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.

Day 2 Evening Quotes, 2009 IAAF World Athletics Championships

For Immediate Release
Sunday, August 16, 2009

Tyson Gay (Clermont, Fla.), men’s 100m silver medalist AMERICAN RECORD

It felt pretty good. I’m really happy Usain Bolt broke the record. I know that may sound strange. I knew it was humanly possible for someone to run that fast. Unfortunately it wasn’t me. I’m very happy with the race. I did my best the best way I could. I’ve been you all this year that it’s possible to run this fast. I did my best. I still know I have a lot more left in the tank. My groin is barely hanging on. In the final I just tried to block everything down and give it my all because there wasn’t that much left. (On the 200) I’m going to talk to doctors and everything. It’s at a pain right now and we’ll see how it goes tonight.

Darvis Patton (Grand Prairie, Texas), Men’s 100 Meters 8th place finisher

I just cramped up and I cramped up real bad. I couldn’t get into with these guys. It’s the second time I have been in the fastest race in history. That’s all I have to live on now. Cramping up is part of the sport. It’s unfortunate that it had to happen in the finals of the World Championships. Hats off to these guys. Everybody ran well. Everybody is a great competitor.

Michelle Carter (Ovilla, Texas), Women’s Shot Put sixth place finisher

I think I did pretty good today. I’m happy with what I did. I think it went well. I’m learning more. What I learned in Beijing I brought with me here. I have to keep on building and get better.

Bettie Wade (Ann Arbor, Michigan), Women’s heptathlon

I had to pick myself up, and did a lot of thinking over the last 24 hours.

I enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to compete here. It was hard to compete today. My season is officially done. My body’s slowly tearing down, so I’m going to nurse some small injuries I’ve accumulated, and take some time off to let my body heal.

Diana Pickler (Sacshe, Texas), Women’s heptathlon

I came in so prepared. I went in here faster and stronger than I’ve ever been, and I felt mentally prepared. It just didn’t start out this way.

The first day was a struggle, and it was so frustrating, because I knew that I did everything to prepare right for this meet. It was hard to go out there and be disappointed with the way things went yesterday. I was nowhere close to where I should have been.

Today, I just tried to block everything out. I was really happy with setting a PR in the 800 after what I went through the competition. Setting a PR in the 800 is going to make me mentally stronger.

Sharon Day (Costa Mesa, Calif.), Women’s Heptathlon

I’m very happy about my performance. It’s my first major competition at the international scale. I couldn’t be happier with 10th place in the world right now. (On the fast start in the competition) That’s the way it goes with the heptathlon. You are going to have some bumps and some ups and downs. You have to take it in stride. It was a really good experience to compete at a world level. I’m going to put this in my pocket and keep training.

Lauryn Williams (Miami, Fla.), Women’s 100 meters

I think I had a great race. It was a season best. Everything seems to be coming together. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. I’m really excited that things are turning around for me. There are some really fast times. There are many sub-11s. My competitors have done it many times. I think there have been eight people that have been under 11 seconds. I haven’t gotten there yet. But 11.06 is going in the right direction. I am going to give it my best tomorrow and hopefully get on the podium.

Muna Lee (College Station, Texas), Women’s 100 meters

I am working on the beginning part, like I said. I wish I could go a round without a false start. It will be a hot semifinal, probably the best field I have seen in a while.

Carmelita Jeter (Inglewood, Calif.), Women’s 100 meters

It was a good race. I got out of the blocks real well. I am going to go back to the hotel, get some rest and come back tomorrow. Tomorrow is when it really counts. I’m satisfied with crossing the finish line healthy. That’s the only thing that really matters.

Rae Edwards (Kansas City, Kansas), Men’s 100 meters, semifinals

I gave up too much at the start. It’s as simple as that. As I re-watched it, I gave up too much at the start. Then I let the whole field get away from me. I’m not down about because obviously that was my purpose to be here. God has a plan for everyone. That was his plan. I’m not down about it. I had fun. In all reality, I’m not disappointed at all because I know I wasn’t even expected to get this far. Just to make it this far shows how beautiful God is. I’m disappointed at all. I would love to be in the finals. But I’m not.

Debbie Dunn (Norfolk, Va.), Women’s 400 meters

(Set a personal best in getting one of the two at large spots to the finals.) I needed that. I’m so happy, so happy to run again. I’m so happy to come out here, representing the United States for the world championship. To get a PR and make it to the finals, that was the goal. Now, the next step is on Tuesday. We’ll see what happens there.

(On waiting for the last heat to be completed to see if she qualified for the finals) I was nervous because with one heat to go, you never know when someone may drop a 49.04, and I could end up not being in there. I was kind of happy, but I had to see the last race. But after the last race, I went, “Yes.” I’m happy with the time and making it to the finals. I felt like I was on the bubble when I didn’t make top two.

Walter Davis (Baton Rouge, La.), men’s triple jump

It didn’t go to well. I had a little bit of runway trouble in the first jump. The second one, I started getting it together. The third one was going good. I just broke down going into my step. I wasn’t able to get out of it. We’ll shut down the season, then get ready for USA Indoors.

Brandon Roulhac (Tallahassee, Fla.), men’s triple jump

I felt good. I just struggled with my runway a bit. I’m now going to get ready for indoors. I plan to do a couple of more meets. It was a great experience. Now I know what to expect the next time.

Kenta Bell (Decatur, Ga.), men’s triple jump

I didn’t do as well as I wanted to. But it has been a long, rough season. I’m thankful to be here at this point. I had some injuries at the USAs. But to be on the team and be here is a blessing.

Jessica Beard (College Station, Texas), Women’s 400 meters

It was a decent race, but it wasn’t my best. I just went out and did the best that I could do, and I just have to be happy with what I gave tonight.

I’m looking forward to the relay and keeping my mind focused on the task at hand. Hopefully I can contribute to that.

Kerron Clement (Gainesville, Florida), Men’s 400 meter hurdles

My plan was to stay focused and take care of business, and run a strong last 150. I was really pleased that I did that, and got my 13 strides down. I’m feeling really confident going into the finals.

Bershawn Jackson (Champaign, Illinois), Men’s 400 meter hurdles

My goal was to come home with a strong kick, because that’s what it’s gonna take to win a gold medal here. So many guys are running fast and this event’s so competitive. With so many guys who are bigger and taller than me, I’ve got to make up for it in the second half.

Overall, I feel good, and I did what I needed to do.

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Day 2 Morning Quotes, 2009 IAAF World Athletics Championships

Genna Gall (Ann Arbor, Mich.), Women’s 800 Meters

The pace wasn’t as fast as I thought it would be. I was up there in the mix. It was a little bumpy at times. There was a big spill with 150 to go. I was right behind that pack. I don’t know how it all went down. I was paying right attention to it. I jumped right over those girls. I focused on the finish line, getting there, top three, and I did. I was real happy about that.

(On how close to the spill) I was right there. I had to slow down, pretty much jump, and then realized I was in the front. I had to gear up and get back on again. I wanted to get off the rail and get around those girls. Something happened and I jumped right over them. I’m excited to go to the next round. I can’t wait.

Hazel Clark (Knoxville, Tenn.), Women’s 800 Meters

I took the lead. I really didn’t want to. I saw that fall in the other heat. I was in lane 1, so I wanted to get in the front, get clean, and then let someone else take over. It was a good race for me. It’s always good to get to the next round. I got there as quickly as possible. I don’t feel exhausted. I’m excited.

Maggie Vessey (Soquel, Calif.), Women’s 800 Meters

The game plan is difficult because you don’t know what everyone else is going to do. You have to play it by how the race starts out. That seemed like the best thing to do for this particular race. The conditions were fine. Everything was good for me. What helped me out was I was paying attention to the monitors. Since I was out front, I wanted to see where I was in relation to everyone else. The point was to get to the next round.

Jillian Camarena (Tuscon, Ariz.), Women’s Shot Put

It was definitely a rough one out there today. I didn’t put it together. I’m happy one of us got through. I’ll be out there cheering tonight for Michelle (Carter).

Kristin Heaston (Opelika, Ala.), Women’s Shot Put

Let me just say I am always proud to represent the United States. I work hard for everything that I get. I can’t control injuries. Unfortunately, it just got me and I couldn’t open up. I have a knee/hamstring issue that has been going on for two years. I haven’t had the means to get it fixed. Hopefully, I can get it corrected. Now I can come back tonight and cheer on Michelle (Carter). I can put in all my energy into all my teammates and my training partners for Auburn, Ala.

Michelle Carter (Ovilla, Texas), Women’s Shot Put

I’m going to go out there tonight and do my best. My goal was to make it to the finals, and I am taking it one step at a time. It was a little bumpy for me. But it’s OK. I can make the adjustments I need to make for this evening. I just focused on me. Because if I know I can continue to increase, that I will get close to the automatic mark, if I don’t hit it. I was a few centimeters short of it, and that was OK. I did make it to the next round.

Joshua McAdams (Cordova, Tenn.), Men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase

The last four months, I have had a little bit of a lower ab/groin problem. I have run through it most of the time. After Stockholm, I could barely run. I was doing about an 8-minute pace per mile with my wife the day after. Monday I was feeling worse off. I took a week off. I saw the doctor on Friday and he gave me some pain killer anti-inflammatory. I thought I was feeling good. We did some faster stuff earlier this week. I could tell my calves haven’t done much in a while. I was just flat.

