Gay sprints to 19.41 world best on 200m straight

INDIANAPOLIS - Tyson Gay set a new world best in winning the 200 meters on a straight track Sunday at the Powerade Great City Games in Manchester, U.K.

A triple gold medalist at the 2007 World Outdoor Championships, Gay ran 19.41 seconds into a slight headwind on a specially constructed 200m straight track on the streets of Manchester. The previous world best of 19.5 was set by the legendary Tommie Smith back in 1966 on a cinder track in San Jose, Calif. Smith was trackside for Gay’s race and told BBC Sports “It was a great race.”

Gay came into the race having run 44.89 over 400m on April 17 in Gainesville, Fla. His impressive time over 400m made him the first man to run under 10 seconds for the 100m, 20 seconds for the 200m and 45 seconds over 400m.

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.

Tyson Gay named USATF Athlete of the Week

USA Track & Field

For Immediate Release

INDIANAPOLIS - Tyson Gay has been named USA Track & Field’s Athlete of the Week after setting an American record in the men’s 100 meters Sunday Shanghai Golden Grand Prix in China.

Two-time world 100m medalist Tyson Gay, who has been hampered by a groin injury since before the World Championships, lowered his own American record in the men’s 100 meters, clocking a blistering 9.69 seconds (+2.0mps). His run was the second-best performance of all time, equaling Usain Bolt’s then-world record from the 2008 Olympic Games. Gay had set the previous American record of 9.71 when he won the silver medal at the 2009 World Outdoor Championships in Berlin.

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.

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; September 15, Carmelita Jeter; September 23, Tyson Gay.

BEST MARKS WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 20

MEN

100 - 9.69 Tyson Gay (adidas) - Shanghai, CHN 9/20    AMERICAN RECORD
200 - 20.21 Tyson Gay (adidas) - Szczecin, POL 9/15
400 - 45.28 LaShawn Merritt (Nike) - Shanghai, CHN 9/20
800 - 1:46.33 Nick Symmonds (OTC Elite) - Szczecin, POL 9/15
110H - 13.15 Terrence Trammell (TSA) - Shanghai, CHN 9/20
HJ - 2.27/7-5.25 Andra Manson (Nike) - Shanghai, CHN 9/20
LJ - 8.36/27-5.25 Dwight Phillips (Nike) - Shanghai, CHN 9/20
SP - 21.49/70-6.25 Christian Cantwell (Nike) - Szczecin, POL 9/15
Dec - 8189 Tom Pappas (Nike) - Talence, FRA 9/20

WOMEN

100 - 10.64 Carmelita Jeter (Nike) - Shanghai, CHN 9/20     World leader
200 - 22.37 Allyson Felix (adidas) - Shanghai, CHN 9/20
400 - 50.89 Monica Hargrove (unat) - Shanghai, CHN 9/20
1500 - 4:07.31 Christin Wurth-Thomas (Nike) - Szczecin, POL 9/15
100H - 12.56 Dawn Harper (Nike) - Shanghai, CHN 9/20
PV - 4.20/13-9.25 Jillian Schwartz (Nike) - Shanghai, CHN 9/20
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

Bolt vs. Gay Begs More Questions

The prevailing wisdom after watching the 22-year-old Jamaican sprint to 9.58 seconds and 19.19 seconds in the 100 and 200 meters respectively at the World Championship is that every race under 400 meters is a rap. Usain Bolt has the ability to challenge every world record under 800 meters, bring about world peace, and deliver on universal health care and still have time to for some dance hall moves.

After setting two world records in Berlin, nothing is too far of a stretch. Really.

It is difficult to argue with nearly a two meter victory in the 100 meters at the World Championships.

But a closer looks reveals the story involving the story between the two spring giants is not complete.

The presence of Tyson Gay in the race propelled Bolt to lower his world record. There was no showboating, no shutting it down two meters from the line. Because Bolt knew that anything less than his best could threaten the chance for victory.

How fast can Gay ultimately go? I don’t think it’s unrealistic that his personal best is sub 9.70 seconds over the next two seasons.

And in the Berlin race, Tyson Gay’s 9.71 is a time that would have been a world record 13 months ago. That is still only good for a silver but news is coming out that the ever classy Gay was not 100% in the World Championship final. In fact, his groin injury requires surgery after the season. I know, some you’re thinking it is just another excuse. But the American Record holder was not at his best and one can only imagine if Gay can close some of the gap.

But track is arguably the most fickle of lovers. Hot today and then small injuries such as of the groin, foot or hamstring after running a number of fast races has slowed down some of the sports best. Think Maurice Greene.

The rivalry is not over. The fact is that every season starts completely new and fans can look forward to Bolt dueling it on the circuit in 2010. The finals left more questions about who will win the next match up and the meet after that.

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!

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 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.

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

Day 1, Morning: USATF World Champs Quotes

For Immediate Release
Saturday, August 15, 2009

Day 1 Team USA quotes from Berlin - Mornining Session

Adam Nelson, Men’s shot put, Charlottesville, Va.
It was great out there. That’s how you like to get it done, with one throw. I’m in great shape. I’m expecting big things tonight.

Christian Cantwell, Men’s shot put, Columbia, Mo.
We had great weather. I feel good. I did what I wanted to do, and that’s all that matters. (Getting the qualifying mark on the second throw) I typically do that. I have only done it once on my first one. I don’t mind taking two throws. I usually take it safe on the first one, which I did. The second throw was just as easy. I got a little more flick on it. On the warm up track, I was throwing fine. I imagine I will add a little more distance to that tonight.

Dan Taylor, