Richards nominated for Laureus World Sports Award

USA Track and Field Press Release.

2009 World Outdoor 400m champion Sanya Richards has been nominated for the 2010 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award. The 2010 Laureus Awards Ceremony will be broadcast to a worldwide television audience on Wednesday, March 10, and will be staged at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The Laureus World Sports Awards is recognized as the premier honors event in the international sporting calendar. The Awards Ceremony will provide a high profile focus as stars of the sporting world come together to salute the finest sportsmen and sportswomen of the year. The 2010 Laureus World Sports Awards recognize sporting achievement during the period January 1-December 31, 2009. The winners are selected by the 46 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, the living legends of sport honoring the greatest athletes of today.

Sanya Richards entered the 2009 campaign as the #1 world ranked women’s 400m runner by Track & Field News over the last four years. Recognized worldwide as the dominant force in her event, Richards had yet to capture the elusive individual Olympic or World Outdoor Championships title needed to fill a nagging hole in her glittering resume.

Richards dominated the field in the 400m final at the 2009 World Athletics Championships in Berlin, Germany, and forever jettisoned the ‘can’t win the big one’ label by crossing the finish line first in the third-fastest time in the world that season of 49.00 seconds. With her victory, Richards joined Jearl Miles (2003, Stuttgart) as the only Americans ever to win the women’s 400 meters at a World Outdoor Championships.

Richards, who also ran the anchor leg on Team USA’s gold medal winning 4×400m relay team (3:17.83, World leader) in Berlin, finished the season with the four-fastest women’s 400m times in the world that year, and her world-leading time of 48.83 seconds from her win in Brussels, Belgium, earned her a share of the IAAF Golden League Jackpot for the third time in her career. Richards’ performance in Brussels equaled the second-best time ever by an American first posted by National Track & Field Hall of Famer Valerie Brisco-Hooks in winning the gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Richards ended the 2009 season ranked #1 in the world by Track & Field News for the fifth consecutive year.

Additional athletes nominated for the Laureus World Sports Sportswoman of the Year award are Shelly-Ann Fraser (JAM) Athletics; Federica Pellegrini (ITA) Swimming; Britta Steffen (GER) Swimming, Lindsey Vonn (USA) Skiing and Serena Williams (USA) Tennis.

For more information on the Laureus World Sports Awards, visit: http://www.laureus.com/

Top Elite Track Athlete of the Year: The Next Challenge

For the next couple weeks everyone will be talking about who had the biggest season. And for good reason. Usain Bolt had a mind boggling season that shocked even his most ardent critics. Yes, Sanya Richards sealed her legacy in the sport and Kenenisa Bekele added another chapter to an already hall of fame career.

But this debate is officially closed.

This year Usain Bolt’s answered the one of the last questions for the Jamaican superstar. The Jamaican megastar proved that he can win great competition in the 100 meter race and also shattered his own 100 and 200 meter world records. It’s the litmus test of greatness. Carl did it. Michael did it. At the World Champions in August, Bolt bettered a Tyson Gay who said before the meet that he was in the best of his life by a comfortable margin.

That’s what the great ones do.

The other pressing issue is whether Bolt is big enough to save the sport. Sure it’s a lot of pressure for any athlete and especially in track and field. Legend Michael Johnson remarked this summer that he believes the sport is in decline. Rather than another article bemoaning the sport’s ills, we should focus on the man who can do something about changing the tide.

Sure Usain Bolt astonishes every time he gets in the blocks. But can the three-time world record holder put butts in the seats, sell overpriced hot dogs, and give the average sports fan a single reason to care even a morsel about the goings on in elite track and field?

That’s what the great ones do.

Bolt puts on a show and that is good for the sport. He is not afraid to pull up before the finish line or strike a pose after a win. He is quickly becoming a global superstar on the track. The next challenge is to do so off the track.

Considering his track record, you would be a fool to beat against him. Stay tuned and you may want to get your popcorn ready.

PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show, Episode #40

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The World Athletic Finals (WAF) provides to be a successful venture for the U.S. envoy. Is Sanya Richards latest feat good enough for her to be considered the greatest 400 meter runner ever?  Which performance was more impressive?  Kenenisa Bekele or Usain Bolt had impressive performances at the World Athletic Finals.