I probably went out a little too fast for myself. I should have held back on that first lap. But we are here at the World Championships you put yourself in it, top four or five. I want to be top four or five all the way through. I wanted to finish. With three laps left, 1,200 to go, I thought about dropping out. I’m wearing USA. If it were just me, it’s another thing. But wearing USA, they didn’t fly me all the way over here just to drop out of a race. It was tough. But I wanted to finish.

Dan Huling (Columbus, Ohio), 3,000 Meter Steeplechase

I wanted to get out front early, but my coach told me not to be the one to push the pace. The plan was to run 8:19-8:21, but I don’t know why I didn’t. I feel like I was in shape to do that.

It was a bit of a shock to be up front then all of a sudden be in the back. It wasn’t like they accelerated the pace. My legs got deader and deader. It wasn’t what I was looking for. Overall, I can’t complain and be too down on myself–there’s a bunch of steeplers back home watching.

Kara Patterson (Lafayette, Ind.), Women’s Javelin

I felt awesome today, but I’m frustrated and confused. I’m ready to be more consistent. The fact that I didn’t pull it together today is upsetting.

I had a conversation with (US womens assistant coach) Carrie Lane an told her about what my cues are. I knew what I was doing, but I like to have a little conversation to reinforce what I’m doing. I felt great after that and had my best throw of the day, but it was still pretty bad.

(on her first year as a pro) I now have a better idea on what to expect. I had an awful experience traveling to London (for the London GP), but I’m now ready for anything after that. With experience, things will get easier.

Rachel Yurkovich (Eugene, Oregon), women’s javelin

I’m really ecstatic (to be the first American to make the final in the javelin since 1983)!

(On the first throw which qualified her for the final) I knew what I had to do, and that’s throw high 59 to 60 meters to make the final. I’ve been consistent up there all year. I knew that I could do it, and I know how to throw the javelin, so I went with my gut and went back to the basics, had some adrenaline, and got it out there. I’m not only happy to make the final, but I’m happy that I can throw this far this late in the season. This was either my seventh or eighth time over 59 meters this season.

I just focused on me today. I can’t focus on what’s happening around me, and just focused on what I need to do.

Lauryn Williams (Miami, Florida), Women’s 100 meters

The goal was not to do anything that will mess you up from going into the second round.

Muna Lee (College Station, Texas), Women’s 100 meters

It wasn’t bad out there. I was out there cruising. It was pretty easy.

For complete results, quotes and Team USA reports, visit www.usatf.org.

Day 3 Wrap - U.S. Ready For the World

The Nick Symmonds vs. Khadevis Robinson show unfolded beautifully in the 800m final. Tevon Everett led the pack through the first 400m in 51 seconds. As usual, Symmonds began his signature kick from fourth to first at 600m. Symmonds and Robinson were neck and neck over the last 100m, but Symmonds had the home turf advantage and the roar of the crowd to pull him past the line first in 1:45.86.

Two young stars, Geena Gall and Phoebe Wright, trailed three-time Olympian Hazel Clark in the women’s 800m. Clark led from the gun through a 59.43 first lap. She struggled some on lap 2, but pulled ahead to win it in 2:00.79.

Jenny Barringer and Anna Willard expectantly went 1-2 in the 3000m steeplechase. Willard has raced a lot over the past few days as she also competed in the 1500m, so she did not quite have enough left to challenge Barringer. She did, however, have a good race with Bridget Franek and Lindsey Anderson.

Barringer went to the lead and stayed there. She cruised along with Anderson and Willard close behind.

“It was really windy out there so I wanted to take command of the race from the beginning,” Barringer said.

The breeze was no problem for Willard because she had Franek and Anderson with her. With about 1200m left in the race, Barringer surged ahead to open a 30-meter gap. Franek made her move to second on the next lap and dropped Anderson. Then it was a battle for 2nd place as Willard went with Franek. Willard beat her to the line about 6 seconds behind Barringer.

Shawn Crawford ran a fast 19.73 in the 200m. He had a good start among the talented field. He dominated the race with Charles Clark behind him in 20.00 and Wallace Spearmon in 20.03.

“It was pretty controlled,” Crawford said. “I’ve been practicing driving through the first 120 and letting my body carry me the rest of the way.”

After winning the semifinals, Allyson Felix also started well in the women’s race to win her fifth national title in 22.02, followed by Muna Lee and Marshavet Hooker.

“What I wanted to do was just really focus on the start, and just work on driving out,” Felix said.

