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.

Raevyn Rodgers named USATF Athlete of the Week

Press Release Courtesy of USA Track & Field.

INDIANAPOLIS - Raevyn Rogers has been named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week following her record-setting performance at the 2009 USA Youth Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Rynearson Stadium on the campus of Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Mich.

In her first time competing at the USA Youth Championships, Rogers, a 12-year old member of the Wings Track Club in Houston, shattered the previous Youth Girls’ national 800m record of 2:09 flat with her clocking of 2:06.90. Rogers also looked impressive in winning the Youth Girls’ 400m national title in 53.36 seconds.

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; March 3, Terrence Trammell; March 10, Diana Pickler; March 17, Galen Rupp; March 25, Sumi Onodera-Leonard; April 1, German Fernandez; April 7, Cyrus Hostetler; April 14, Curtis Beach; April 21, Kara Goucher; April 28, Mason Finley; May 5, Chris Derrick; May 12, Natalie Willer; May 19, Will Claye; May 27, Nadine O’Connor; June 2, Tyson Gay; June 9, Dwight Phillips; June 17, Galen Rupp; June 24, Kami Semick; June 30, Dawn Harper; July 8, Raevyn Rogers.

BEST MARKS WEEK ENDING JULY 5

MEN

400 - 45.74 Jamaal Torrance (Nike) - Oslo, NOR 7/3
800 - 1:48.19 Rob Myers (Reebok) - Oordegem, BEL 7/4
3000 - 7:45.89 Bolota Asmerom (OTC Elite) - Sotteville, FRA 7/5
110H - 13.36 David Payne (Nike) - Sotteville, FRA 7/5
400H - 49.97 Justin Gaymon (Georgia) - Madrid, ESP 7/4
HJ - 2.21/7-3 Jamie Nieto (Nike) - Cork, IRL 7/4
PV - 5.70/18-8.25 Darren Niedermeyer (unat) - Champaign, IL 7/3
SP - 19.35/63-6 Russ Winger (unat) - Sotteville, FRA 7/5
DT - 60.30/197-10 Ian bWaltz (Nike) - Madrid, ESP 7/4
JT - 75.60/248-0 Chris Hill (Nike) - Oslo, NOR 7/3

WOMEN

100 - 11.40 Gloria Asumnu (adidas) - Madrid, ESP 7/4
200 - 23.38 Ashton Purvis (California HS) - Ypsilanti, MI 7/1
400 - 49.23 Sanya Richards (Nike) - Oslo, NOR 7/3 World leader
800 - 2:00.16 Christin Wurth-Thomas (Nike) - Madrid, ESP 7/4
100H - 12.68 Damu Cherry (Nike) - Oslo, NOR 7/3
HJ - 1.98/6-6 Chaunte Howard (Nike) - Oslo, NOR 7/3
PV - 4.46/14-7.5 Lacy Janson (Nike) - Madrid, ESP 7/4
TJ - 13.63/44-8.75 Shakeema Welsch (unat) - Metz, FRA 7/3
SP - 17.85/58-6.75 Liz Wanless (NYAC) - Moscow, RUS 7/1
HT - 67.59/221-9 Erin Gilreath (NYAC) - Madrid, ESP 7/4

About USA Track & Field

USA Track & Field (USATF) is the National Governing Body for track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States. USATF encompasses the world’s oldest organized sports, some of the most-watched events of Olympic broadcasts, the #1 high school and junior high school participatory sport and more than 30 million adult runners in the United States.

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.

Day 2 Wrap Up - 2009 Nationals

Day 2 of the 2009 USA Track and Field Championships was full of surprises.

Can you run 10.78 and lose a race? Muna Lee did, by a fraction of a second. In the 100m finals, Carmelita Jeter beat her by a hair. The clock read 10.78 for both women, but Jeter’s was .001 faster. Lauryn Williams was right behind in 10.96. Jeter was ecstatic to defeat the defending champion and make her first world championship team.

“It’s a new year for me in 2009 and I’m really doing well,” Jeter said.