Send an email to comments@preracejitters.com to have your comments and questions discussed on the show.

PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show…where the real playas come to hang out!

Sanya Richards named USATF Athlete of the Week

INDIANAPOLIS - Sanya Richards has been named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week after winning a share of the $1,000,000 Golden League jackpot with her win Friday at the Memorial Van Damme in Brussels, Belgium.

The reigning world 400m champion, Richards dominated her signature event in leading from start to finish before crossing the finish line in a world-leading 48.83 seconds, which is her second best effort ever.

Richards’ performance equaled the second-best time ever by an American first posted by National Track & Field Hall of Famer Valerie Brisco-Hooks in winning the gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The nearest competitor to Richards in Brussels was 2008 Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu, who finished 1.6 seconds behind in 50.43.

Richards split the $1,000,000 Golden League jackpot with Yelena Isinbayeva (RUS) and Kenesia Bekele (ETH), who also won their respective events in Brussels. For Richards, this is the third time in her career she has won a share of the Golden League jackpot, having already earned shares in 2006 and 2007.

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 24, Dexter Faulk; March 3, Terrence Trammell; March 10, Diana Pickler; March 17, Galen Rupp; March 24, Sumi Onodera-Leonard; March 31, 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 26, Nadine O’Connor; June 2, Tyson Gay; June 9, Dwight Phillips; June 16, Galen Rupp; June 23, Kami Semick; June 30, Dawn Harper; July 7, Raevyn Rogers; July 14, Ryan Crouser; July 28, Anton Krupicka; August 11, Rita Hanscom; August 19, Christian Cantwell; August 26, Trey Hardee; September 1, Dathan Ritzenhein; September 9, Sanya Richards.

BEST MARKS WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 6

MEN

100 - 9.94 Doc Patton (Nike) - Zagreb, CRO 8/31
200 - 20.19 Wallace Spearmon (Nike) - Brussels, BEL 9/4
400 - 44.94 Jeremy Wariner (adidas) - Brussels, BEL 9/4
800 - 1:47.16 Nick Symmonds (OTC Elite) - Brussels, BEL 9/4
1500 - 3:33.33 Leo Manzano (Nike) - Rieti, ITA 9/6
3000 - 7:36.68 Bernard Lagat (Nike) - Gateshead, GBR 8/31
3000SC - 8:14.69 Dan Huling (Reebok) - Brussels, BEL 9/4     U.S. leader
5000 - 12:58.56 Matt Tegenkamp (OTC Elite) - Brussels, BEL 9/4
110H - 13.39 Joel Brown (Nike) - Brussels, BEL 9/4
400H - 48.83 Bershawn Jackson (Nike) - Zagreb, CRO 8/31
HJ - 2.33/7-7.75 Andra Manson (Nike) - Gateshead, GBR 8/31
PV - 5.70/18-8.25 Derek Miles (Nike) - Gateshead, GBR 8/31
LJ - 8.39/27-6.5 Dwight Phillips (Nike) - Gateshead, GBR 8/31
TJ - 16.49/54-1.25 Brandon Roulhac (HPC Elite) - Rieti, ITA 9/6
SP - 22.16/72-8.5 Christian Cantwell (Nike) - Zagreb, CRO 8/31     World leader
DT - 62.11/203-9 Ian Waltz (Nike) - Helsingborg, SWE 9/5
HT - 71.09/233-3 Mike Mai (US Army) - Portland, OR 9/6
JT - 76.13/249-9 Mike Hazle (Nike) - Brussels, BEL 9/4

