Instant Analysis - Tyson Invitational, Day 1

One of the great strengths and attractions of the Visa Championship Series is the variety of the venues.  There is nothing wrong with the boys and girls having fun.  Great events are more about great competition rather than numbers.

Solomon Sets American Record
An American record was set for the second time night at the Tyson Invitational. In the 300 meters, Shalonda Solomon shot out to the lead and opened up more real estate from the other competitors with 100 meters to go, winning in 36.45. The previous accepted American record of 36.67 was set in 2007 by Francena McCorory.

Trammell finds way to steal show
Come on, after two wins in a row, did anyone think that Michael Rodgers would do anything but continue winning?  What fans had to settle for Friday night was a thriller 60 meter race and an almost win. Coming into the meet, Rodgers was riding a two race streak in the 60 meters.

But veteran Terrence Trammell was good early in the race and was able to pull out a 60 meter victory in 6.56 over Michael Rodgers second place finish in 6.58.  Travis Padgett finished third in 6.63, head of LSU’s  Trindon Holliday in 6.64

The “X” is back
He wasn’t a eye-popping best on Friday night, but Xavier Carter was good enough to win his first race of the 2009 indoor season in the 400 meters. Carter ran 46.98, leaning hard at the tape to hold off late surging Michael Tinsley (47.01) and Calvin Smith (47.08) of Florida. Not a bad way to start the season.

Bianca leading the pack
Bianca Knight produced world leading time of 22.88 in the 200 meters. A world record was not in the cards tonight for the 2008 NCAA champion, but she took the command early using her aggressive style, powerful stride, and speed. Natasha Hastings placed third in 23.70, ahead of runner up Jamaica’s Nickesha Anderson in 23.60.

Rock Solid Performance
Jenn Stuczynski cleared 15-02.25 to win the Tyson Invitational, extending her Visa Championship Series winning streak to three and keeping intact a perfect season in pole vaulting. Stuczynski out lasted challenger Stacey Dragila (14-10.25) and then took three swipes at 15-10, a new American record before calling it quits.

Jeter takes close race
Carmelita Jeter’s run at the Tyson Invitational was sweeter than she ever imagined.  With thousands in the stands track side, Jeter came out the blocks with the field and and then passed the the competition down the stretch. The tightly packed races results are as follows: Bianca Knight (7.26), Gloria Asumnu (7.26), Me’Lisa Barber (USA) - 7.28, Muna Lee (Nike) - 7.28

“The gun went off and I didn’t get out as well as I did last week in Boston, so I was a little disappointed with that,” said Jeter.  “But I was pleased with my movement from 30 to 60 (meters).”

Down to the end
Reese Hoffa rallies to throw 69-01.25 on his final attempt to win the men’s shot put. It was a hard fought competition until the end of Adam Nelson with the final throw in the competition, but was unable to surpass Hoffa in the end.

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