April 28, Phoebe Wright; May 5, Chris Solinsky; May 12, Walter Dix; May 26, Cory Martin; June 2, Chaunte Lowe; June 9, Bernard Lagat; June 16, Queen Harrison; June 30, Kara Patterson; July 7, David Oliver; July 22, David Oliver; July 28, Conor McCullough; August 4, Kennedy Blahnik; August 11, Tyson Gay.

BEST MARKS WEEK ENDING AUGUST 8

MEN

100 - 9.84 Tyson Gay (adidas) - Stockholm, SWE 8/6   U.S. leader
200 - 20.18 Wallace Spearmon (Saucony) - Nottwil, SUI 8/8
400 - 45.40 LeJerald Betters (Nike) - Nottwil, SUI 8/8
800 - 1:45.32 Nick Symmonds (Nike/OTC) - Stockholm, SWE 8/6
3000 - 7:54.61 David Torrence (Nike) - Nottwil, SUI 8/8
5000 - 12:55.53 Chris Solinsky (Nike/OTC) - Stockholm, SWE 8/6
110H - 13.51 Joel Brown (unat) - Nottwil, SUI 8/8
400H - 47.65 Bershawn Jackson (Nike) - Stockholm, SWE 8/6
HJ - 2.21/7-3.25 James Harris (Alabama HS) - Norfolk, VA 8/4
LJ - 7.87/25-10 Trevell Quinley (Nike) - Rakvere, FIN 8/3
SP - 22.09/72-5.75 Christian Cantwell (Nike) - Stockholm, SWE 8/5
Dec - 8090 Joe Detmer (unat) - Marburg, GER 8/8

WOMEN

100 - 10.99 Marshevet Myers (adidas) - Nottwil, SUI 8/8
200 - 22.41 Allyson Felix (Nike) - Stockholm, SWE 8/6
400 - 50.59 Debbie Dunn (unat) - Stockholm, SWE 8/6
800 - 1:58.67 Morgan Uceny (Reebok) - Nottwil, SUI 8/8
1500 - 4:02.72 Morgan Uceny (Reebok) - Stockholm, SWE 8/6
3000SC - 9:37.98 Lisa Aguilera (Nike) - Stockholm, SWE 8/6
5000 - 15:50.55 Jen Rhines (adidas) - Stockholm, SWE 8/6
100H - 12.70 Queen Harrison (unat) & Lolo Jones (Asics) - Stockholm, SWE 8/6
400H - 55.28 Sheena Tosta (Nike) - Nottwil, SUI 8/8
HJ - 2.00/6-6.75 Chaunte Lowe (Nike) - Stockholm, SWE 8/6
PV - 4.41/14-5.5 Lacy Janson (unat) - Stockholm, SWE 8/6
LJ - 6.89/22-7.25 Hyleas Fountain (Nike) - Nottwil, SUI 8/8
SP - 18.74/61-5.75 Jill Camarena (NYAC) - Stockholm, SWE 8/5
DT - 62.61/205-5 Becky Breisch (Nike) - Nottwil, SUI 8/8
HT - 62.66/205-7 Shelby Ashe (Georgia HS) - Marietta, GA 8/7
Hept - 5984 Bettie Wade (Nike) - Marburg, GER 8/8

Former Olympian Antonio Pettigrew found dead in North Carolina

Raleigh, NC (August 10, 2010) Early afternoon on Tuesday, August 2010, Chatham County Sheriffs found former professional track athlete Antonio Pettigrew dead in North Carolina’s Chatham County according to University of North Carolina Officials.

Pettigrew was found dead in the backseat of his locked car early Tuesday. In initial reports authorities said they are unsure if his death was accidental or a suicide. AP reports that Pettigrew’s wife reported him missing from their home in Apex, North Carolina early on Tuesday morning.

USA Track and Field reports that further details surrounding Pettigrew’s death are pending and are under investigation by the Chatham County Sheriff.

Already shockwaves are already being felt around the track community.

“The USATF family extends our condolences to all of Antonio’s family, friends and colleagues,” said USATF Chairman and President Stephanie Hightower. “The track and field community is very tight-knit, and news like this affects everyone deeply.”

A 1992 graduate of St. Augustine’s University in Raleigh, N.C., the 42-year-old Pettigrew had worked as an assistant track coach for UNC for four years.

Pettigrew’s track career had been mired in controversy after being stripped of his gold medals after admitting to doping.

While actively competing, he was a three-time world champion in the 4×400m relay, a 2000 Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the relay and the 1991 world champion in the open 400 meters. He had won five U.S. Outdoor 400m titles over span of 12 years and at one time served on USATF’s Board of Directors as a representative of the Athletes Advisory Committee.

He was stripped of the gold medal he won at 1997 and 1999 World Championships, as well as the 4×400m world record he was part of, set in 1998. He retained his 1991 world title, three U.S. outdoor championships from 1989, ‘91 and ‘94, and the 1994 World Cup title.

