What the said: 2010 US Indoor Track & Field Championships Day 1

Saturday, February 27, 2010 (Albuquerque, N.M) — Quotes courtesy USA Track & Field.

Anna Pierce, women’s 800 meter heat winner

“I wanted a bank, I didn’t even have to do anything so that was pretty nice. I feel good. I think all the altitude training is paying off. I spent most of my time training in Mammoth, I feel like I can deal with the altitude and not get too bogged down.”

Nick Symmonds, men’s 800 meter heat winner

“We all wanted to work together a little bit. I was supposed to take over the lead with 150 to go but it was too fast. I just found a way to work with him. I said last night I don’t anyone is going to run under 1:48 on this track and I think we might have just done that.”

Erica McLain, women’s triple jump winner

“I was cramping on my first jump a little bit. I felt it and knew I had to push through. My first jump ended up being 1cm over what I needed, I watched everyone’s mark and tried to stay as together as I could and it all worked out. I didn’t have much in me afterwards. In the finals I jumped on my first one and cramped, passed on the second and cramped again. I feel pretty good about how the day went. I like the runway, my training is going really well. I haven’t had a US championship title since 2005 outdoor championships and that was my freshman year of college and actually then I was just 1 cm over the standard I needed. I wanted this so bad.”

Allyson Felix, women’s 400 meter heat winner

“I felt a little sluggish, so we will just have to see how it goes. (On feeling the altitude) I felt something. Because of the altitude I’m definitely a little sluggish out there. (On the finals) I think I am going to be in the slower heat. We’ll see I’m not feeling too great going into it, but lets see if my legs can get it together.”

Kerron Clement, men’s 400 meter heat winner

“It went well today. The altitude was a little bit of a factor. It was my first time running at this altitude. The track is a fast track, but it was good.”

Jesse Williams, men’s high jump winner

“It got off to a shaky start with a couple of the lower heights and I was in fourth place when the bar changed to 7′7″. I knew I had to at least make that height to get on the team. I went ahead and made 7′8″. A couple of other guys made it and I knew if I didn’t make 7′8″ I still may have not made the team because I had a couple other early misses. I knew I had to make 7′8″, I made it on the first attempt and I feel really good about it. It was a great competition. I think it was the best competition ever for the USA championships. It was an honor to be a part of and especially to win. I am excited and I really feel that I can get a medal. The Russians have won a lot of things for a long time. Hopefully we can take it to the Russians. I’ve been training very hard. I had an injury (strained tendon on my jumping foot, just below the ankle) and this is only my second meet of the year. I hope I didn’t re-hurt my foot, it’s kind of tender right now and it isn’t feeling too goo d.”

Tim Seaman, men’s 5000 meter race-walk winner

“Today went different. Out of all the 12 championships this is definitely the most topsy turvy race I have ever done. With the altitude you can’t just push, you have push and then rest. Once I’ve taken the lead I have never let it up. This is the first time that I let the lead up. I was frustrated that I took it out so slow. I told myself ‘Ok, I’m going to take it,’ and I pushed too hard and I had to slow down. It felt like my lungs were burning and I spent three weeks at altitude so I can only imagine how these other guys how bad they felt. This is my 43rd win overall, so it moves me into No. 2 all-time track and field national championship wins. This was my 12th win in indoor, which is the most by any athlete in any event in track and field history.”

Amber Campbell, women’s weight throw winner

“This hands down was one of the best series ever. It felt great, the crowd was amazing, the ball was just flying. It felt amazing. (how it felt to open with the her best throw) Fantastic. You can never complain about opening up with your best throw ever. I was trying to focus on the things we have been working on in practice. It was mechanical. I was trying to hit the things that I have been working on, it was very step one, step two, step three. I guess I should do it like that all the time. (on her homecoming) My god parents are here and my uncle, I haven’t seen them in years. It really is like coming home.”

Tim Mack, men’s pole vault winner

“It means a lot. I am still fired up. This is the highest I have jumped in indoors in six years. I felt really good coming into the meet. (competition with the other gold medaler) We are actually really good friends, we helped each other out a lot. But a lot of time during competition I have too much to worry about than to think about other people. I was competing against the event really.”

Chaunte Howard Lowe, women’s high jump winner

“This hit my outdoor personal record (PR) but indoor yes that is the closest I have ever come to it. I knew I was over it, I felt it. Maybe I got lazy at the end but I didn’t feel like I touched the bar or anything so when it came down it shocked me. But I was happy to be able to get that much height over it. This is the best I have ever jumped this early in the season. My indoor PR last year was 195, this is by far the best. It’s really exciting because I haven’t PRed since I had my daughter, and she is two and a half now. This is huge for me. When I saw the bar fall, I was excited because I got that high, but it felt like everything had slipped through my fingers. That would have been a good mark for the Visa Series.”

Bernard Lagat, men’s 3000 meter winner

“I didn’t know how I was going to feel with the altitude. I actually didn’t feel anything after about five laps. I just wanted to have fun. I was running on the inside. I wanted to be able to keep an eye on who was going to make a move. I just wanted to win and make the team. I wanted to maintain the lead. I wanted to make sure I was going to be number one. I wanted to win and make the team. That is what I came here for.”

Renee Metivier Baillie, Women’s 3000 meter winner

“Coach might be mad at me I was supposed to wait five laps and then take off. I could just tell that everyone was putting on the breaks and I thought screw it I’m going to go. I had a really good workout on Tuesday so I had the confidence to continue. In a race situation you don’t always know what to do so I just went with my gut. I never quite knew how far the gap was, I was just focused on myself. I had to stay in the moment each lap by lap. I know I have a good kick and as soon as I hit the last lap I knew I was going to give it a run. I didn’t know what was going to happen but you have to be confident in yourself whether you win or lose.”

A.G. Kruger, men’s weight throw winner

“I had a lot of fun this year. I trained to throw far. I knew I was capable so I just came out here and threw. The tenth best throw ever. It was great.”

Lawrence Willis, men’s triple jump winner

“The competition was great. Jumping against the regining champion, I knew I had to put up a good mark. It’s…I don’t even know what to say. After taking a year off, with all the support from my family and friends, this just feels great.”

Did Bernard Lagat send a message at US Indoor Nationals? Maybe

Albuquerque, N.M.– It’s probably unrealistic to think that a race held in Albuquerque, New Mexico will have any impact four months from now in a lush and beautiful Des Moines, Iowa. Too many variables, too many unknowns.

You get the feeling tonight a message was sent in Bernard “Kip” Lagat’s uncanny kick to with 150 meters to go in the 3000m, edging out Galen Rupp. No matter how subtle it may be - a U.S. Outdoor Championships message was sent.

In front of a 2,979 sell out crowd, Lagat won in 8:12.60, ahead of Rupp in 8:13.49 at the 2010 USA Indoor Track & Field Championships at the Albuquerque Convention Center in Albuquerque, N.M.

Lagat and Rupp are the cream on top of the strawberry on the American distance scene. In tonights running, the presence of the younger Galen Rupp was evident, as he stayed with Kip for the majority of the race. But the bigger picture is that Kip performed much better and had a much bigger impact on the race.

On the flip side, it wasn’t too difficult to notice Rupp in just his first full season on the professional circuit has a major upside.

Considering that the two have previously met up this indoor season, the race became a two man run off and this will surely happen again in championship races. This race could have mean a lot. Or nothing. Who really knows at this point?

But we have to know that both athletes are happy with their respective performances.

Whether you consider this a piece of foreshadowing or just a stretch of the imagination, there is no denying that Kip Lagat came to run tonight.

Kerron Clement looks to give the Visa Championship Series a boost in Boston

Boston. (February 4, 2010)-Kerron Clement starts his season with a 60m race at the Reebok Boston Indoor, hoping to pick up in 2010 where he left off in 2009, when an old-and-improved form carried the 400m hurdler to victories at the U.S. Outdoor Nationals and World Championships.

In a break from recent history, Clement is set to run the indoor 60 meters. The world no.1 and La,Porte, Texas native is by trade a 400 meter hurdler, who is a threat whenever running an 400 but does not often compete at the shorter distance.

To say that all eyes will be on Clement would be an understatement.  He is Pitt to track’s Clooney and seldom has the sport needed him more.  Part of the problem for track is that more runners (David Oliver, Lolo Jones,) are simply choosing to run in more lucrative European races or all together skipping the indoor season to focus on the outdoor season.

Running in the 60m is reigning U.S. National Champion Michael Rodgers, 2004 Olympic Gold medalist Shawn Crawford, former NCAA great Walter Dix, and Daniel Bailey the 100m Antiguan national recorder holder.

But don’t sleep on the men’s 5000m that pits rookie Galen Rupp against the seasoned veteran in Bernard ‘Kip” Lagat.  Coming off of one of the great careers in NCAA history, the former University of Oregon distance runner will face off against of the sports most consistent and accomplished distance runners.  Lagat won a 1,500m silver medal at 2000 Olympic Games, and the silver medalist at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Sure, Rupp has competed at an elite level for several seasons now, the difference this is the first year of his professional track career.

Meet directors have been struggling to attract the top talent and the solution is unclear at this point.

Absences by the top American stars are tougher to stomach in the sprints.  Clement will at least provide a reprieve, if not the the antecedote to sparsely populated fields and low visibility on the U.S. sports scene.

In an effort to draw a larger television audience, the 2010 Reebok Boston Indoor has been moved to Sunday, February 7, from 2-4pm EST on ESPN2.

The Boston Reebok Indoor contributed to this story.

Lagat Decides to Run Reebok Boston Indoor Games

World Champ Joins Star Studded Line Up

(January 20, 2010)Reebok Boston Indoor Games

Bernard Lagat has decided to run in the 2010 running of the Reebok Boston Indoor Games.

The decorated athletes has confirmed his participation in the 5,000m at the 2010 Reebok Boston Indoor Games being held February 6 at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center at Roxbury Community College. The 15th-annual Reebok Boston Indoor Games is the second stop in USA Track & Field’s Visa Championship Series.

Meet officials have announced that Lagat will compete against Galen Rupp, Bekana Daba and Ali Abdosh, two sub-13:00 5000m runners from Ethiopia.

The boys high school mile will include Patrick Schellberg (Morristown, NJ); New York’s 2009 State Champion at 1600m, Alex Hatz (Manlius, NY); Craig Lutz (Highland Village, TX), the 2009 Nike Cross Country National Champion; and Billy Ledder (Falls Church, VA) the Virginian prep who won the 800 meters at the 2009 Nike Indoor National Championships.

The girls junior mile will include Joanna and Kathleen Stevens (Blacksburg, VA), Virginia State 1600m Champion and Runner-up, respectively in 2009; Emily Lipari (Greenvale, NY), the nation’s leading miler in 2010; the nation’s top returning 800m runner Claudia Francis (Laurelton, NY) who won the Nike Outdoor Nationals in 2009 in a time of 2:05.47; Cory Ann McGee (Pass Christian, MS), 2009 Mississippi State Champion; and 2009 New England Champion Katrina Coogan (Exeter, NH).

Copyright Boston Reebok Indoor Games. All Rights Reserved.

Day 5 evening quotes, 2009 IAAF World Championships

Bernard Lagat (Tuscon, Ariz.), Men’s 1,500 meters bronze medalist

That was the hardest box ever. This is a box that was happening a little too close to the finish. Normally, when it happens, with 300 meters to go, you can make your way out of it. This one happened at the wrong place, with 150 meters to go. I couldn’t do anything.

Lopez Lomong (Colorado Springs, Colo.), 8th in Men’s 1,500 meters

It’s good, it’s hard and it’s nice. This was a good experience for me. It was fun here, running with the best of the best in the world. It was fantastic. I was right up there. I was caught up in a little situation. I got boxed in a little bit. I’m not going to beat myself up just because I lost today. I’m going to use this for my confidence and get ready to go. I hope for next time it will be a little bit different. I had a great time here in Berlin. I talked to Bernard. I congratulated him. He ran a fantastic race. He was able to bring home a bronze medal.

Leonel Manzano (Austin, Texas), 12th in Men’s 1,500 meters

These guys are the best in the world. I was glad to be in the mix. It was a great race for everybody. You work very hard. You can’t make any mistakes when you are competing at this level. The big goal was to make the world championship team. The next goal was to advance to the finals. Once in the finals, I was going to give it a good go. I tried to give a good go. I gave it my best. The first couple of laps, I tried to get in there. I gave it a good shot. It didn’t happen. I don’t think I’m disappointed. Finishing 12th in the world isn’t that bad. It was a great season and the season is still going on.

Ginnie Powell (Los Angeles, California), 6th in Women’s 100 meter hurdles

The race was very messy. I felt good, especially over the first four hurdles, and then I was trying to press so hard that I was clipping hurdles. I clipped one real bad and that threw me off.

It’s sad that two of America’s top hurdlers couldn’t medal, and especially under Bob Kersee. It’s the first time in a long time that he didn’t get a medal in a major meet.

Anyone on that starting line could have won that race. (One of the girls) was saying that if you make one little mechanical mistake, no matter how fit or strong you are, it’s over.

