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.

2009 National Champions - Eugene, Oregon

About the meet

PreRaceJitters will provide Live coverage from the 2009 National Championships hosted at the University of Oregon in Eugne. The final two days will be aired on television. Check out the meet’s official website.

Live television coverage:
• ESPN, June 26, 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. ET
• ESPN, June 27, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. ET
• NBC, June 28, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. ET

Meet Review and Results:

Instant Analysis The daily wrap up upon conclusion of meet.

Live Results Check out the complete results from the 2009 Track & Field Championships.

Pre-Race Coverage:

Preview Show Click here for the PRJ Track & Field Radio Show, Nationals Preview Show.

Live Updates:

Twitter Follow our live updates from the National Championships on Twitter.

PreRaceJitters’ Fan Page on Facebook Get exclusive information on PreRaceJitters’ Fan Page on Facebook.

PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show #35, U.S. Nationals Preview Show

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

It’s not too much to say that the Road to Berlin starts this week in Eugene, Oregon. Jay Hicks and John W. Davis discuss athletes to watch at the 2009 National Championships and much more.

-U.S. Nationals

PreRaceJitters Track & Field Radio Show…Where the Real Playas Come to Hangout!

Jesse Owens to appear at U.S. Nationals

USA Track & Field Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS - National Track & Field Hall of Famer and worldwide track and field icon Jesse Owens will appear via the award-winning 1964 Bud Greenspan and Cappy Productions documentary film “Jesse Owens Returns To Berlin” at the University of Oregon’s fabled Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., on Wednesday, June 24.

The documentary will appear on the Trackvision screen at Hayward Field during a practice session prior to the 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, June 25-28 in Eugene. The event, which begins at 5 p.m. local time, is free to the public.

The USA Outdoor Championships will feature the nation’s finest professional track and field athletes competing for national honors and spots on the Team USA roster for the 2009 IAAF World Outdoor Championships in Berlin, Germany. The World Championships will be held at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Stadium, where Owens won gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 4×100m relay and long jump.

“Jesse Owens Returns to Berlin” features archival footage of the 1936 Olympic Games, along with Owens’ narration of his involvement with the event.

“I am very excited that “Jesse Owens Returns to Berlin” will be seen by a whole new audience in Eugene,” said Greenspan. “Seeing the world come together again at the Berlin Olympic Stadium for the World Outdoor Championships will be a tremendous thrill for everyone who loves track and field, and reveres the great Jesse Owens and his amazing accomplishments.”

“Jesse Owens Returns to Berlin” is a brilliant documentary that brings the 1936 Olympic Games and the legend of Jesse Owens back to life,” said USATF CEO Doug Logan. “Bud Greenspan is recognized the world over as a master documentarian, and we believe showing this magnificent film to our athletes of today and the fans of Eugene at Hayward Field, will be a meaningful experience for everyone. All of us at USA Track & Field our grateful to Bud and Cappy Productions for granting us this wonderful opportunity.”

For ticket information to the 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships visit: www.visachampionshipseries.com or www.tracktown.net.