There was no Tyson Gay in the men’s race, but that did not take much away from the competition. Michael Rogers flew through in 9.91 with Darvis Patton and Manzavous Edwards.

“I came here with a lot of confidence. And when I get to Berlin, I think I can medal. I just have to train hard and stay humble,” Rogers said after his win.

Believe it or not, the most exciting race of the day was a distance race - the men’s 5000m.

“It was a hell of a race,” according to German Fernandez. Fernandez finished 5th and ran a new American Junior record, 13:25.56.

Anthony Famiglietti certainly made the race interesting. He bolted to the lead and did not let go, but Matt Tegenkamp and Chris Solinsky were close on his heels with Bolota Asmerom and Evan Jager. With one mile left, Asmerom moved to first and Famiglietti fell to the fifth position.

“Fam is notoriously a front-runner,” Tegenkamp explained, which helped him mentally through the race.

As the pack slipped away from Famiglietti, he made a bold sprint back to the front with 3 laps to go. However, he expelled too much energy with that move, Asmerom reacted in the last 800m, and Solinsky, Tegenkamp, Jager and Fernandez all went with him.

“I lost today, but the fans won,” Famiglietti said with a smile.

At 4800m, Tegenkamp, Solinsky and Jager took over and let the energy of the Oregon crowd carry them through the finish line for a 13:20.57 win for Tegenkamp.

All three men are members of the Oregon Track Club, but according to Tegenkamp, there is no team strategy for a championship race.

Another Oregon Track Club member, Kara Goucher, is one of the most versatile athletes in women’s track and field. This year she will run the world championship marathon, but the 5000m today despite her focus on the marathon.

“This has been the hardest season I’ve ever tried to put together,” Goucher described.

The endurance paid off as she hung on for a blistering final 3 laps with Jen Rhines. Goucher and Rhines cruised with the pack consisting of Erin Donahue, and gradually made their way to the front. Then with 3 laps to go, Rhines pushed to the lead and threw down a 69.4 lap. Goucher went with her as they left the field in the dust. Then Goucher unleashed her kick at the bell to finish in 15:20.94.

There are two more days of competition at the US Track & Field Championships, and more amazing races to come.

The much-anticipated Barringer vs. Willard match is Sunday, but today both women ran conservatively in their preliminary heats.

“Today I was going out and trying to be as easy as possible. I wanted to stay in my rhythm,” Willard said.

Geena Gall makes a smooth transition to the professional level so far, and says she believes she can make the world team. Not only did she run a fast time in her semifinal heat (2:01.99), but she showed that she can remain focused in a tactical race. Phoebe Wright tried to make a move on the home stretch, but Gall was able to hold her off.

Khadevis Robinson is in good form this year as he won the first heat of the 800m semifinals, followed by Ryan Brown and Christian Smith. Tevan Everett led most of the race, but could not stay there for long.

“We had a guy that took it out and made an honest race of it. That’s what we need, that’s what we want,” Robinson said.

Oregon favorite Nick Symmonds won heat 2 with a slightly faster time. Symmonds will duel Robinson on his home turf in the finals on Sunday. It will likely be a close finish between the two, but if the 5000m is any indication, OTC green is a lucky color.

Jeter, Rodgers win U.S. titles and remain undefeated in Visa Championship Series

EUGENE, Ore - Carmelita Jeter and Michael Rodgers blistered the Hayward Field track in winning their first-ever USA Outdoor sprint titles Friday at the 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.

The final event of the 2009 USATF Outdoor Visa Championship Series, the USA Outdoor Championships run through Sunday in Eugene.

Jeter edges Lee in Visa Women’s 100m

2007 World Outdoor Championships bronze medalist Carmelita Jeter and 2008 Olympic Trials champion Muna Lee staged a tremendous battle in the Visa Women’s 100m final with both crossing the finish line in 10.78 seconds (+3.3 mps).

In the end, Jeter was declared the winner by one-1,000th of a second, 10.776 to 10.777. Jeter’s best previous finish at the USA Outdoor Championship came in 2007 when she finished third.

