Day 5 Morning Quotes, 2009 IAAF World Athletics Champs

Jen Rhines (Mammoth Lakes, Calif.), Women’s 5,000 meters

I felt really good out there. I’m pleased to get this run through. Now it’s time to get ready for Saturday. I looked at the clock before the heat and I made the decision. I could have finished a hair stronger if I really dug down. But I thought I should save some of it for Saturday. I knew if came in the top eight or nine and finished under 15:32, I would go.

Julie Culley (Arlington, Va.), Women’s 5,000 meters

It was a little bit slow, through about the 3K. It was probably close to 9:15, 9:20 even. In the last 3K, I was starting to have some trouble. I have been struggling with an injury (hamstring and glute). When they started to pick it up and I had to start to open up my stride, that’s when it started to hurt. I was doing the best I could.

Stephanie Brown Trafton (Galt, Calif.), Women’s Discus

I’m not a morning person. I feel positive. The conditions were pretty good. The fans were loud and supportive. They were rooting for everyone.

(On winning the Olympic gold before the US or World gold) It may be an awkward way. But I have never been known to do things the normal way. I always find a different way to accomplish my goal. At some point, I will accomplish all of my goals.

I was more nervous than I thought I would be. I feel like I have something to prove. I love being the underdog. I’d love it if I were to scrape by and make it to the finals with the last spot. That will motivate me even more. By scraping by is creating drama for me. I love drama.

Aretha Hill Thurmond (Opelika, Alabama), Women’s discus

I think I just gave my high school coach some grey hairs today. It’s been my M.O. unfortunately my whole career. I’m the type of competitor that takes a while to get into a groove. It’s like sprinters in a qualifying round, where everyone’s so tight and trying to get a feel for what’s about to happen.

The point was to get out there and make it through to the finals. We’ve got two Americans in the finals and now we can go see if we can put two on the podium.

Becky Breisch (Chula Vista, Calif.), Women’s Discus

It didn’t go so great today. If I knew why, I’d fix it out there. It was just not my day. This experience was great. Berlin is a wonderful place to be. They have done a great job doing everything for us.

Terrence Trammell (Atlanta), Men’s 110 high hurdles

I felt good. I think that I was able to knock the dust off. It’s been two months since I competed. I’m healthy, I feel in great shape. It felt good to get the first round out of the way. I had a few cobwebs. I wanted to come out and get a feel for things. Tomorrow, I will turn it up a notch. There are no injuries. I just wanted to work on a few things and focus on the rest of the last half of the season.

David Payne (Covington, Ky.), Men’s 110 high hurdles

The race was horrible. I got a decent start, but I didn’t attack right away. I hit a couple of hurdles and stayed in that state. I didn’t push or come on. I started to get comfortable with my feet. As I starting hitting all the hurdles, I felt the guys to the right of me pass me. There wasn’t that urgency there. It wasn’t a good race. But I made it to the next round, and that’s all that matter.

Tora Harris (Chula Vista, California), Men’s high jump

It was hard. I wasn’t feeling great coming in. The approach just wasn’t working. I think I gave it a good effort.

Keith Moffatt (Newport News, Virginia), Men’s high jump

First, I didn’t know I made it to the finals. I was clean all the way up to 2.30. I felt real good.

I think that in the finals, I’ll start at a higher height, because when I got to 2.30, I was a little tired. No matter what happens in the finals, I’m gonna go hard! I’m glad I made it!

Andra Manson (Austin, Texas), Men’s high jump

It’s a great feeling to make the finals!

There were a couple of good jumps today, but there were also some bad ones. Fortunately, I was able to correct myself at 2.30, and fortunately, that’s what it’s all about–I had to clear 2.30 to make the finals. That’s going to give me a lot of confidence going to the finals.

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.

Ultra talented men’s sprinters/hurdlers to compete at World Outdoor Championships

Press release by USA Track & Field.

INDIANAPOLIS - Tyson Gay, LaShawn Merritt, Jeremey Wariner, Angelo Taylor, Kerron Clement, David Payne and Terrence Trammell will headline a talented and highly accomplished group of Team USA sprinters and hurdlers at the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics, August 15-23 in Berlin, Germany.