WOMEN

100 - 10.88 Carmelita Jeter (Nike) - Brussels, BEL 9/4
200 - 22.73 Debbie Dunn (Nike) - Rieti, ITA 9/6
400 - 48.83 Sanya Richards (Nike) - Brussels, BEL 9/4     World leader
800 - 1:59.14 Anna Willard (Nike) - Brussels, BEL 9/4
1500 - 4:03.46 Shannon Rowbury (Nike) - Rieti, ITA 9/6
3000 - 9:02.08 Jen Rhines (adidas) - Gateshead, GBR 8/31
3000SC - 9:37.53 Lisa Galaviz (Nike) - Rieti, ITA 9/6
100H - 12.57 Dawn Harper (Nike) - Dubnica, SVK 9/6
HJ - 1.97/6-5.5 Chaunte Howard (Nike) - Brussels, BEL 9/4
PV - 4.47/14-8 Stacy Dragila (Nike) - Dubnica, SVK 9/6
LJ - 6.70/21-11.75 Funmi Jimoh (Nike) - Rovereto, ITA 9/1
TJ - 13.48/44-2.75 Erica McLain (Nike) - Zagreb, CRO 8/31
DT - 59.35/194-8 Aretha Thurmond (Nike) - Rieti, ITA 9/6
JT - 55.04/180-7 Rachel Yurkovich (Oregon) - Gateshead, GBR 8/31

Brussels Golden League Start List

Event|Sex NAME Firstname Nationality

JAVELIN MEN FRYDRYCH Petr CZE
JAVELIN MEN GOYVAERTS Tom BEL
JAVELIN MEN KOVALS Ainars LAT
JAVELIN MEN MARTINEZ Guillermo CUB
JAVELIN MEN PITKAMAKI Tero FIN
JAVELIN MEN RUUSKANEN Anti FIN
JAVELIN MEN SMET Thomas BEL
JAVELIN MEN THORKILDSEN Andreas NOR
JAVELIN MEN VASILEVSKIS Vadims LAT
JAVELIN MEN WIRKKALA Teemu FIN

100 M MEN BURNS Mark TRI
100 M MEN CLARKE Lerone JAM
100 M MEN FRATER Michael JAM
100 M MEN GAY Tyson USA
100 M MEN MULLINGS Steve JAM
100 M MEN PATTON Darvis USA
100 M MEN POWELL Asafa JAM
100 M MEN RODGERS Mike USA
100 M MEN WILLIAMSON Simeon GBR

110 M H MEN BRATHWAITE Ryan BAR
110 M H MEN BROOTHAERTS Damien BEL
110 M H MEN BROWN Joel USA
110 M H MEN FAULK Dexter USA
110 M H MEN NOGA Artur POL
110 M H MEN OLIVER David USA
110 M H MEN SHARMAN William GBR
110 M H MEN SVOBODA Petr CZE
110 M H MEN THOMAS Dwight JAM

200 M MEN BOLT Usain JAM
200 M MEN CHRISTIAN Brendan ANT
200 M MEN CRIBARI Marco SUI
200 M MEN GULIYEV Ramil AZE
200 M MEN HAECK Joris BEL
200 M MEN HESSION Paul IRL
200 M MEN KIMMONS Trell USA
200 M MEN MBANDJOCK Martial FRA
200 M MEN SPEARMON Wallace USA

3000 ST MEN BUC Bustjan SLO
3000 ST MEN DESMET Pieter BEL
3000 ST MEN GARY Roba ETH
3000 ST MEN KEMBOI Ezekiel KEN
3000 ST MEN KESKISALO Jukka FIN
3000 ST MEN KIPTEREGE Elijah KEN
3000 ST MEN KIPYEGO Mike KEN
3000 ST MEN KOECH Paul KEN
3000 ST MEN KRISTENSEN Ustad NOR
3000 ST MEN LANGAT David KEN
3000 ST MEN LANGAT Patrick KEN
3000 ST MEN MATEELONG Richard KEN
3000 ST MEN MOHAMED Mustafa SWE
3000 ST MEN MUTAI Abel KEN
3000 ST MEN RAMOLEFI Ruben RSA
3000 ST MEN SZYMKOWIAK Tomasz POL
3000 ST MEN TAHER Tareq Mubarak BRN
3000 ST MEN VAN KOOLWIJK Krijn BEL

4 X 1500 MEN ALGERIE
4 X 1500 MEN AUSTRALIA
4 X 1500 MEN BELGIUM
4 X 1500 MEN ENGLAND
4 X 1500 MEN KENYA
4 X 1500 MEN MAROC
4 X 1500 MEN MIXED TEAM
4 X 1500 MEN SPAIN
4 X 1500 MEN USA