2005 World Outdoor champion and 2007 World Championships silver medalist Lauryn Williams qualified for her third U.S. World Championships team with her third-place finish in 10.96. Alexandria Anderson was fourth in 11.00.

Rodgers wins men’s 100 meters

2009 USA Indoor 60m champion and two-time NAIA outdoor sprint champion Michael Rodgers, who posted the fastest time in the world this year in winning at the Nike Prefontaine Classic in a career best time of 9.94, won his first ever U.S. national title in 9.91 seconds (+3.1 mps).

Olympic Trials third-place finisher and Beijing Olympic finalist Darvis “Doc” Patton, finished as the runner-up in 9.92, with Rae Edwards finishing third in his eighth trip to the USA Outdoor Championships in 10.00. Travis Padgett was fourth in 10.02, with 2004 Olympic 200m gold medalist Shawn Crawford fifth in 10.07. 2008 Olympic 100m and 200m medalist Walter Dix finished sixth in his semifinal and did not qualify for the final.

Hardee wins decathlon national title

2005 NCAA champion Trey Hardee won his first U.S. decathlon national title this afternoon, completing the two-day, ten-event challenge with 8,261 points. Hardee posted his personal best score of 8,534 points when he finished second to 2008 Olympic gold medalist Bryan Clay at the 2008 Olympic Trials. Earlier this year he was the runner-up at Gotzis with the second-highest score in the world this outdoor season of 8,516 points.

The University of Oregon’s Ashton Eaton, who earlier this month successfully defended his NCAA national decathlon title with his total of 8,241 points, finished as the runner-up with 8,075 points. Olympic Trials fourth-place finisher and two-time NCAA champion Jake Arnold, who finished 13th at the 2007 World Outdoor Championships, qualified for his second U.S. World Champs team with his total of 7,984 points.

Oregon TC dominates men’s 5,000 meters

The Hayward Field crowd was overjoyed to see three of its own take the top spots in the men’s 5,000m final.

2007 World Outdoor Championships fourth-place finisher and 2008 Olympic Games finalist Matt Tegenkamp was first across the finish line in 13:20.57 in winning his first-ever USA Outdoor title.

Two-time NCAA Outdoor 5,000m champion Chris Solinsky had his best ever finish at a USA Outdoor Championship in finishing second in 13:20.82, and Evan Jager posted a personal best with his third place finish in 13:22.18. All of the top three finishers hail from Wisconsin.

Fifth-place finisher German Fernandez set a new U.S. Junior record with his time of 13:25.46, bettering the previous standard of 13:29.98 set by Stanford’s Chris Derrick in May. A freshman at Oklahoma State, Fernandez won the 2009 NCAA 1,500m title earlier this month in Fayetteville, Ark.

Goucher wins Nike Women’s 5,000 meters

2008 Olympic Games 5,000m and 10,000m finalist Kara Goucher faced a strong challenge from fellow 2008 Olympian Jenn Rhines in the Nike Women’s 5,000 meters.

It was a two-person race for most of the last five laps between Goucher and Rhines before Goucher took command for good with 250 meters left. Goucher captured the win and her second consecutive USA Outdoor 5,000m title in 15 minutes 20.94 seconds. Goucher, who earlier qualified for the Team USA Marathon Team that will compete at the 2009 World Championships, will compete only in the marathon in Berlin.

Rhines, who has now qualified for fourth U.S. World Championships team, finished second in 15:26.92 and 2009 NCAA Outdoor champion and University of Illinois standout Angela Bizzarri finished third in 15:33.02.

Malone wins men’s discus

2004 Olympian and 1996 World Junior champion Casey Malone, 32, won his first-ever USA Outdoor men’s discus title with his fourth round toss of 64.99m/213-3. 2004 Olympian Jarred Rome was the runner-up for the second time of his career at a USA Outdoor Championships with a toss of 63.48m/208-3 and three-time USA Outdoor champion and two-time Olympian Ian Waltz qualified for his third USA World Outdoor Championships team with a best of 61.91m/203-1.