Pettigrew is survived by his Cassandra, and a son, Antonio Pettigrew Jr.

Cantwell, Gay and Jones headline strong American contingent in Stockholm

Press Release
USA Track and Field

August 5, 2010-INDIANAPOLIS - Christian Cantwell, Tyson Gay and Lolo Jones will lead an impressive American lineup including multiple athletes with top world marks at the Samsung Diamond League DN Galen meeting Thursday and Friday. The meet will be held in the historic Stockholm Olympic Stadium, home to the 1912 Olympic Games and site of 83 World record-setting performances, more than any other stadium can claim.

The IAAF Diamond League encompasses 32 individual event disciplines, with a points scoring ‘Diamond Race’ which runs throughout the 14 meeting series. Winners of each Diamond Race will get a Diamond Trophy and a cash prize. For complete rules and regulations, CLICK HERE.

The men’s shot put competition will take place Thursday, Aug. 5 and features an incredible line up of five of the top U.S. throwers. 2008 Olympic gold medalist, reigning World Indoor and Outdoor champion and current world-leader Christian Cantwell will lead the field along with 2007 World Outdoor champion Reese Hoffa and two- time Olympic silver medalist Adam Nelson. 2008 NCAA Outdoor champion Cory Martin, who holds the number 2 throw in the world so far this year, two- time NCAA champion Ryan Whiting, who holds the third and fourth best world throws, and 2009 USA Indoor champion Dan Taylor will round out the talented field which will see competition from 2008 Olympic gold medalist and 2009 World Outdoor runner-up Tomasz Majewski (POL).

The men’s 100m will feature the long-awaited contest between two of the world’s greatest sprinters: Tyson Gay and Jamaican rivals Usain Bolt. The two Olympians are facing off for the first time since the 2009 World Outdoor Championships where World Record holder Bolt claimed first ahead of American Record holder Gay. Bolt is tied with Asafa Powell (JAM), who pulled out the race at the last minute due to injury, for the fastest time in the world this year, while Gay is the third fastest runner in the world so far this year. 2009 USA Outdoor champion Michael Rodgers and 2010 USA Outdoor runner up Trell Kimmons will also join the field.

Entered in the men’s 800m is 2010 USA Outdoor champion Nick Symmonds, four-time USA Outdoor and Indoor champion Khadevis Robinson and five-time NCAA Outdoor champion Andrew Wheating, who will be competing as a professional for the first time. They will challenge reigning World Indoor champion and 2009 World Outdoor runner up Abubaker Kaki Khamis (SUD).

Chris Solinsky, who holds the 10,000m American Record, and two-time USA Outdoor 10,000m champion Galen Rupp will be running in the 5,000m this meet and will face tough competition from 2008 Olympic silver medalist and world-leader Eliud Kipchoge (KEN), Vincent Kiprop Chepkok (KEN) and 2009 World Athletics Final champion Imane Merga (ETH). Kipchoge, Chepkok and Merga hold the top three times in the world this year, while Solinsky and Rupp hold the second and third fastest times by an American so far this year.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Angelo Taylor, 2008 Olympic silver medalist and two-time World Outdoor champion Kerron Clement and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist and current world-leader Bershawn Jackson will lead the men’s 400m hurdles field. Joined by Michael Tinsley, they have four of the top five U.S. times so far this year, and will be challenged by 2009 World outdoor silver-medalist Javier Culson (PUR) who is the third fastest in the event in the world so far this year.

Two-time World Indoor champion and current world-leader Lolo Jones is the Diamond Race leader in the women’s 100m hurdles and will look to claim another victory in Stockholm. Also look for 2010 NCAA champion Queen Harrison, who holds the second fastest U.S. time this year.

The women’s 200m will be led by three-time World Outdoor champion and two-time Olympic silver medalist Allyson Felix, who has the fastest U.S. time so far this year. Felix will be joined by 2010 USA Outdoor champion Consuella Moore and runner-up Shalonda Solomon as well as 2008 NCAA Indoor champion Bianca Knight. 2009 World outdoor bronze medalist Debbie Ferguson McKenzie (BAH) will be their main competition.

The women’s 1,500m will include 2010 USA Outdoor champion Anna Pierce, Christin Wurth-Thomas, who has the fourth fastest time in the world so far this year, and 2009 World Outdoor bronze medalist Shannon Rowbury, as well as world-leader Anna Alminova (RUS).

In the field, four-time USA Outdoor champion and 2010 World Indoor bronze medalist Chaunte Lowe will be competing against rival Blanka Vlasic (CRO) once again. Lowe is the world-leader in the event, while Vlasic, the reigning World Indoor and Outdoor champion, is the next highest jumper in the world so far this year.

In the women’s long jump, reigning World Indoor and Outdoor champion Brittney Reese will face all three medalists from the 2010 European Championships: Ineta Radevica (LAT), 2010 World Indoor runner-up Naide Gomes (POR) and world-leader Olga Kucherenko (RUS). Reese is the current Diamond Race leader with two Samsung Diamond League victories under her belt already this season.

Oliver powers through to new American record

INDIANAPOLIS - 2010 USA Outdoors champion David Oliver set the American record in the men’s 110m hurdles Friday night in Paris at the Samsung IAAF Diamond League Meeting Areva.

With his long and strong strides, Oliver made a quick start to lead the race in its entirety and finish in an American record time of 12.89 seconds. It was just two weeks ago at the Nike Prefontaine Classic when Oliver equaled the American record of 12.90 seconds, first posted by Dominique Arnold in 2006.

Oliver’s sizzling 12.89 was two-hundredths of a second off the two-year-old world record of 12.87, set by Dayron Robles (CUB) in Ostrava. Robles, who was originally set to compete in Paris, was sidelined for hamstring injury prevention measures.

Also bringing sparkle to the track, Jeremy Wariner made it four-for-four in Samsung Diamond League 400m races this season when he clocked a world-leading time of 44.49 seconds. The three-time World Outdoor medalist has returned strong from his knee surgery last September to run two world leading times, first at last week’s Lausanne (44.57) and then again tonight in Paris. Also in the men’s 400m, national champion Greg Nixon finished sixth in 45.81 seconds and David Neville finished 8th in 45.83 seconds.

Rivalries tested on the track and in the field

The world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt found the win in the men’s 100m dash over fellow Jamaican Asafa Powell in a time of 9.84 seconds. Powell was the runner-up in 9.91. Bolt’s meet record win was Powell’s second defeat of the season after losing to American Tyson Gay in Gateshead last Saturday.

Continuing their back-and-forth battle, rivals Croatian Blanka Vlasic and American record holder Chaunte Lowe squared-off for the sixth time this season with Vlasic finding the win and setting a meeting record at 2.02m/6-7.5. Vlasic cleared 2.02m/6-7.5 on her first attempt while Lowe failed at all three attempts to make a clearance.

Also at the track, national champion Brittney Reese sealed her victory in the women’s long jump competition in her last round jump of 6.79m/22-3.5. This performance propels Reese into the top spot of the Samsung Diamond League. Also in the field, Funmi Jimoh finished seventh with a jump of 6.56m/21-6.25 and Brianna Glenn finished tenth at 6.38m/20-11.25.

Filling out a deep field in the women’s 1,500m, seven women brought sub-four minute career bests to the line. Crossing the line first, Russia’s Anna Alminova clocked a world-leading time of 3:57.65. On her heels, USA Outdoors fourth-place finisher Christin Wurth-Thomas ran a new personal best at 3:59.59 to take second. Shannon Rowbury, won bronze at the 2009 World Outdoor Championships, finished in a season’s best 4:01.30.

Americans Allyson Felix (22.14) and Shalonda Solomon (22.55) finished one and two in the women’s 200m race. Also rounding up the field were Bianca Knight finishing sixth in 22.83 and Porscha Lucas finishing seventh in 22.85.

Gay blasts by Powell & Allen Johnson announces retirement at Gateshead

INDIANAPOLIS - In his first 100m competition of the year, American record holder Tyson Gay used an impressive finishing burst in passing former world record holder Asafa Powell of Jamaica in winning the men’s 100m Saturday at the Aviva British Grand Prix in Gateshead, England.

The British Grand Prix is a member of the prestigious new IAAF Samsung Diamond League series consisting of 14 of the greatest invitational track meets in the world. For more information visit: www.diamondleague.com

Gay trailed Powell for most of the race before passing him with 20 meters to go. In the first battle this season between two of the ‘big three’ of men’s sprinting (Gay, Powell and Usain Bolt) Gay put an end to Powell’s unbeaten season by crossing the finish line first in 9.94 seconds.

Competitors in the 100m dealt with a +1.7 meters per second headwind. “I felt good,” Gay told the IAAF. “Asafa’s one of my favorite competitors and I managed to get him today. I really had to stretch to the finish line and he didn’t see me coming. The wind maybe affected the time slightly, but not much.”
Powell was the runner-up in 9.96, with Daniel Bailey (ANT) third in 10.15 and Trell Kimmons fourth in 10.18.

In other events, 2008 Olympic bronze medalist and 2010 USA Outdoor Championships runner-up Walter Dix won the men’s 200 meters with his time of 20.26 seconds. Dix, who posted the second-fastest time in the world this year of 19.72 from his win last Saturday at the Nike Prefontaine Classic and won earlier this week in Lausanne, finished just ahead of two-time World Outdoor Championships bronze medalist and reigning national champion Wallace Spearmon, who was the runner-up in 20.29. Jaysuma Saidy Ndure (NOR) was third in 20.31 and Angelo Taylor was fourth in 20.50.

U.S. women’s sprinters also were successful in Gateshead with 2009 national 100m champion and two-time World Outdoor Championships bronze medalist Carmelita Jeter winning her specialty in 10.95 seconds. Kelly-Ann Baptiste of Trinidad was the runner-up in 11.00, with Sherone Simpson of Jamaica third in 11.02.