Dawn Harper (Los Angeles, California), 7th in Women’s 100 meter hurdles

I had a real good start. I hit hurdle 2, and there’s not really much you can do when you hit it. I hit it real hard and I almost fell. It’s hard to regroup when you’re chasing 12.51.

I feel like I let my coach down (Bob Kersee). Ginnie and I were both ready to go. We just didn’t execute our race.

You cannot count out anyone in that race. Everyone there was ready to go.

Casey Malone (Ft. Collins, Colorado), 5th in Men’s discus

This German crowd was really incredible. They were cheering for everybody, and especially for Robert (Harting) the loudest. These folks really know their discus out here.

I felt like my throws got better and better as the competition went on. It’s funny that I kept throwing better and better but I could never throw out of that fifth spot. Technically speaking, my throws got more relaxed towards the end. I wished I had more throws. Maybe I could have gotten fourth, but I wished I could’ve gotten that one big throw.

Ashton Eaton (Eugene, Oregon), Men’s decathlon

Coming into this meet, I knew that Trey (Hardee) and I were the fastest, so I wanted to set the tone early.

I felt good going into the long jump, and was excited about that PR. The shot was tough to manage. It’s going to be a while before I am competitive in that, so I have to manage it. The high jump is something I’m a bit inconsistent with.

The key to the decathlon is consistency. I just have to do my normal stuff.

Trey Hardee (Austin, Texas), Men’s decathlon

I came out like a cannon in the first three events, Point wise, I have to be happy with where I’m at, and I’m looking forward to getting some rest.

I’m looking forward to an exciting second day. These guys are excellent competitors.

Shawn Crawford (Los Angeles), Men s 200 meters, semifinals

I was hoping that would be a sub-20 race. I have to change my race strategy. That strategy right there is for the birds. Trying to run hard from the blocks to the turn is not for me. I think the final is going to be fast. My goal is to run 19.51. I would be very happy with that.

Wallace Spearmon (College Station, Texas), Men s 200 meters, semifinals

It was pretty good. I’ve been trying to go out there and run a little bit harder in each round. But at the same time, I know Usain Bolt is an animal, and I am going to have the best race of my life to beat in the finals. I look forward to my chances and I look forward to tomorrow. I’m going to look for a PR tomorrow and try to get on that medal stand.

Charles Clark (Virginia Beach, Va.), Men s 200 meters, semifinals

My goal was to go out there, run hard and make it to the finals. It’s an honor to be here to represent the USA. I take pride in that.

Allyson, Felix (Santa Clarita, Calif.), Women’s 200 meter, first round

I felt good. I wanted to come out and focus on the start and control the race from there. I want a personal best. I’d love to defend my title here in this stadium. That would definitely be special.

Muna Lee (College Station, Texas), Women’s 200 meter, first round

I ran more in control. I got some sleep. I’m just taking a day at a time. I want to be in control of my race. I don’t want to mess up.

Marshevet Hooker (Pflugerville, Texas), Women’s 200 meter, first round

I felt really good. I worked really hard. I didn’t know if I was going to see anybody. (Running in Lane It was the first time I have ever run in Lane 8. My main goal was not to see anybody. Now I know I can do it. It’s one more thing to add to the resume.

Charonda Williams (Richmond, Calif.), Women’s 200 meter, first round

I have been waiting for this. Now it’s finally here. I just have to run the rounds. My race went pretty well. I was racing just to make it to the next round, which I have accomplished. I ran relaxed and good. I like my start. I was very aggressive there.

Jarred Rome (Chula Vista, Calif.), Men’s Discus

I felt great yesterday. My legs felt great. My technique felt good. Everything felt good. Then today, nothing felt good. I couldn’t even hit one throw. I had high expectations and I don’t even know what happened.

Damu Cherry (Winter Garden, Fla.), Women’s 100 hurdles, semifinals

If I’m supposed to be in the final, I will be there. If not, I gave it my best effort.

Lionel Larry (Compton, California), Men’s 400 meters

It was a lot better than the last time I came to the world championships, when I didn’t finish. I can walk away with some dignity in my head so I can’t be too mad.

LaShawn Merritt (Suffolk, Virginia), Men’s 400 meters

I set it up real good. I had a great race. I wanted to come out today and set the bar. I wanted to set the tone today.

I moved a little bit harder than I did yesterday, and that’s what makes my times drop. I’m the type of person that thrives off adrenaline, considering the crowd is great and the track is great.