Carter, Welsch win women’s field events

2008 Olympic Trials women’s shot put champion Michelle Carter successfully defended her USA Outdoor title with her fourth round throw of 18.03m/59-2. The 2004 World Junior champion, Carter, who is following in her father’s footsteps (Michael Carter was the 1984 Olympic silver medalist), has the farthest throw by an American this year (18.43m/60-5.75).

Three-time USA Indoor champion and 2008 Olympic finalist Jillian Camarena was the runner-up with a toss of 17.94m/58-10.25, and three-time USA Outdoor champion and 2008 Olympian Kristin Heaston placed third with a toss of 17.88m/58-8.

In the women’s triple jump, two-time Olympic Trials runner-up Shakeema Welsch won her first USA Outdoor title with her second round leap of 14.30 meters/46 feet 11 inches.

Other top finishers were 2008 NCAA champion and Olympic Trials third-place finisher Erica McLain, who was the runner-up with a best of 13.91m/45-7.75 and former University of Oklahoma standout Toni Smith, who finished third with a best jump of 13.90m/45-7.25.

Moving on up!

The opening round of the Visa Men’s 110m Hurdles took place this afternoon with 2008 Olympic silver medalist and 2007 World Outdoor Championships bronze medalist David Payne winning Heat 1 in 13.48 seconds. 2008 Olympic Trials fourth-place finisher and 2004 World Junior champion Aries Merritt won the second heat in 13.34, 2008 Olympic Trials fifth-place finisher Antwon Hicks won Heat 3 in 13.41 and Dexter Faulk picked up the win in Heat 4 in 13.16.

The men’s 400m hurdles qualifying featured four heats with 2008 Olympic Trials fourth-place finisher and NACAC champion Justin Gaymon winning the first heat in 49.86 seconds. Two-time Olympic gold medalist Angelo Taylor was victorious in Heat 2 in 50.79 and 2008 World Junior champion Jeshua Anderson finished first in the third heat in 50.22. 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Bershawn Jackson won Heat 4 in 50.57.

2005 World Championships silver medalist Lashinda Demus, who posted the fastest women’s 400m hurdles time in the world this year with her 54.17 clocking on May 1, won the first semifinal in that event this afternoon in 54.80. Others joining Demus in tomorrow’s final from this race include UCLA’s NCAA champ Nichole Leach (2nd-56.59), Deserea Brown (3rd-56.85) and Latosha Wallace (4th - 56.87).

The second semifinal was won by 2008 Olympic Games silver medalist Sheena Tosta, who crossed the finish line in 55.96. Others moving on to the final include 2008 Olympic Trials champion and Olympic Games finalist Tiffany Ross-Williams (2nd-56.41), Jennifer Grossarth (3rd-58.01) and Ebony Collins (4th-58.22).

In the Visa Women’s 400m semifinals, 2008 World Indoor Championships bronze medalist Shareese Woods was victorious in the first semi in 51.46. Joining her in tomorrow’s final will be Monica Hargrove (2nd-51.54), 2008 Olympic Games 4×400m relay gold medalist Natasha Hastings (4th-51.59) and Keshia Baker (4th-52.10).

The second semifinal was dominated by Sanya Richards, who entered this season ranked #1 in the world by Track & Field News after winning the bronze medal in the 400m and gold in the 4×400m relay in Beijing. Richards sailed across the finish line in 50.96 seconds, and was followed by Debbie Dunn (2nd-51.39), Texas A&M’s Jessica Beard (3rd-51.88) and Dominique Darden (4th-52.27).

Although Kerron Clement is primarily known as the 2007 World Outdoor champion and 2008 Olympic silver medalist in the 400m hurdles, he has been impressive thus far in the Gatorade Men’s 400 meters here in Eugene. This afternoon Clement won the first 400m semifinal in 45.08 seconds, with Texas Tech’s Gil Roberts the runner-up in 45.18. Lionel Larry, who placed third in 45.35, will move on to the final, along with the University of Florida’s Calvin Smith, who finished fourth in 45.44.