2007 USA Junior champion and Pan Am Junior gold medalist Bianca Knight was victorious in the women’s 200m in 22.71. Rosemarie Whyte of Jamaica was the runner-up in 22.81, with Anneisha McLaughlin (JAM) finishing third in 22.95.

2007 USA and NCAA Outdoor champion Alysia Johnson posted an impressive win in the women’s 800 meters by crossing the finish line first in 1:59.84. Finishing second was Halima Hachlaf (MAR) in 2:00.49, with Yuliya Krevsun (UKR) third in 2:00.67. 2008 Olympian and 2009 World Outdoor Championships fifth-place finisher Christin Wurth-Thomas finished fourth in 2:00.75.

Also posting a win today was two-time World Indoor champion and two-time Indoor Visa Champion Lolo Jones, who won the women’s 100m hurdles in 12.79 seconds. Jones, who is the 2010 USA Outdoor champion and posted the fastest-time in the world this year of 12.55 on June 12 in New York, finished ahead of runner-up Danielle Carruthers (12.98) and Canadian standout Perdita Felicien, who was third in 13.01.

U.S. women turning in runner-up performances in Gateshead included reigning national 400m champion, 2009 World Outdoor Championships sixth-place finisher and current world 400m leader Debbie Dunn (50.66), and 2004 Olympic Trials fourth-place finisher Morgan Uceny (4:04.26), who posted the fastest 1,500m time by an American this outdoor season earlier this week in Lausanne when she finished fifth in 4:02.40, which is her career best. 2008 Olympian and Olympic Trials record holder Kara Patterson, who set the American record in the women’s javelin in winning at the 2010 USA Outdoor Championships, finished as the runner-up today with her best throw of 63.11m/207-0.

Another impressive performance was turned in by 2010 USA Outdoor Championships runner-up Leonel Manzano, who posted the fastest time by an American this outdoor season with his 1,500m second-place finish in 3:33.51. His performance bettered the previous U.S. leading mark of 3:33.92 that he posted when he finished third in New York on June 12.

Also turning in a strong performance was Ben Bruce, who was the runner-up in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase at the 2010 USA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines. Bruce finished third today in 8:22.88, which is his personal best time and the second-fastest time by an American this year.

All-time hurdles great Allen Johnson retires at Gateshead

According to a report by the BBC, 1996 Olympic gold medalist, four-time World Outdoor champion and all-time 110m hurdles great Allen Johnson announced his retirement today in Gateshead at the age of 39.

“It’s just come to the point where my body can’t take it anymore,” said Johnson.”Maybe I can coach some hurdlers or some sprinters… give something back. I’m going to miss it, I really am, but it was fun.”

Ash heats up track at NACAC U23 Champs

MIRAMAR, Fla. - Ronnie Ash ran his way to a windy sub-thirteen in the men’s high hurdles as Team USA claimed 25 medals on day 1 at the 2010 NACAC Under-23 Track & Field Championships in Miramar, Florida.

Ash blazed down the track, pulling away from the field as he went, to win the mens’ 110m hurdles in 12.98 (+3.1mps). Reigning World champion Ryan Brathwaite (BAR) finished in the runner-up position in 13.10 and Johnny Dutch claimed the bronze in a personal best 13.30.

Just before Ash’s race, the U.S. went 1-2 in the women’s 100m hurdles. Ti’erra Brown picked up the gold, storming down the track to a windy 12.86 (+2.3mps) while Michaylin Golladay claimed silver in 13.07.

Streaking down the runway with his new red, white and blue haircut, Jordan Scott defended his title and broke his Jeremy Scott’s meet record with a best clearance of 5.56m/18-2.75. Jack Whitt no-heighted.

2010 World Indoor 4×400m gold medalist Tavaris Tate took the lead with 200m to go in the men’s 400 and never looked back. Rolling down the final straight, Tate crossed the line in 45.36. Joey Hughes closed strong to claim silver in 45.79.

Jeneba Tarmoh burst from the blocks and kicked into high gear, running away from the field to win the women’s 100m in 11.00 (+2.2mps). Jamaica’s Samantha Henry edged out Kenyanna Wilson for silver with 11.25 while Wilson took bronze with 11.32. On the men’s side, Maurice Mitchell took bronze in 10.45 behind Canada’s Samuel Effah (10.06) and Jamaica’s Oshane Bailey (10.11). Luther Ambrose finished seventh in 10.40.

Karen Shump dominated the women’s shot put, all but winning the competition on her first throw with a put of 16.69m/59-9.25. But it was Shump’s fifth throw of 17.43m/57-2.25 that sealed the gold medal for her. Anna Jelmini took second with 16.58m/54-4.75. Hours before she won the silver medal, Jelmini won the women’s discus with a toss of 56.70m/186-0 while Jeneva McCall took second ith 56.16m/184-3.

