Dix, Wariner, Oliver, Payne, & Crawford headline men’s sprints & hurdles at USA Outdoor Championships

INDIANAPOLIS - 2008 Beijing Olympic medalists Jeremy Wariner, Shawn Crawford, Walter Dix, David Oliver and David Payne will headline a talented group of men’s sprinters and hurdlers at the 2010 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, June 23-27 at Drake Stadium on the campus of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

The third event of the 2010 USATF Outdoor Visa Championship Series, the 2010 USA Outdoor Championships will be televised on the following dates (All times Eastern):

June 25 - 8:00 - 10 p.m. on ESPN
June 26 - 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. on ESPN
June 26 - 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. on NBC
June 27 - 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. on ESPN
June 27 - 3:00 - 4 p.m. on NBC

USATF will partner with RunnerSpace to provide real-time coverage of all events not broadcast on television beginning on Wednesday, June 23. Highlighted competitions include Friday’s men’s and women’s 10,000m as well as extensive field event coverage. In addition to the events’ video coverage, the webcasts will also include the voices of elite athletes as guest commentators.

The webcasts will be found on the USATF 2010 Championships page in addition to an already posted video clip from USATF CEO Doug Logan on the partnership at: www.usatf.org

Visa Men’s 100m

Two-time NCAA Outdoor 100m champion Walter Dix is on the way back from a disappointing 2009 season following his incredible breakthrough 2008 campaign. That year Dix finished fourth in the 100m at the NCAA Outdoor Championships and second at the U.S. Olympic Trials before capturing the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympic Games and a #4 world ranking from T&FN. Dix owns the third-fastest time this season by an American of 9.98 seconds from his May 8 win in Tallahassee, Fla.

2004 Olympic Games fourth-place finisher Shawn Crawford will also be in the mix along with 2004 World Junior champion Ivory Williams, who posted the second-fastest time this year by an American from his 9.95 clocking on April 17 in Lawrence, Kans. Other challengers include three-time ACC champion Travis Padgett, who finished fourth the last two years in this event, and Monzavous “Rae” Edwards, who finished third at last year’s championships in Eugene, Ore. Longtime 200m specialist Wallace Spearmon, also will line-up for the 100m in Des Moines.

Nike Men’s 200m

This always highly competitive event will feature two of the world’s top five athletes from the 2009 season.

2008 Olympian and two-time World Outdoor Championships (2007, 2009) bronze medalist Wallace Spearmon will be one of the favorites as he attempts to win his second career USA Outdoor title. Spearmon, who finished third at this event last year, ended the 2009 campaign ranked #4 in the world and #2 in the U.S. by T&FN. Spearmon will face a strong challenge from 2004 Olympic 200m gold medalist and reigning national champion Shawn Crawford, who finished fourth at the 2009 World Outdoor Championships in Berlin, won the silver medal at the 2008 Olympics and ended the 2009 season ranked #5 in the world by T&FN.

Others to watch include 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Walter Dix, who currently owns the third and fourth-fastest times in the world this year (19.86, 19.89), and 2009 USA Outdoor Champs fifth-place finisher Xavier Carter. Rodney Martin, who has finished third at this event twice and placed fourth at the 2008 Olympic Trials, should be a factor, and up-and-comer Curtis Mitchell, a junior at Texas A&M who finished second this month at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, could also be a factor.

Visa Men’s 400m

2004 Olympic gold medalist Jeremy Wariner, who was ranked #1 in the world from 2004-2007, enters the USA Outdoor Championships looking for his third career win at nationals. A two-time World Outdoor champion and the 2008 Olympic silver medalist, Wariner is looking to reign again as the world’s top quarter-miler. Wariner posted the fastest time in the world this year with his win at Rome on June 10 in 44.73 seconds.

Wariner’s challengers will include his 2008 Olympic Games gold medal winning 4×400m relay teammate David Neville, who will always be remembered for his dive across the finish line in the 400m final in Beijing, which secured him the bronze medal. Neville, who finished the 2009 season ranked #9 in the world and #3 in the U.S. at 400m by Track & Field News, will be vying for his first ever USA Outdoor title.

2008 Olympic silver medalist and two-time World 400m hurdles champion Kerron Clement will also take on Wariner in the open 400m. No stranger to the event, Clement owns two World Championships 4×400m relay gold medals, and a relay gold from the 2008 Olympic Games, and he finished third in the one-lapper at last year’s USA Outdoor Championships in Eugene. Clement, who entered this season ranked #5 in the nation at 400m by T&FN, has been ranked #1 in the world in the 400m hurdles over the last three years.

Others to watch include the University of Florida’s Calvin Smith, who finished fourth earlier this month at the NCAA Outdoor Championships and owns the fourth-fastest time in the world this year in running his personal best time of 44.81 seconds in Gainesville, Fla., on April 17. Others to watch include Jamaal Torrance, who finished the 2009 season ranked #9 in the U.S., reigning USA Junior champion Tavaris Tate, who owns the sixth-fastest time in the world this year (44.86), and two-time Big 12 Conference outdoor champion and 2008 NACAC champ LeJerald Betters.

Nike Men’s 110m Hurdles

With four of the world’s top ten ranked competitors on their way to compete in Des Moines, the men’s 110m hurdles figures to be one of the most competitive and exciting events at this year’s championships.

2008 Olympic Games silver medalist David Payne enters as the favorite after winning his first USA Outdoor title last year in Eugene. Payne captured his second World Outdoor Championships bronze medal in Berlin last year before ending the season ranked #4 in the world and #2 in the U.S. by T&FN.