This will be the first time Team USA has returned to Berlin for a major international championship competition since the 1936 Olympic Games, where National Track & Field Hall of Famer Jesse Owens won gold medals in the 100m, 200m, 4×100m relay and long jump.

The men’s sprints and hurdles (100m, 200m, 400m, 110mH, 400mH) have always been a strong suit for Team USA in international competition, and that held true again at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing where, led by sweeps of the 400m and 400m hurdles, Team USA men won 11 out of the possible 15 medals in those five events.

100m

Tyson Gay, who was slowed by injury at the 2008 Olympic Games, enters the championships as the reigning 100m and 200m world champion, and with that designation has earned an automatic bye for both events into the World Outdoor Championships. Gay, who won the 100m gold medal at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan in 9.85 seconds, posted the fastest 100m time in the world this year of 9.77 seconds with his win in Rome on July 10. Gay versus 100m and 200m Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Usain Bolt of Jamaica is widely regarded as the most anticipated match-up of the Berlin World Championships.

Gay will be joined on the Team USA roster by up-and-coming-star and reigning USA Indoor 60m and USA Outdoor 100m champion Michael Rodgers, who won the 2009 100m national title in Eugene, Ore., in 9.91 seconds (+3.1 mps.). Rodgers, who nearly quit the sport in 2007 until former Jackson State coach Darryl Woodson began mentoring him, posted his personal best time of 9.94 seconds June 7 at the Nike Prefontaine Classic.

The wily veteran of the group is 31-year old Darvis “Doc” Patton, who qualified for last year’s Olympics and this year’s Worlds after spending the majority of his career primarily as a 200m specialist, winning the silver medal in that event at the 2003 World Championships in Paris. Patton, who finished second at the 2009 Nationals, owns a career best 100m time of 9.89 seconds from 2008, and a fastest clocking this year of 10.02.

2000 USA Junior champion Rae Edwards qualified for the Team USA roster with his third place finish in Eugene in 10.00w. Edwards, whose previous best finish at a USA Outdoor Championships was sixth in 2003 and 2005, posted his personal best of 10.02 in Hengelo on June 1, 2009.

200m

Tyson Gay also will headline the men’s 200 meters in Berlin after winning the world crown at the 2007 Championships in Osaka by stopping the clocks in 19.76 seconds. Gay’s performance bettered National Track & Field Hall of Famer Michael Johnson’s World Outdoor Championships record of 19.79 set in 1995. Gay currently leads the world list in the 200m with his 19.58 clocking at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York on May 30, which is the third-fastest 200m in history. Gay now owns the third and fourth fastest times ever over 200m, which include his New York performance and the 19.62 he ran to win the 2007 USA Outdoor Championships. Only USA Track & Field Hall of Famer Michael Johnson (19.32) and triple 2008 Olympic champion Usain Bolt (19.30) have run faster.

2004 Olympic gold medalist Shawn Crawford will look to win his first World Outdoor individual title in Berlin after winning the USA Outdoor Championships in convincing fashion in a blistering 19.73 seconds (+2.7 mps). Crawford won the race by a margin of nearly two meters over Florida State University standout and NCAA runner-up Charles Clark, who was the surprising runner-up in 20.00w. Clark, who owns a personal best of 20.22 from 2008, finished just ahead of two-time World Outdoor Championships medalist (2005, silver - 2007, bronze) Wallace Spearmon, who finished third in Eugene in 20.03w. In Berlin, Spearmon will attempt to become the first man to win three consecutive World Outdoor Championships 200m medals since Namibia’s Frankie Fredericks won four in a row (1991, 1993, 1995, 1997).

400m

Team USA’s men’s quarter milers captured the gold, silver and bronze medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and with LaShawn Merritt and Jeremy Wariner leading the way, they’ll look to accomplish that same goal at the World Championships in Berlin.

The reigning Olympic gold medalist who is ranked #1 in the world, LaShawn Merritt enjoyed a dream season in 2008, and he’s shown no signs of letting up this year. Merritt, who posted the top 400m time in the world this outdoor season of 44.50 on May 1, and ran the identical time in winning at the USA Outdoor Championships, posted the #2 all-time mark and a sea level world best with his winning 300m time of 31.30 seconds at the June 7 Nike Prefontaine Classic in Eugene.

Merritt will be challenged by 2004 Olympic gold medalist and reigning world champion Jeremy Wariner, who was ranked #1 in the world from 2004-2007, and was ranked #2 globally last year. A two-time defending World Outdoor 400m champion and the 2008 Olympic silver medalist, Wariner is looking to reign again as the world’s top quarter-miler.

A three-time All-American at Texas Tech, Gil Roberts finished as the runner-up at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships as a collegiate sophomore. In qualifying for his first-ever World Outdoor Championships team, Roberts finished the race in 44.93 after posting his career best of 44.86 in Lubbock, Texas on May 17.

2008 Olympic Trials finalist Lionel Larry rounds out the quartet after placing fourth at Nationals in 45.40. Larry posted his personal best of 44.63 last year in Des Moines, Iowa. Reigning world 400m hurdles champion Kerron Clement finished third in the 400m at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships, but declined his spot on the 400m roster to focus on defending his 400m hurdles crown in Berlin.

110m Hurdles

America’s tradition of great men’s hurdling was enhanced at the 2008 Olympic Games as the U.S. took home five of the six available medals in those events.

Olympic Games silver medalist and 2007 World Championships bronze medalist David Payne will be a favorite to appear on the Berlin medal stand. Payne won his first career USA Outdoor title in June with his seasonal best winning time of 13.12 seconds. His personal best of 13.02 occurred at the 2007 World Outdoor Championships in Osaka in winning the bronze medal.

Two-time Olympic silver medalist Terrence Trammell will look to add to his World Outdoor Championships hardware collection that includes silver medals from 2005 and 2007. Trammell, who ended the 2008 season ranked #3 globally, posted the fifth-fastest time in the world this season with his 13.12 clocking first posted from his win at the Reebok Grand Prix in New York on May 30, and matched that when he finished as the runner-up at the USA Outdoor Championships.

2004 World Junior champion Aries Merritt, who ended the 2008 campaign ranked #6 in the world, punched his ticket for Berlin with his third-place finish at the USA Outdoor Championships in his seasonal best time of 13.15 seconds. Merritt posted his personal best of 13.09 in 2007.

400m Hurdles

Angelo Taylor, Kerron Clement and Bershawn Jackson enter the Championships as the top ranked men’s 400m hurdlers in the world, and they will look to prove that point again in Berlin.

In leading a U.S. medal sweep at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Taylor won his second Olympic 400m hurdles gold medal by leading from start to finish in a personal-best time of 47.25 seconds. Taylor, who won the 2000 Sydney gold medal running out of lane 1, joined National Track & Field Hall of Famer Edwin Moses as the second man ever to win Olympic 400m hurdles gold medals eight years apart. Taylor finished third at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships in 48.30 seconds.

Kerron Clement, who entered the Beijing final as the 2007 world champion, was slightly behind Taylor coming off the final curve and went on to the silver medal in 47.98 seconds. Clement earned his 2008 #1 world ranking by posting wins in seven of 10 events, which included victories in Rome, Paris and London. Clement’s fastest time this year of 48.09 came from his win in Rome on July 10.

2005 world champ Bershawn Jackson, who beat Clement and Taylor earlier this season at the June 7 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, captured the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics with his time of 48.06, which secured an American men’s 400m hurdles sweep for the fifth time in Olympic history (1904, 1920, 1956, 1960, 2008). Jackson posted the second-fastest time in the world this season of 47.98 on July 28 in Monaco.

2008 World Junior Championships silver medalist and Olympic Trials fifth-place finisher Johnny Dutch finished as the runner-up at the 2009 USA Outdoor Championships, where he set his personal best of 48.18 seconds. A sophomore at the University of South Carolina, Dutch is the reigning SEC champion and finished as the runner-up at the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

NBC, Versus to broadcast meet

The 2009 World Championships will be broadcast in the United States daily on NBC and Versus. The broadcast schedule is as follows. All times Eastern; subject to change; check local listings.