Man-mountain Mason Finely, who stands at 6-8 and 375 pounds, won the men’s discus with a toss of 59.59m/195-6. Nick Jones picked up the bronze medal with his best effort 57.03m/187-1 while Mexico’s Mario Cota took silver with 58.01m/190-4.

In another 1-2 finish for Team USA, Shelise Williams won the women’s 400m in 53.08 while Ebony Collins, normally known for her 400m hurdle prowess, was the runner-up in 53.31.

Cooper Thomspon fell short of Juan Mendez’s (MEX) winning throw of 69.94m/ 229-5 in the men’s javelin but his best effort of 69.52m/228-1 was good enough to earn his the silver. Brian Moore took bronze with 68.41m/224-5.

On a hot and steamy morning, with temps in the 90s, Sarah Porter won the women’s 10,000m by almost 45 seconds, finishing in 36:15.51. Amanda Goetschius finished third in 37:18.81. On the men’s side, the U.S. went 1-2, with Ahmed Osman winning in 30:38.22 and Colin Mickow taking second in 30:42.16.

Also at the track, Ashika Charan took silver in the women’s triple jump with 13.35m/43-9.75 and April Sinkler finished fourth with 13.07m/42-10.75. At the conclusion of day 1 of the decathlon, Gray Horn is leading with 3,871 points and Nick Trubachik is sitting in second with 3,809.

Oliver named USATF Athlete of the Week

David Oliver sizzling performance stands out.

INDIANAPOLIS- David Oliver has been named the USA Track & Field Athlete of the Week after he equaled the American Record in the men’s 110m hurdles at the 2010 Nike Prefontaine Classic at historic Hayward Field on campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene, Ore.

Oliver, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist in the 110m hurdles, tied the American record of 12.90 set by Dominique Arnold on July 11, 2006 in Lausanne. That time is the third-fastest time ever in the event.

One week before the Prefontaine Classic, Oliver won his second national title in the same event at the 2010 USA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. Oliver’s winning time of 12.93 is the fastest winning time at the championships since Allen Johnson won in 12.92 in 1996.

Oliver is the 2010 World Indoor Championships bronze medalist and USA Indoor championships runner- up in the 60m hurdles.

Now in its ninth 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.

Winners: January 13, Jen Clayton; January 20, Shalane Flanagan; January 27, Nolan Shaheed; February 3, Bernard Lagat; February 10, Bernard Lagat; February 17, Shalane Flanagan; February 24, Amber Campbell; March 3, Amber Campbell; March 10, Phil Raschker; March 17, Ashton Eaton; March 31, Lisa Koll; April 7, Queen Harrison; April 14, Magdalena Lewy Boulet; April 21, Bershawn Jackson; April 28, Phoebe Wright; May 5, Chris Solinsky; May 12, Walter Dix; May 26, Cory Martin; June 2, Chaunte Lowe; June 9, Bernard Lagat; June 16, Queen Harrison; June 30, Kara Patterson; July 7, David Oliver.

BEST MARKS WEEK ENDING JULY 4

MEN

100 - 10.19 Mike Rodgers (Nike) - Reims, FRA 6/30
200 - 19.72 Walter Dix (Nike) - Eugene, OR 7/3 U.S. leader
400 - 46.08 Jeremy Davis (unat) - Sollentuna, SWE 7/1
800 - 1:45.53er Khadevis Robinson (Nike) - Eugene, OR 7/3
Mile - 3:51.74 Andrew Wheating (unat) - Eugene, OR 7/3
5000 - 13:08.11 Chris Solinsky (Nike) - Eugene, OR 7/3
110H - 12.90 David Oliver (Nike) - Eugene, OR 7/3 =AMERICAN RECORD
400H - 49.04 Justin Gaymon (Nike) - Uden, HOL 7/3
HJ - 2.27/7-5.25 Dusty Jonas (Nike) - Cork, IRE 7/3
PV - 5.55/18-2.5 Jeremy Scott (Nike) - Patra, GRE 6/30
LJ - 8.41/27-7.25 Dwight Phillips (Trackstar Apparel) - Eugene, OR 7/3
SP - 22.41/73-6.25 Christian Cantwell (Nike) - Eugene, OR 7/3 World leader
DT - 66.95/219-8 Jason Young (Nike) - Eugene, OR 7/3