His toughest challenge should come from 2008 Olympic Games bronze medalist David Oliver, who owns three of the top four times in the world this year, including the fastest clocking globally this season of 12.99 seconds from his win in Shanghai on May 23. Others to watch include 2009 USA Outdoor Championships third-place finisher Aries Merritt, who ended last season ranked #7 in the world, and Dexter Faulk, who posted wins last year at Grand Prix events in Paris and Berlin before ending the season ranked #5 in the world. 2008 Olympic Trials fifth-place finisher Antwon Hicks could also be a factor in this race.

Hershey Men’s 400m Hurdles

2005 World Champion Bershawn “Batman” Jackson is the prohibitive favorite in this race as he looks to win his third consecutive USA Outdoor 400m hurdles crown. Jackson, who won the bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games, also won bronze at the 2009 World Outdoor Championships before ending his season ranked #2 in the world by T&FN. Jackson, who posted wins last year at Grand Prix events in New York, Eugene and Ostrava, won the 400m at the 2010 USA Indoor Championships in Albuquerque, N.M., to go along with his previous title from 2005. Jackson posted the third-fastest time in the world this year of 47.94 seconds with his runner-up finish at the adidas Grand Prix in New York on June 12.

2009 World Outdoor Championships competitor and 2010 NCAA champion Johnny Dutch should provide the strongest challenge to Jackson after finishing second last year at the USA Outdoor Championships. Dutch, who began this season ranked #3 in the U.S., posted the fourth-fastest time in the world this year with his May 28 win in Greensboro, N.C., in a personal best time of 48.12 seconds.

Others to watch include 2009 USA Outdoor Champs fourth-place finisher Michael Tinsley, who placed fourth at last year’s World Athletics Final, and 2009 NCAA and Pac-10 Conference champion Jeshua Anderson.

Jeter leads the way to Daegu

USA Track & Field Press Release.

Reigning USA Outdoor champions Carmelita Jeter, Mike Rodgers, David Payne, Dawn Harper and Brandon Roulhac are set to compete Wednesday at the 2010 Colorful Daegu Pre-Championships Meeting in Daegu, Korea, host of the 2011 IAAF World Outdoor Championships.

The fastest woman in the world in 2009 and a two-time World Outdoor bronze medalist, Carmelita Jeter is entered in the women’s 100 meters. The last time Jeter ran in Daegu, she won the 100 in an astonishing 10.83. She will face a stiff challenge from reigning World Indoor 60m champion Veronica Campbell-Brown (JAM). Also entered is 2008 Olympian Marshevet Myers.

2010 World Indoor silver medalist Mike Rodgers enters the men’s 100m in the shadow of triple Olympic and World Outdoor champion Usain Bolt. All eyes will be on Bolt who is running his first open 100m of the season and has promised “a fast time.” But the forecast of heavy rain may get in the way. Also in the race is Trell Kimmons, who finished fourth in the 60m at the 2010 World Indoor Championships and 2008 Olympian Travis Padgett.

Beijing Olympic silver medalist and two-time World Outdoor bronze medalist David Payne enters the 110m hurdles amidst a tough field. With 2008 Olympic and 2010 World Indoor bronze medalist David Oliver, world record holder Dayron Robles (CUB), and reigning World Outdoor champion Ryan Brathwaite (BAR) all entered, it should be an exciting race.

Also in Daegu, reigning Olympic gold medalist Dawn Harper, reigning World Indoor champion Lolo Jones and reigning USA Indoor champion Ginnie Crawford will compete in the women’s 100m hurdles. 2003 World Outdoor silver medalist Darvis Patton and former Oregon standout Ryan Bailey are entered in the men’s 200m. The men’s 400m will be a race between 2010 World Indoor bronze medalist Jamaal Torrance, 2008 Olympic bronze medalist David Neville and two-time Olympic 400m hurdles gold medalist Angelo Taylor, who also brought home a bronze from the open 400 at the 2007 World Outdoor Championships.

In field event action, two-time USA Indoor champion Brandon Roulhac and two-time World Outdoor medalist Walter Davis will compete in the men’s triple jump, while 2010 USA Indoor champion Lacy Janson is entered in the women’s pole vault. 2008 Olympian Amber Campbell with throw the weight around in the women’s hammer throw and 2008 Olympic finalist Funmi Jimoh, 2009 USA Outdoor triple jump champ Shakeema Welsch, 2005 World Outdoor champion Tianna Madison and two-time USA Indoor champion Akiba McKinney headline the women’s long jump competition.

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.

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

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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!

Faulk named USA Track & Field Athlete of the Week

-USA Track & Field Press Release.

INDIANAPOLIS - Dexter Faulk has been named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week after winning the men’s 60m hurdles at two IAAF indoor permit meets in Europe last week.

Faulk was victorious in Karlsruhe on Sunday, February 15 in a personal best time of 7.50 seconds before winning again Saturday in Birmingham, England, in 7.54 seconds. In Birmingham, Faulk defeated 2008 Olympic Games silver medalist David Payne (2nd-7.55) and Beijing bronze medalist David Oliver (4th-7.57). Fellow American Joel Brown was third in 7.56.

Now in its eighth 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.

2009 USATF Athlete of the Week Winners: January 6, Mason Finley; January 13, Amber Campbell; January 20, Josh Cox; January 27, German Fernandez; February 3, Ashton Eaton; February 10, Shalane Flanagan; February 17, Galen Rupp; February 25, Dexter Faulk.

Courtesy of USA Track & Field.

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.