400 M MEN BINGHAM Michael GBR
400 M MEN BROWN Chris BAH
400 M MEN DJHONE Leslie FRA
400 M MEN GILLET Antoine BEL
400 M MEN GILLICK David IRL
400 M MEN KIKAYA Gary COD
400 M MEN QUOW Renny TRI
400 M MEN WARINER Jeremy USA
400 M MEN WROE Sean AUS

5000 M MEN ABDOSH Ali ETH
5000 M MEN BEKELE Kenenisa ETH
5000 M MEN BETT Josphat KEN
5000 M MEN CHEBII Abraham KEN
5000 M MEN CHEPKOK Vincent KEN
5000 M MEN CHERUIYOT Jonas KEN
5000 M MEN CHESARI Jacob KEN
5000 M MEN EBUYA Joseph ETH
5000 M MEN ESHO Benson KEN
5000 M MEN FARAH Mo GBR
5000 M MEN KIPCHOGE Eliud KEN
5000 M MEN KIPLIMO Joseph KEN
5000 M MEN KIPTOO Mark KEN
5000 M MEN KOMON Leonard KEN
5000 M MEN LONGOSIWA Thomas KEN
5000 M MEN MERGA Imane ETH
5000 M MEN NDIWA Mangata KEN
5000 M MEN ROTICH Lucas KEN
5000 M MEN SOLINSKY Chris USA
5000 M MEN TEGENKAMP Matt USA

800 M MEN AL-SALHI Mohammed KSA
800 M MEN BORZAKOWSKI Yuri RUS
800 M MEN KIRWA YEGO Alfred KEN
800 M MEN LEWANDOWSKI Marcin POL
800 M MEN MULAUDZI Mbulaeni RSA
800 M MEN MUMO KIILU Vincent KEN
800 M MEN REED Gary CAN
800 M MEN RUDISHA David KEN
800 M MEN SOM Bram NED
800 M MEN SYMMONDS Nick USA

TJ WOMEN ALDAMA Yamilé SUD
TJ WOMEN ALEKHINA Nadezhda RUS
TJ WOMEN BOLSHAKOVA Svetlana BEL
TJ WOMEN GAY Mabel CUB
TJ WOMEN NZOLA MESO Teresa FRA
TJ WOMEN PYATYKH Anna RUS
TJ WOMEN SMITH Trecia JAM
TJ WOMEN TOPIC Biljana SRB
TJ WOMEN VELDAKOVA Dana SVK

PV WOMEN BATTKE Anna GER
PV WOMEN DENNISON Kate GBR
PV WOMEN GADSCHIEW Kristina GER
PV WOMEN ISINBAYEVA Yelena RUS
PV WOMEN JOHNSON Chelsea USA
PV WOMEN KIRYASHOVA Aleksandra RUS
PV WOMEN MURER Fabiana BRA
PV WOMEN PYREK Monika POL
PV WOMEN ROGOWSKA Anna POL
PV WOMEN SPIEGELBURG Silke GER

HJ WOMEN AITOVA Marina KAZ
HJ WOMEN BEITIA Ruth ESP
HJ WOMEN CHICHEROVA Anna RUS
HJ WOMEN DI MARTINO Antonietta ITA
HJ WOMEN GORDEEVA Irina RUS
HJ WOMEN GREEN Emma SWE
HJ WOMEN HOWARD Chaunte USA
HJ WOMEN MELFORT Melanie FRA
HJ WOMEN RYAN Deirdre IRL
HJ WOMEN SHKOLINA Svetlana RUS
HJ WOMEN SLESARENKO Yelena RUS
HJ WOMEN VLASIC Blanka CRO

100 M WOMEN BAPTISTE Kelly-Ann TRIN
100 M WOMEN BORLEE Olivia BEL
100 M WOMEN CAMPBELL-BROWN Veronica JAM
100 M WOMEN FERGUSON Debbie BAH
100 M WOMEN FRASER Shelly-Ann JAM
100 M WOMEN JETER Carmelita USA
100 M WOMEN SIMPSON Sherone JAM
100 M WOMEN STEWART Kerron JAM
100 M WOMEN STURRUP Chandra BAH