In the second semifinal, 2008 Olympic gold medalist LaShawn Merritt, who is ranked #1 in the world by T&FN, was unchallenged in crossing the finish line first in 45.45. 2004 Olympic 4×400m relay gold medalist Darold Williamson was second in 45.97, with Miles Smith third in 46.08 and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist David Neville was fourth in 46.18.

In the Visa Women’s 800 meters, the University of Michigan’s Geena Gall won the first semifinal in 2:01.99. Others advancing to the final include the University of Tennessee’s Phoebe Wright (2nd-2:02.11), three-time Olympian Hazel Clark (3rd-2:02.12) and North Dakota State’s Laura Hermanson (4th-2:02.44).

Maggie Vessey won the second semifinal in 2:03.49, followed by Morgan Uceny (2nd- 2:04.62),
Katie Waits (3rd-2:04.65) and Cal Riverside’s Brenda Martinez (4th-2:04.85).

Five-time World Outdoor Championships team member and 2004 Olympian Khadevis Robinson stayed alive in his bid for his fifth U.S. Outdoor title with his win in the first semifinal of the Nike Men’s 800 meters in 1:47.66. Ryan Brown was the runner-up in 1:47.81, with 2008 Olympian Christian Smith third in 1:47.91 and Tevan Everett finishing fourth in 1:48.00

Also earning berths in Sunday’s Nike Men’s 800m final will be the winner of the second semifinal and 2008 Olympian Nick Symmonds, who crossed the finish line in 1:47.50. Others advancing to the final include Karjuan Williams (2nd-1:47.50), Northern Iowa’s Tyler Mulder (1:47.95) and the University of Connecticut’s Michael Rutt (4th-1:47.95).

In women’s 3,000m steeplechase first-round action, 2008 Olympians Jenny Barringer and Anna Willard were both victorious this evening. The current U.S. steeple record holder, Barringer won the first semifinal in 9:47.94, with Willard, the former U.S. record holder and 2008 Olympic Trials winner, winning the second semifinal in 9:52.98.

For ticket information to the 2009 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships visit: www.visachampionshipseries.com or www.tracktown.net. USATF welcomes you to purchase tickets with your Visa Card. Visa, the only credit card accepted by USATF.

For more information on the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships and the USATF Visa Championship Series, visit: www.visachampionshipseries.com.

Phillips, Barringer join all-time greats at 2009 Nike Prefontaine Classic

Press Release by USA Track & Field.
EUGENE, Ore. - Two-time World Outdoor champion Dwight Phillips and U.S. women’s 3,000m steeplechase record holder Jennifer Barringer posted landmark performances Sunday at the 2009 Nike Prefontaine Classic at historic Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon in Eugene.

The Nike Prefontaine Classic is the fifth event of the USA Track & Field Outdoor Visa Championship Series, which will conclude at the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, June 25-28.

Dwight is right!

2004 Olympic gold medalist Dwight Phillips leaped back on the world stage in posting the longest jump in the world since National Track & Field Hall of Famer Mike Powell set the world record in 1991.
Phillips easily won the event when he sailed to 8.74 meters/28 feet 8.25 inches, which ties him with Larry Myricks and Erick Walder for the eighth-best outdoor mark in history, and the trio are also tied as the #5 performers all time. For his effort, Phillips was named the Team USA Athlete of the Meet presented by Visa.

“Last week I knew I was jumping far and I was looking at the world record,” said Phillips. “I knew I was capable of jumping this far. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season. I’m hungry. I’m excited about the sport again.”

With his performance, Phillips takes over the lead from Tyson Gay in the men’s Visa Championship Series race with his total of 1,290 points. Gay’s sits in second place with 1,285 points.

Barringer joins America’s best at 1,500 meters

Ethiopia’s Gelete Burka was in command throughout the Nike women’s 1,500m until the final straightaway when U.S. women’s steeplechase record holder Jenny Barringer put on a furious kick and the two were even at the finish line. Burka just barely defended her Pre Classic title from last year with her time of 3 minutes 59.89 seconds, as Barringer joined Mary Slaney and Suzy Favor as the third American in history to better the four-minute barrier with her time of 3:59.90.
Barringer’s performance is the best by an American in seven years, the third-fastest women’s 1,500m in the world this year and it betters the previous collegiate record of 4:05.75 by Lindsay Gallo set in 2005.