The 1500m was an exciting race. Leonel Manzano, Lopez Lomong and Will Leer led the first 800m, but then Stephen Pifer sprinted to the front. He could not hold the pace as he was passed by Lomong, Manzano and Leer. Lomong moved in front of Manzano with 200m to go, and Dorian Ulrey kicked for a surprising 3rd place. Ulrey came into the race as one of the underdogs and was elated with his race. Cloud nine is not the limit for Ulrey. He said he was on cloud 10.5 after this accomplishment.

In the 100m hurdles, Dawn Harper won her first national title and ran 12.36. Virginia Powell and Damu Cherry were close behind.

Bershawn Jackson ran the fastest time in the world this year in the men’s 400m hurdles, 48.03 seconds. Johnny Dutch was surprised by his 2nd place finish, ahead of Olympic gold medalist Angelo Taylor.

“I looked over to my left and noticed I was 2nd or 3rd and thought ‘oh I made the team!’” Dutch said.

Taylor seemed disappointed not to win, but said he was glad to be on the team. Jackson agrees that the main goal is Berlin.

“Once you make the team, everything will take care of itself,” Jackson said. “We have the greatest hurdlers in the world.”

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.

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.

Barber and Lee set for women’s 60m; Goucher enters women’s miles for 102nd Millrose Games

INDIANAPOLIS -2006 World Indoor champion Lisa Barber and 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials 100m champion Muna Lee headline the field in the adidas women’s 60m dash while Kara Goucher aims for her second Millrose title in the women’s mile on January 30 at the 102nd Millrose Games, held at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.

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 7-8:30 p.m., and on January 31 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on NBC (all times Eastern).

A local favorite from Montclair, N.J., Barber will be looking for her first win at the Garden as she returns to Millrose for the first time since her runner-up finish to Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown in 2006, where the two finished 7.095 seconds to 7.098. Later that season, Barber went on to win the U.S. Indoor title and was named the Indoor Visa champion.

Two-time Olympian Muna Lee comes to Madison Square Garden in search of her first win. In 2008, Lee took fourth in the women’s 200m and fifth in the 100m at the Olympic Games. Jamaica’s Sheri-Ann Brooks returns to the Garden looking to improve upon her third-place finish from 2007, and 2008 NCAA Indoor 200m champion Bianca Knight enters the Millrose Games for the first time. Last year’s champion, 2007 World Outdoor 100m bronze medalist Carmelita Jeter, is also in the mix.

The defending Millrose champion, 2007 World Outdoor 10,000m bronze medalist Kara Goucher will chase her second win in the women’s mile next week. Coming off an outdoor season where she competed in the 5,000m and 10,000m at the Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Goucher debuted in the marathon this past fall where she turned in a history-making American performance by finishing third in the 2008 NYC Marathon. Crossing the line in 2:25:53, it was the fastest marathon debut ever by an American woman.

Tickets for the 2009 Millrose Games are now available at Ticketmaster (call 212-307-7171, visit www.Ticketmaster.com or at Ticketmaster outlets); at the Madison Square Garden box office or on-line at www.Millrose-Games.com. USATF welcomes you to pay with your Visa.

For more information on the 2009 USATF Visa Championship Series, visit www.usatf.org.

LIVE at the 2008 adidas Track Classic: Bershawn Jackson Runs Strong!

The men’s 110 hurdles was beset with false starts. A second false start was charged to Eric Mitchum, who was disqualified from the race. Anwar Moore ran well over the hurdles to win in 13.39 and Terrence Trammell hit the sixth hurdle to narrowly place second in 13.40.

Bershawn “Batman” Jackson led from the first hurdle, and the 400-meter hurdle field never caught up to his victorious time of 48.94. Brandon Johnson was the nearest runner in 49.62, and Michael Tinsley was third in 49.68.

The adidas Track Classic also featured the top junior runners from the L.A. area which in the past has produced the likes of Allyson Felix. Lauren Williams won the 8-9 year old fastest kid in LA competition in 11.27 at 80 meters, over Cheyanne Brady who placed second in 11.59, and Amanda VanBuren was third in 11.60.

Allyson Felix did not run the 200 as planned coming into the meet. Coach Bob Kersee thought it best to forgo running a second race for the day. Felix had been dealing with the lost of her boyfriend’s father who passed this week. Muna Lee took the race in 22.30 over Carmelita Jeter in 22.47 over Marshevet Hooker who ran 22.49 for a close second place. Rookie Bianca Knight took sixth in 22.79.

The women’s 400-meter was up for grabs. Natasha Hastings took the early lead before Novlene Williams of Jamaica eventually won the race in 50.38. Mary Winberg ran strong in 50.41 to place second. Hastings took third in 51.09.

Jay Hicks