100 M H WOMEN BERINGS Eline BEL
100 M H WOMEN CARRUTHERS Danielle USA
100 M H WOMEN DAVIN Elisabeth BEL
100 M H WOMEN ENNIS-LONDON Delloreen JAM
100 M H WOMEN FOSTER-HYLTON Brigitte JAM
100 M H WOMEN GOLDING-CLARKE Lacena JAM
100 M H WOMEN LOPES-SCHLIEP Priscilla CAN
100 M H WOMEN O’ROURKE Derval IRL
100 M H WOMEN OFILI Tiffany USA

2000 M WOMEN ALMINOVA Anna RUS
2000 M WOMEN BELETE Almenesh ETH
2000 M WOMEN BURKA Gelete ETH
2000 M WOMEN CHEMOS Milcah KEN
2000 M WOMEN CHENONGE Ines KEN
2000 M WOMEN CHERONO Mercy KEN
2000 M WOMEN CHERUIYOT Vivian KEN
2000 M WOMEN CHOJECKA Lidia POL
2000 M WOMEN HILALI Siham MAR
2000 M WOMEN KIBIWOT Viola KEN
2000 M WOMEN MISHCHENKO Anna UKR
2000 M WOMEN PLIS Renata POL
2000 M WOMEN ROMAN Sonja SLO
2000 M WOMEN WURTH-THOMAS Christin USA
2000 M WOMEN YEVDOKIMOVA Natalya RUS

400 M WOMEN DUNN Debbie USA
400 M WOMEN FIROVA Tatyana RUS
400 M WOMEN HARGROVE Monica USA
400 M WOMEN LLOYD Shereefa JAM
400 M WOMEN OHURUOGU Christine GBR
400 M WOMEN RICHARDS Sanya USA
400 M WOMEN SANDERS Nicola GBR
400 M WOMEN WILLIAMS Shericka JAM
400 M WOMEN WILLIAMS-MILLS Novlene JAM

800 M WOMEN CUSMA Elisa ITA
800 M WOMEN JEPKOSGEI Janeth KEN
800 M WOMEN KREVSUN Yulia UKR
800 M WOMEN OKORO Marilyn GBR
800 M WOMEN ROSTKOWSKA Anna POL
800 M WOMEN SAVINOVA Maria RUS
800 M WOMEN SIMPSON Jemma GBR
800 M WOMEN TSYGANOVA Natalya RUS
800 M WOMEN VESSEY Maggie USA
800 M WOMEN WILLARD Anna USA
800 M WOMEN ZBROZHEK Oksana RUS

Day 4 evening quotes, 2009 IAAF World Athletics Championships

Sanya Richards (Austin, Texas), Women’s 400 meters gold medalist

First, it feels so great to finally hear that I am a world champion. It’s an overwhelming experience. I really enjoy to competing here in Berlin. I have only good memories. And now I can say my first title was on the blue track in a world leading time. So, I’m really, really happy.

(Expectations or extra pressure?) I did in the past, that’s what I wanted to shed this year. This year, I was having a really good time. The rounds went exactly as I hoped. Today, I came out and had fun. I was really confident in my race and my race strategy. I enjoyed every step around the track today. I’m just really thrilled to be a world champion. I can’t say I’m glad to have waited this long. I would have loved to win in the Olympics and prior World Championships. I definitely think you to learn things to grow. I’ve been through a lot and I learned a lot. I feel like I’m a much better athlete because of it.

I’m happy it came in 2009 and hopefully this will be the start of a lot more titles to come. I did go out well in the Olympics. I don’t think the first 200 was the reason I lost the Olympic final. Today, my today split was 23.0, almost the same pace as the Olympics. It’s just control.

I’m in much better shape this season. Shericka (Williams) and Antonina (Krivoshapka) went out really fast. I think all of us went 23.0 flat. It was a really fast race. That’s what you expect at a major championship. Everyone is running their best race. I was really comfortable with my strategy. I felt really strong. I worked the curve as best as I could. Once I pulled up on Shericka and made my move, I just hoped I could hold her off.

Debbie Dunn (Norfolk, Va.), 6th in Women’s 400 meters

(On starting in Lane 1): It’s not fun for the 400. But a lot of people would kill to have Lane 1 today. I did and I was very happy to have the chance to run the final. I thought it was a good race. I feel like I should have made a lot more impact. Unfortunately, I didn’t. I wish I had a better lane. I think I would have made an impact. I have to settle for what I did today. I’m very honored and proud to represent the U.S. Next year is going to get even better. I’m looking forward to the years to come. I’m happy for Sanya. We are going to go for the gold in the 4 x 400.

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

I executed a real good race. Those guys went out so hard. I give them the praises–they were the better men.

I wasn’t surprised that it went out as fast as it did.

I’m a warrior and I’m a fighter, and I’ll be back.

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

My plan all along was to defend my title, and there was no way anyone was going to take that away from me. My race plan was to go out fast. I knew that once I went out hard, that no one was going to keep up with me for the last 150, and once I got over the last hurdle, it was mine.

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

I felt pretty good in warmups. I just wasn’t throwing well

It’s kind of hard to get into a groove when the competition’s stopped for a ceremony or races, but that’s no excuse. I tried to go into it with a positive attitude, and on my last throw I had nothing to lose. I tried to be happy and go out there and (do it).

I was just thrilled to have made it this far. I’m happy to be here.

Dawn Harper (Los Angeles), Women’s 100-meter hurdles

It was a good race. It went nice and smooth, exactly how my coach wanted me to do it. It was nice and smooth over the top of the hurdles. I’m exacted about that. It gives me confidence going into tomorrow. (On being assigned lane 1) I appreciated that because Lane 1, Heat 1, No. 1. Can anybody see that?

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

It was a good opener. I wanted to work on a little part of my race. I did. It wasn’t great, but it can get better for tomorrow. The false starts were a bit nerve-wracking. But I told myself to stay focused and concentrate on my lane.

Ginnie Powell (Los Angeles), Women’s 100-meter hurdles

It was clean. I hit one hurdle. But it was a good race. I was looking to actually work on my trail leg. I hit a hurdle with it, probably because I slowed up a bit. You can’t do that in the hurdles. But it’s the first round and that’s why I slowed up.

Michelle Perry (Santa Clarita, Calif.), Women’s 100-meter hurdles

I’m injured. I have a torn LCL. I have to have surgery on it. It happened in Monaco.

Charles Clark (Virginia Beach, Virginia), Men’s 200 meters

I thought I was pushing for a third place finish, so I’ll have to wait and see if I make the semi-finals. It’s been a great season so far, so I can’t complain.

Wallace Spearmon, Jr. (College Station, Texas), Men’s 200 meters

The race seemed pretty easy tonight. I didn’t want to expend any more energy than I had to, because I know that in the finals, I’m going to need all of it.

As long as I was in the top two, that’s all that matters, so that I can get one of the preferred lanes.

I did take a peek at the big screen to see where I was at and to make sure no one would sneak up on me. I didn’t want to see anyone come up and pass me.

(on what it’s going to take to beat Usain Bolt)–Run faster! He’s running like he’s from Mars or wherever Flash is from.

Sheena Tosta (San Diego, California), Women’s 400 hurdles

I don’t know what happened. I did what I wanted to do over the first 8 hurdles I tried to go, but I couldn’t go.

Tiffany Williams (Orlando, Florida), Women’s 400 hurdles

Technically, it was a great race. It was much better than my first round. I was thinking about staying relaxed, but I probably got a little too relaxed. But, I did make the final, and that’s all that counts. I’m excited, and very grateful to be in this final. I have a day to rest, and I just have to get that second half of the race down.

I have to attack the critical zone a lot harder. It’s going to take 53-low or 52-high to get a medal.

Lashinda Demus (Palmdale, California), Women’s 400 hurdles

I wanted to run good through the 300m mark, and I did that tonight. I just practiced on my race for the finals. I’m gonna put it together and have a good race.