Merritt sets sea level world’s best in 300m

2008 Olympic 400m and 4×400m relay gold medalist LaShawn Merritt was dominant in the men’s 300 meters posting the #2 all-time mark and a sea level world best with his winning time of 31.30 seconds. 2006 NCAA 400m champion Xavier Carter was the runner-up in 31.93, with 2004 Olympian Wallace Spearmon finishing third in 32.14.

Richards posts world leader

It was no contest in the women’s 400 meters as 2008 Olympic 400m bronze medalist and 4×400m relay gold medalist Sanya Richards showed no mercy to her competitors. Richards left the blocks in a hurry and was never challenged in winning the Nutrilite women’s 400m in the fastest time in the world this year of 49.86 seconds.
Richards, who has been ranked #1 in the world at 400m the last four years, finished ahead of Olympic silver medalist Shericka Williams of Jamaica, who crossed the line as the runner-up in 50.72 seconds.

Symmonds pleases the home fans

2008 Olympian and Eugene area resident Nick Symmonds, who won one of the most memorable races in Hayward Field history with his unforgettable victory at last year’s Olympic Trials, was victorious again today in the Nike men’s 800m. Symmonds grabbed the lead off the final curve and held on for the win in 1:45.86. The runner-up was Beijing Olympic bronze medalist Alfred Yego of Kenya, who crossed the line in 1:46.36, and Oregon Track Club member Christian Smith, who joined Symmonds on the U.S. Beijing Olympic Team, finished third in 1:46.36.
Reigning men’s 1,500m and 5,000m world champion Bernard Lagat passed Qatar’s Saif Shaheen  with 60 meters to go and won going away in the men’s 3,000m in 7:35.92. Shaheen was the runner-up in 7:36.87, with Americans Chris Solinsky and Matt Tegenkamp finishing third and fourth respectively, with times of 7:37.05 and 7:37.32.

Perry & Cherry at the finish

Two-time World Outdoor champion Michelle Perry and 2008 Olympic Games fourth-place finisher Damu Cherry sailed across the finish line together in the women’s 100m hurdles. Although both were clocked in 12.74, it was Perry who was named the victor with Cherry claiming the runner-up spot. Canada’s Olympic bronze medalist Priscilla Lopes-Schliep was third, just one hundredth of a second behind the Americans.

“Batman” beats the world’s best

The three Americans who swept the medals in the men’s 400m hurdles at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing met again this morning in Eugene. Bershawn ‘Batman’ Jackson, who won the bronze medal in Beijing, got off to a quick start before clipping the second hurdle. Jackson, who also won last week at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York,  recovered quickly and held the lead with 80 meters to go along with Beijing gold medalist Angelo Taylor, silver medalist Kerron Clement and

Jamaica’s Isa Phillips. Jackson won the race to the finish line in posting the second-fastest time in the world this year of 43.38 seconds, which he shares with Clement. Phillips was second in 48.55, with Clement third in 48.73 and Taylor placing fourth in 48.79.

Rodgers sets world best in 100m

2008 USA Indoor 60m champion Michael Rodgers, who won last weekend at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York, was victorious again today in the men’s 100m posting a new career best and the fastest time in the world this year of 9.94 seconds. Rodgers defeated former world record holder and Olympic relay gold medalist Asafa Powell of Jamaica, who finished second in 10.07 seconds. Two-time Olympic sprint medalist Walter Dix also ran 10.07 in finishing in third place, with
2008 Olympic Trials fourth-place finisher Travis Padgett placing fourth in 10.08.