WOMEN

100 - 10.83 Carmelita Jeter (Nike) - Eugene, OR 7/3 U.S. leader
200 - 22.92 Ebonie Floyd-Broadnax (Nike) - Sollentuna, SWE 7/1
400 - 50.27 Allyson Felix (Nike) - Eugene, OR 7/3
800 - 1:58.22 Phoebe Wright (Nike) - Eugene, OR 7/3 U.S. leader
1500 - 4:13.32 Erin Donohue (Nike) - Cork, IRE 7/3
3000SC - 9:32.35 Bridget Franek (unat) - Eugene, OR 7/3 U.S. leader
5000 - 14:49.08 Shalane Flanagan (Nike) - Eugene, OR 7/3 U.S. leader
100H - 13.26 Nichole Denby (Speed Dynamics) - Patra, GRE 6/30
400H - 53.03 Lashinda Demus (Nike) - Eugene, OR 7/3
HJ - 2.00/6-6.75 Chaunte Lowe (Nike) - Madrid, ESP 7/2
PV - 4.48/14-8.25 Lacy Janson (unat) - Eugene, OR 7/3
LJ - 6.60/21-8 Funmi Jimoh (Nike) - Reims, FRA 6/30
TJ - 14.33/47-0.25 Erica McLain (Nike) - Eugene, OR 7/3 U.S. leader
DT - 55.47/182-0 Aretha Thurmond (Nike) - Madrid, ESP 7/2
HT - 70.21/230-4 Amber Campbell (Nike) - Eugene, OR 7/3
JT - 65.90/216-2 Kara Patterson (Asics) - Eugene, OR 7/3

Team USA NACAC U23 roster announced

INDIANAPOLIS - Seventy-eight athletes will represent The Team USA roster at the 2010 NACAC Under-23 Track & Field Championships, whose roster was announced Friday by USA Track & Field.  The event will be held July 9-11 in Miramar, Florida.

The NACAC Athletic Association’s U23 Championships are held every two years in one of the 32 member nations of the North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletic Association, one of six regional athletics associations affiliated with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Team USA dominated the medal count and the record books at the 2008 NACAC Under-23 Championships in Toluca, Mexico. The team won 62 total medals (28 gold, 26 silver, 6 bronze) and set 12 meet records.

Team USA NACAC U23 Roster

Men

100m- Luther Ambrose (St. James, La.), Maurice Mitchell (Kansas City, Mo.)

200m- Curtis Mitchell (Daytona Beach, Fla.), Brandon Byram (Gallatin, Tenn.)

400m- Tavaris Tate (Starksville, Miss.), Joey Hughes (Long Beach, Calif.)

800m- Cory Primm (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), Charles Jock (San Diego, Calif.)

1500m- Ben Blankenship (Stillwater, Minn.), Cory Nanni (Bloomington, Ill.)

3000m SC- Don Cabral (Glastonbury, Conn.), Steve Finley (Palatine, Ill.)

5000m- Mike Crouch (Yucca Valley, Calif.), Mohamud Ige (Mogadishu, Somalia)

10,000m- Ahmed Osman (San Diego, Calif.), Colin Mickow (Princeton, Ill.)

110m Hurdles- Ronnie Ash (Raleigh, N.C.), Johnny Dutch (Clayton, N.C.)

400m Hurdles- Reggie Wyatt (Riverside, Calif.),  Jeshua Anderson (Woodland Hills, Calif.)

20 km RW- Dan Serianni (Rochester, N.Y.), Jose Moncada (Brea, Calif.)

High Jump- Ricky Robertson (Hernando, Miss.), Paul Hamilton (Sidney, Neb.)

Pole Vault- Jordan Scott (Watkinsville, Ga), Jack Whitt (Norman, Okla.)

Long Jump- Christian Taylor (Fayetteville, Ga.), Chris Phipps (Patterson, N.J.)

Triple Jump- Christian Taylor (Fayetteville, Ga.), Josh Como (Moreno Valley, Calif.)

Shot Put- Kurt Roberts (Lancaster, Ohio), Aaron Studt (Ripon, Wis.)

Discus- Nick Jones (Amarillo, Texas), Mason Finley (Salida, Colo.)

Hammer- Walter Henning (Kings Park, N.Y.), Chris Cralle (College Station, Texas)

Javelin- Cooper Thompson (Bakersfield, Calif.), Brian Moore (Willow Grove, Pa.)

Decathlon- Nicholas Trubachik (Estacada, Ore.), Gray Horn (Waynesfield, Ohio)

4×1 Relay Pool- Luther Ambrose (St. James, La.), Maurice Mitchell (Kansas City, Mo.), Curtis Mitchell (Daytona Beach, Fla.), Brandon Byram (Gallatin, Tenn.), Fred Rose (Texarkana, Ark.), Ronnie Ash (Raleigh, N.C); plus anyone on the roster

4×4 Relay Pool- Tavaris Tate (Starksville, Miss.), Joey Hughes (Long Beach, Calif.), O’Neal Wilder (Carthage, Miss.), LeJerald Betters (Waco, Texas), Jeshua Anderson (Woodland Hills, Calif.), Charles Jock (San Diego, Calif.), Curtis Mitchell (Daytona Beach, Fla.); plus anyone on the roster

Men’s Staff

Head Coach - Mike Lawson

Head Manager - Tonie Campbell

Assistant Coach (Sprint/Hurdles) - Linda Lanker

Assistant Coach (Throws) - Gary Aldrich

Assistant Coach (Distance) - Al Schmidt

Women

100m- Jeneba Tarmoh (San Jose, Calif.), Kenyanna Wilson (Glendale, Ariz.)