I’m the underdog–I’m not the Olympic champion

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

Fans can watch Team USA on national television broadcasts on NBC and Versus, or online via live, daily Webcast at www.universalsports.com. For complete TV listings, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/mediaCoverage.asp.

For more information on Team USA at the World Outdoor Championships, visit http://www.usatf.org/events/2009/IAAFWorldOutdoorChampionships/.

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.

For more information on USATF, visit www.usatf.org

Gay, Phillips, Richards, Harper, Clement & Vessey conquer in Rome

Press Release Courtesy of USA Track & Field.

Tyson Gay, Dwight Phillips, Sanya Richards, Dawn Harper, Kerron Clement and Maggie Vessey all were winners in their respective events Friday at the 2009 Golden Gala, AF Golden League meet in Rome, Italy.

Reigning world 100m and 200m champion Tyson Gay surged to the front of the pack midway through the race before crossing the finish line first in the men’s 100 meters in 9.77 seconds. Gay’s performance is the fastest time in the world this year and equals his American record originally set in the quarterfinals at last year’s Olympic Trials.

Former world record holder Asafa Powell of Jamaica was the runner-up in 9.88 seconds, with reigning USA Outdoor champion Michael Rodgers finishing sixth in 10.03.

2004 Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Outdoor champion Dwight Phillips, who posted the longest jump in the world since Mike Powell set the world record in 1991 with his leap of 8.74 meters/28 feet 8.25 inches in winning the Nike Prefontaine Classic on June 7, won easily today on his first attempt when he sailed to 8.61m/28-3. 2008 Olympic gold medalist Irving Saladino of Panama was the runner-up with a best of 8.27m/27-1.75.

2008 Olympic bronze medalist Sanya Richards stayed alive in the Golden League competition with her victory in the women’s 400 meters, finishing in 49.46 seconds. 2008 Olympic silver medalist Shericka Williams from Jamaica was the runner-up in 50.31, with two-time Olympic silver medalist and two-time defending World Outdoor 200m champion Allyson Felix finishing fifth in 50.94.

2008 Olympic 100m hurdles gold medalist Dawn Harper was victorious in her specialty, stopping the clocks in 12.55 seconds. Harper’s nearest pursuer was runner-up and 2008 Olympic Games fifth-place finisher Delloreen Ennis-London of Jamaica, who finished in 12.67, with fellow Jamaican and Olympic finalist Brigitte Foster-Hylton third in 12.68.

Reigning World Outdoor champion and 2008 Olympic Games silver medalist Kerron Clement won the men’s 400m hurdles in 48.09 seconds. Jamaica’s Isa Phillips was second in 48.11, with L.J. van Zyl of South Africa, who finished fifth at the Beijing Olympics, third in 48.37.

USA Outdoor Championships fourth-place finisher Maggie Vessey won the women’s 800 meters in a dramatic finish in 2:00.13, which bettered her previous career best time of 2:00.18 from her win at the 2009 Nike Prefontaine Classic.  The 2005 NCAA Outdoor runner-up while at Cal Poly SLO, Vessey finished just ahead of Italy’s Elisa Cusma Piccione, who finished in 2:00.14. Spain’s Mayte Martinez was third in 2:00.21, with reigning U.S. champion Hazel Clark finishing seventh in 2:01.41.

Elsewhere, 2008 USA Outdoor Championships women’s 1,500m runner-up Christin Wurth-Thomas finished second in her specialty and cracked the four-minute barrier for the first time in her career with her finish in 3:59.98. Wurth-Thomas bettered her previous personal best of 4:01.72 from her fifth-place finish June 7 at the Nike Prefontaine Classic.

Also setting a personal best was 2008 NCAA 1,500m runner-up and 2009 USA Outdoor Championships third-place finisher Dorian Ulrey, who finished 12th today in 3:35.23. With his performance Ulrey bettered the 2009 World Outdoor Championships “A” qualifying standard of 3:36.20 and he’ll now join Bernard Lagat, Leonel Manzano and Lopez Lomong as the Team USA men’s 1,500m contingent that will compete in Berlin.

For more information on the 2009 Golden Gala, including complete results, visit: www.iaaf.org.

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.

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.

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.

Next Page »