I didn’t run as hard as I could have, as I wanted to save a little bit for the final on Friday. People are ready to come and run hard–this is the biggest competition of this year.

I’m expecting a win–it’s not really a time. What it takes to win is what I’m gonna run.

Jeremy Wariner (Waco, Texas), Men’s 400 meters

It was real good.

**Beginning tomorrow, quotes will be posted LIVE to www.usatf.org in the evening sessions, updating periodically throughout the competition.

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!

All-Star cast heading to Birmingham for the Aviva Grand Prix.

Three-way battle to victory.
David Oliver, David Payne and Joel Brown compete Saturday in the 60 meter hurdles at the Aviva Grand Prix in Birmingham, which is traditionally one of the largest meets of the indoor season.  David Oliver is coming into the race with a season’s best performance of 7.45 from Stuttgart from a week ago.

What happens when you try something new?
When you try something new is there excitement? Or is there nervousness?   After all it could fail.  Reigning champion Christine Ohuruogu is not accustomed to running indoors and adding to matters, she is running the shorter sprints.  So far this indoor season, the first female British athlete to win 400 meter Olympic gold, is set to run the 60 and 200 meters and so far they have run  7.36 and 23.41 respectively.

A new world record?
Speaking of new things.  Lolo Jones is entering the 60 meter and 60 meter hurdles.  The 2008 Olympian placed first in the Aviva International Match last month, while racking up subsequent wins in Stuttgart and Karlsruhe and is the world’s number one ranked 60 meter hurdles.

Unbeatable?
In two attempts Yelena Isinbayeva vaulted 5 meters, breaking her own world indoor pole vault record in Stuggart, her first competition of the season last Sunday.   The Russian superstar is the 2008 Beijing champion, current outdoor world record holder and number one ranked in the world.

Of course Isinbayeva is the women to beat this week – or any week.  Her competitors won’t deny it.  Will the Russian superstar break her own world record again this weekend?

Keep your eyes on these two
Bernard Lagat is undefeated in the 2009 season and is set to tow the 1,500 meter line against Kenya’s Augustine Choge and Portugal’s Rui Silva.  Last month, Mo Farah set the 3,000 British national record last month at the Aviva International Match.  This meet, the talented British runner is competing in the 3,000 meters, and might lower his national record.

400 meter showdown
Tyler Christopher of Canada, goes head-to-head against Xavier “X Man” Carter and Johan Wissman.  The “X Man” is coming off of a 46.98 second victory at the Tyson Invitational, this race however will give a view into how race ready he is right now.

Drop alert: Pamela Jelimo committed to the meet prior to cancelling the rest of her indoor season. Kelly Sotherton pulled out the competition because of a heel injury and hopes to be ready for the next month’s European Indoor Championships in Turin.

Instant Analysis: Millrose Games Lagat Undeniable

Millrose Games Results by event | Millrose Official Site | Visa Championship Series

Bernard Lagat (3:58.44) won the Wanamaker Mile at the Millrose Games for the seventh time Friday night to tie Eamonn Coghlan’s record.  He beat New Zealand’s Nick Willis (3:59.48), the Olympic bronze medalist in the 1,500 meters.

Lagat said, “The race was good. I was prepared coming in. I had been training very well. I feel fast, I feel fresh. It’s good to come back and win.  Ending up the season not winning a lot last year because of the injury I had, to start the year with the win, this is not another race for me. This race means a lot.”

Don’t call it a comeback, he’s been here for years.  Veteran, two-time Olympian Terrence Trammell first race since a left hamstring strain knocked him out of the Beijing Games, winning the 60 meter hurdles in 7,45.  Antwon Hicks came in second, while Ron Bramlett back from retirement placed a respectable fourth place in 7.78, ahead of Aries Merritt 8.03.

Bianca Knight made some noise in New York City, winning the women’s 60 dash, beating U.S. Olympian Muna Lee.  “I was a little jumpy at the start. I caused the first false start. It was my first Millrose Games, so to come out with a win, I’m excited. It’s really noisy in here, even after they tell the crowd to be quiet. This year I decided my goal is to break the 200 (world) record indoors at Fayetteville (the Tyson Invitational on February 13).”

The circle produced more riveting performances.  Christian Cantwell threw 67-4.25, then was one upped only  by Adam Nelson, who won his second consecutive Millrose victory with a final throw of 68-2.5.