200m- Candyce McGrone (Indianapolis, Ind.), Tiffany Townsend (Killeen, Texas)

400m- Shelise Williams (Long Beach, Calif.), Ebony Collins (Long Beach, Calif.)

800m- Christina Rodgers (Phoenix, Ariz.), Anna Layman (Spokane Valley, Wash.)

1500m- Ashley Verplank (Bloomington, Ill.), Keri Bland (Fairview, W. Va.)

3000m SC- Rebeka Stowe (Olathe, Kan.), Stephanie Garcia (South Riding, Va.)

5000m- Tara Erdmann (Tucson, Ariz.)

10,000m- Amanda Goetschius (Franklinville, N.J.), Sarah Porter (Hockinson, Wash.)

100m Hurdles- T’erra Brown (Hampton, Va.), Michaylin Golladay (Upper Malboro, Md.)

400m Hurdles- T’erra Brown (Hampton, Va.), Tameka Jameson (Upper Malboro, Md.)

20 km RW- Miranda Melville (Rush, N.Y.), Lauren Forgues (Boothbay, Maine)

High Jump- Amber Kaufman (San Jose, Calif.), April Sinkler (Stafford, Va.)

Pole Vault- Melissa Gergel (Chicago Heights, Ill.), Rachel Laurent (Houma, La.)

Long Jump- April Sinkler (Stafford, Va.), Lauryn Newson (Oakland, Calif.)

Triple Jump- April Sinkler (Stafford, Va.), Ashika Charan (West Covina, Calif.)

Shot Put- Anna Jelmini (Bakersfield, Calif.), Karen Shump (Media, Pa.)

Discus- Anna Jelmini (Bakersfield, Calif.), Jeneva McCall (Dolton, Ill.)

Hammer- Jeneva McCall (Dolton, Ill.), Gwen Berry (St. Louis, Mo.)

Javelin- Marissa Tschida (Missoula, Mont.), Brittany Borman (Festus, Mo.)

Heptathlon- Kiani Profit (Pasadena, Calif.), Dorcas Akinniyi (Carrollton, Texas)

4×1 Relay Pool- Jeneba Tarmoh (San Jose, Calif.), Kenyanna Wilson (Glendale, Ariz.), Terra Evans (Phoenix, Ariz.), Candyce McGrone (Indianapolis, Ind.), Tiffany Townsend (Killeen, Texas); plus anyone on the roster

4×4 Relay Pool- Shelise Williams (Long Beach, Calif.), Ebony Collins (Long Beach, Calif.), Amber Purvis (Benicia, Calif.), T’erra Brown (Hampton, Va.), Tameka Golladay (Upper Malboro, Md.), Tiffany Townsend (Killeen, Texas); plus anyone on the roster

Women’s Staff

Head Coach Distance -Stanley Redwine

Head Manager -Julie Mckinney

Assistant Coach(Sprint/Hurdles) - Joy Margerum

Assistant Coach (Throws) - Michelle Curcio

Assistant Coach (Jumps/Combined) - Ian Dube

Louis Carr named to USA Track & Field Foundation Board of Directors

INDIANAPOLIS - Lewis Carr, President of Media Sales for BET, has been named as a Director of the USA Track & Field Foundation Board, USATF Foundation Executive Director Tom Jackovic and Chairman Bob Greifeld announced today.

“Louis will be an asset to the board given his tremendous experience in media and marketing.  His leadership will be most welcome in those areas,” said Jackovic.

Mr. Carr is President of Media Sales for BET, the premiere media company serving African-Americans and those who consume Black culture. He is responsible for the strategic plans to generate revenue for BET, the company’s flagship; Centric, their flanker network for a mature audience and BET.com, the largest portal for African-American content online.  Mr. Carr is also President and CEO of TV, LLC which is a real estate company that owns, manages and invests in multi-family apartment buildings in Chicago. Mr. Carr’s successful career was recently documented for The HistoryMakers archive collection. Mr. Carr currently also serves on the Board of Directors of the Cable Advertising Bureau and Boys Hope Girls Hope.

A high school track star, Carr was part of a world record-breaking mile relay team, despite a severe hamstring injury. Attending Drake University on a four-year track scholarship, Carr graduated with his B.A. degree in broadcast journalism in 1978.

Gay, Lagat & Suhr press conference excerpts from Eugene

EUGENE, Ore. - U.S. men’s 100m record holder Tyson Gay, 2009 World Outdoor Championships silver and bronze medalist Bernard Lagat and the American record holder in the women’s pole vault Jenn Suhr appeared at a press conference Friday held in conjunction with the 2010 Nike Prefontaine Classic.

The fourth and final event of the 2010 USATF Outdoor Visa Championship Series, the Nike Prefontaine Classic will take place Saturday at historic Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene.

The Nike Prefontaine Classic, featuring no fewer than 41 Olympic Games or World Championships gold medalists, will be televised LIVE by NBC from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Nike Prefontaine Classic is a member of the prestigious new IAAF Samsung Diamond League series consisting of 14 of the greatest invitational track meets in the world www.diamondleague.com.