August 15: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. NBC

August 16: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. NBC

August 17: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Versus

August 18: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Versus

August 19: 1:30 - 4:00 p.m. Versus

August 20: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Versus

August 21: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Versus

August 22: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. NBC

August 23: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. NBC

For more information on Team USA at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, visit: www.usatf.org.

Instant Analysis - MEETING INTERNATIONAL GUADELOUPE

She is hot that, you can’t touch. Carmelita Jeter remains unbeaten at 100 meters throwing down 11.16, ahead of Lauren Williams in 11.38. Jeter came back with a third place finish in the 200-meters in 23.18.

Having already run 10.96 seconds at the Mt. SAC Relays, indicates that Jeter right now is prepared to take on all contender.

The 400 meter Olympic Champion who has started the last couple season with fast starts, did just that again this season. LaShawn Merritt overpowered the 400 meter field in Guadeloupe, winning by over .50 seconds in 44.50. The field included Darold Williamson (45.72), Greg Nixon (45.76), and David Neville (46.26).

Angelo Taylor is picking up where he left off last year that included winning the 400 meter Olympic title in a personal best time of 47.25. Taylor dipped well under 50-seconds, firing of 48.97 seconds.

After running 12.69 earlier in the season at the Florida Relays, Damu Cherry managed a victory in 12.81. Cherry finished fourth at the Beijing Olympics by just .01 seconds.

Lashinda Demus 54.17 took the 400 meter hurdles ahead of Tiffany Williams.  Shawn Crawford gave his bronze medal to from Beijing. This time around, the two-time Olympian locked up the field wining the 200 meters in 20.59 seconds.

After pulling out his heat with a right hamstring injury in Beijing, Terence Tramell is getting his outdoor season off to a good start running 13.45 over the high hurdles. This last victory is in addition to the successful indoor season

Full Guadeloupe  results.

PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show - USA Indoor Nationals Preview

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Join hosts Jay Hicks and John W. Davis on this special edition USA Indoor Track & Field Championships Preview show.  Read more

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

Flair For Dramatics – Stucyzynski Breaks American Pole Vault Record

One of the lessons that Jenn Stuzynski learned from her countless attempts at the U.S. indoor national record is that winning is never easy. That’s why she didn’t lose hope at breaking Stacey Dragila’s record at the Boston Indoor Games. The new record 15 feet, 9 3-4 inches, was good enough to win a $25,000 bonus for breaking the world mark.

Kara Goucher won the 3,000 meters in a personal best of 8:46.65 seconds. Sally Kipyego made history setting a new collegiate record of 8:48.77 on Saturday. The previous record of 8:49.28 was held by Kim Smith of Providence set in 2004.

Right now, Olympic champion Steven Hooker of Austrialia is untouchable. He won the men’s pole vault with a height of 19 feet, 10 1/2 inches — the eighth-best in history, and the only person other than Sergei Bubka to reach it.

Flanagan smashes American Record
In the most exciting race, Sentayehu Ejigu of Ethiopia outleaned Olympic bronze medalist Shalane Flanagan and hit the tape 0.005 seconds in front to win the women’s 5,000 meters in 14 minutes, 47.613 seconds. Flanagan, who finished with the same official time on the scoreboard, set an American record and also got a $25,000 bonus.

Ethiopian Bekana Daba led from the gun in the men’s 3,000 meters, with Galen Rupp right on his heels. But at the bell lap, Daba was pulling away as Rupp was laboring, and the Ethiopian crossed the line in 7:41.88 ahead of Rupp’s 7:44.69.

Winners in other events
Mike Rodgers continued his streaking winning the 60 meters in 6.58 seconds, just ahead of Darvis Patton (6.61) and Travis Padgett (6.62). Two-time Olympian Terrance Trammell won the 60 meter hurdles in 7.53 seconds ahead of Antwon Hicks (7.68). 2006 NCAA indoor and outdoor 200m champion Shalonda Solomon added a world leader in the Visa women’s 200m dash, winning easily in 23.17.

Photo courtesy: Matthew Healy

Instant Analysis: Millrose Games Lagat Undeniable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preview Notes: Millrose Games

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

Will Lagat seal the Wanamaker Mile deal?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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