As we predicted in the preview, the women’s pole vault was close.  Stuczynski cleared 15-5, before taking a shot at the 15-9.75 the American record.  Stacy Dragila vaulted 15-1.5.  Look for battle  Stuczynski and Dragila to battle during the indoor season as Dragila  is healthy.

Preview Notes: Millrose Games

The Millrose Games is the first event of the 2009 indoor season, PreRaceJitters.com will provide updates and a recap of the meet, so check back often.

Will Lagat seal the Wanamaker Mile deal?

The wait is finally over.  Traditionally the Millrose Games is the indoor season opener, marking the official start of the pro season and the end of the slow run of events in professional track and field. And that alone is a reason to celebrate.

Every race on the 2009 Indoor Visa Championship Series is unique, but there are more nuances to consider at the Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  It’s a 160-yard banked track for starters. And it’s New York City, don’t underestimate the effect the Big Apple plays in running this event; to win this event is bragging rights.

And then there’s the travel element - most pros will be competing for the first time this indoor season, while most will enter the meet more rested.

History in the making: Bernard Lagat is shooting for a record seven straight victories.  If he wins the Wanamaker Mile at the 102nd Millrose Games at Madison Garden on Friday night, Lagat will tie Irishman Eamonn Coghlan.  Last year, Nick Willis of New Zealand ran third in the foot race and again this year Willis poses a challenge to Lagat.

First timer: Travis Padgett formerly of Clemson University jumps into the 60 meters, competing in his rookie season on the professional track and field circuit.  Not the biggest guy at 5 foot 8 inch, but with a personal best of 9.89 seconds in the 100 meters, Padgett is seeking to make a splash on the professional level this season.

Time for Michael Rodgers to break through?
Little known going into last season, Rodgers made a name for himself in winning the 60-meters U.S. indoor national title last year.  Rodgers will contend with veterans Terrence Trammell and Shawn Crawford, but look for Rodgers to come blasting out the blocks.

A loaded field is scheduled for the women’s 60 meters.  Second year pro Bianca Knight takes the track along side Carmelita Jeter, Muna Lee Lisa Barber, and Sheri-Ann Brooks of Jamaica.  Muna Lee is coming off a break through season after winning her first national title in impressive style at the winning the women’s 100m in a personal best 10.85. She then came back to finish runner-up in the women’s 200m in a windy 21.99.

A veteran group including Terrence Trammell, Antwon Hicks, and Aries Merritt round out the 60-meter hurdles.  Rob Bramlett a former two-time NCAA champion is back on the scene after retiring.

Well, Amy Acuff is nearly 34, and all of a sudden is making concessions to father time. Really. Amy Acuff is performing in her last Millrose Games with plans possibly to retire at seasons end.  Acuff takes on fellow 2008 U.S. Olympians Chaunte Howard, Amy Acuff and Sharon Day.

Acuff said. “I’ve learned over the years how to take care of my body better and better. Chinese medicine helps preserve me, and being smarter about how I train. But this will probably be the last year. I’d like to have a family. It’s going to at least take a year since you can’t be jumping with a baby. So, I think this is going to be it for me.”

Kara Goucher has a history of running well in New York City. The defending champion at this weeks event, Goucher is making a run in the women’s mile run.

Notes on field events:
The shot put is loaded with big names that always catch your eye.  Reese Hoffa, Christian Cantwell, and Adam will put a show that you can’t miss.  Last year,  Nelson brought down the roof 2008 with his 22.07m/72-5 throw.  This year Cantwell comes in riding the hot hand. On Saturday in Nordhausen, Germany, Cantwell fired off a throw of 21.47m/70-5 1/4 on his final attempt.

Also in field event match ups, 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials pole vault champion Derek Miles, who was fourth at the 2008 Olympic Games, has been added to a field that includes gold medalist Steven Hooker of Australia.

Jenn Stuczynski and Stacey Dragila: These two have been inextricably tied in history, so why buck the trend in 2009?  Dragila, 34, returned last season to the sport after two years plauqed with injuries.  Here’s a question to mull.  With an Olympic gold, nine national outdoor titles, two Olympic teams, and two world titles is Dragila a future first time hall of fame pick?  What about Stuczynski, with a Olympic silver, U.S outdoor record, and a half dozen national titles. In a relatively short period of time, Stuczynski has become the second best vaulter in history.

The Millrose Games in New York is the first event of USA Track & Field’s 2009 Indoor Visa Championship Series. The event will be televised live on ESPN2 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on Jan. 31 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on NBC (all times Eastern).

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