Excerpts from this afternoon’s press conference follow:

Tyson Gay

Q:  How do you feel?

A:  I feel okay. The hamstring is coming along. It’s still slightly tight, but it’s getting better.

Q: How does it feel to finally be able to step on the track and run one of your events?

A: To run here really feels good. I feel this is an opportunity for me to hopefully redeem myself from 2008. Sometimes when you get injured on a track and you know you can be fast and you don’t have the opportunity to run on it, you know you wish to have that opportunity again.

Q:  Do you think about that when you go out to Hayward Field?

A: Actually I don’t. I thought about it today for the first time, but I really don’t. I haven’t watched that race in a long time, but I just want to take advantage of running on a nice track at a nice stadium.

Q. How’s your health?

A:  It’s coming along. It’s definitely not 100%. I think I’m about 85% right now. My hamstring is still tight but it’s just a problem that I’ll just have to run with it. It’s not going to tear or anything like that, it’s just tight.

Q: With that hamstring still being tight, will you have to make a more conscientious effort to warm up longer to keep from making it worse?

A: Yes.  It takes me a little longer to warm up, but that’s cool.

Q: Does running the turn in the 200m put more stress on your hamstring than just running straight in the 100 meters?

A: I don’t even want to think about it and I haven’t thought about it. Don’t scare me (laughter).

Q: How excited are you about racing against Usain Bolt later this season?

A:  I want to race the best. I’m 85% excited because that’s where I’m at right now.

Q: You say you’re at 85% right now. Do you have any idea when you’ll approach being 100% again?

A: I think after I get this race under my belt and a few 100s under my belt, than I think I’ll be good to go. I need to get race sharp and get my start sharper and I’ll be good.

Bernard Lagat

Q: Everyone knows about the success you’ve had with the Wanamaker Mile and that you’ve been successful with the Bowerman Mile at the Pre Classic. What would it mean for you to win it again on Saturday?

A:  It would mean a lot to me. It’s been a long time since I’ve won the Bowerman Mile and I want it so bad. My coach told me to go in there and put your mind and everything in it and don’t go into it halfway and just do the work and run strong towards the end and make sure you win it because this is important. If I lose tomorrow my son is going to be not too happy. He’s here with me and he gets upset when daddy loses races. I lost in New York and he could not believe that I lost, and when I broke the American record in the 5,000 I finished third and he wasn’t too happy, so there’s more motivation for me to run and win for my son as well.

Q:  Would another motivation come from knowing that you’re facing a terrific field in this race?

A: Absolutely. The biggest motivation is that I am running against the best in the world. Everybody’s here and for me to win I’ll have to work very, very hard for it. It’s not going to be easy and it won’t be given to me. I’ve been training well and I’m rested, I’m ready mentally and physically.

Q:  Does it mean more to you to win these famous races when the competition is more challenging?

A:  If you think about the Wanamaker for example, I was going against the Olympic champion and it was not easy. I had to run hard, I ran a smart race and I won it, so that is a legitimate race that I won and tomorrow is going to be another one.

Q: Do you think anyone is going to take it out early and try to take your great kick away from you?

A: I think so. About 1,200 meters into the race I am sure somebody is going to try to go.

Jenn Suhr

Q:  Did you expect to break the American record in the women’s pole vault last week at the USA Outdoor Championships in Des Moines?

A: Not at all. My coach expected it but for me it was unexpected because I kind of like to jump it in practice first before I jump it and I wasn’t there yet. I just went with it and I can remember the jump clearly. I jumped like I knew I was going to make it, and I made it and I was excited. That was probably the most I’ve celebrated for a jump because it wasn’t a clean jump, it wasn’t a pretty jump but it was a tough jump.

Q:  There was a lot of wind in that stadium through the week. What was it like during your competition and during that particular jump?

A:  We watched the guys finals and they had a tailwind and I couldn’t wait to compete, and the next thing you know they switch the pad and we’re warming up into a headwind.  They kept saying it was going to change and at times it did, and at times it was back to a headwind. It was about being patient and waiting for the wind and knowing how to conserve your energy to wait so that you have the right wind.

Q:  Do the conditions at Hayward Field usually suit you well?

A:  I wish every field had the same direction of wind every time but it doesn’t and you just don’t know. The stadium and the crowd are always fantastic, it’s just what way is that wind going to blow.

Q:  What are your goals for the rest of the season?

A:  I think it’s to maintain in the competitions and keep jumping tough and try to have more habitual, technical jumps. They’ve been a little sporadic at times. We watched tape of all my jumps at Nationals and every jump was different and there’s no habit yet. I need to get the habit back and the form consistent.

Q:  You have the top mark in the world this year and you could be on your way to the #1 world ranking at the end of the year.  Is that a goal of yours, and what would it mean to you to achieve it?

A: It would mean a lot for me to get that. It’s definitely something that I want, but it’s also something I can’t push for or sustain any injuries trying to get. It’s going to be a play by ear thing the rest of the season.

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