After winning last week at the Reebok Grand Prix, Carmelita Jeter continued her winning ways with her victory in the Visa women’s 100m. With a +3.2 mps wind at her back, Jeter sailed across the finish line first in 10.85 seconds and remains undefeated this outdoor season. Jamaican Kerron Stewart, who captured the 100m silver medal and 200m bronze medal in Beijing, was the runner-up in 10.90 in suffering her first loss this outdoor season and Olympic Trials champion Muna Lee finished third in 11.02. Jeter holds on to the lead in the women’s Visa Championship Series chase with 1,207 points, which is one point better than Sanya Richards.

13 competitors break 4-minutes in Bowerman Mile

2008 Olympic silver medalist Asbel Kiprop of Kenya won the classic Bowerman Mile in 3:48.50, which is the fastest time in the world this year, bettering the previous fastest time this season by nearly six seconds. Kiprop’s countryman, Haron Keitany, who ended the 2008 season ranked #1 in the world, was the runner-up in 3:48.78.  2008 Olympian Lopez Lomong led the American contingent with his sixth-place finish in 3:53.47. 13 runners bettered the 4-minute barrier, which equals the Hayward Field record for a single race.

Hoffa leads throwers with world best

2007 World Outdoor champion Reese Hoffa won the Visa men’s shot put in posting the farthest throw in the world this year on his final attempt that sailed 21.89 meters/71 feet 10 inches. 2008 Olympic Trials fourth-place finisher Dan Taylor finished second with a toss of 21.29m/69-10.25 and reigning Olympic champion Tomasz Majewski of Poland finished third with a best of 21.26m/69-9.

Stephanie Brown Trafton, who won the 2008 Olympic gold medal in the women’s discus on her first throw, did it again with a first attempt winning toss of 63.98m/209-11. 2008 Olympic Trials sixth-place finisher Summer Pierson was second with a toss of 60.53m/198-7.

2008 Olympian Funmi Jimoh, who finished at the Olympic Games in Beijing, won the women’s long jump with a best of 6.69m/21-11.50.
In other events, Kenya’s Paul Koech won the men’s 3,000m steeplechase in 8:13.44, Germany’s Betty Heidler won the women’s hammer (72.81m/238-10), Ivan Ukhov of Russia won the men’s high jump (2.34m/7-8) and Sweden’s Alhaji Jeng won the men’s pole vault with a best clearance of 5.51m/18-1.
For more information on the 2009 Nike Prefontaine Classic and the USATF Visa Championship Series, visit: www.visachampionshipseries.com.

Instant Analysis - Reebok Grand Prix

It was anything but boring. The 2009 Reebok Grand Prix fielded a hot group of athletes and today’s meet exceeded expectations in terms of performance and entertainment value.

The most impressive, dominant performance is that of Tyson Gay’s legal 19.58 second at 200 meters.

Watch out! The former Arkansas sprinter sent a message to Usain Bolt and all other contenders that a World Championship title will go through him. This race speaks volumes to Gay’s mental strength, training and coaching in order to bypass the pressures and naysayers in order to get back on top of the leader board. Gay ran one of the best turns in history, on his way to putting down one of the greatest all-time 200 meter performances.

Allyson Felix continues to make believers out of those thinking that she should content at the 200 and 400 meters at the World Championship, assuming the schedules allows. While it is rare to see Felix behind coming off the final turn, Felix showed the steady hand of veteran to win an incredible come from behind victory against the Olympic bronze medalist.

Is Michael Rogers running out of the shadow of big name U.S. sprinters? I think Rogers 9.93 (wind-aided) is certainly a move in the right direction after winning over Asafa Powell, Darvis Patton and Richard Thompson. But it’s all about consistency, so he certainly adds even more flavor to the U.S. men’s 100 meter field going into the U.S. Outdoor Championships.

She is establishing herself the runner to beat in the 100 meters. Carmelita Jeter is on a tear, winning the 100m in 10.85, setting another personal best time that is tops in the world. Right now, she is the hottest sprinter on the planet.

It’s a pleasure to see a world class distance race take place on U.S. Bernard Lagat and Micah Kogo dueled before Kogo setting the fastest time ever run in this country with 13:02.90. More such performances are needed take place on the Visa Championship Series.

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. Read more

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).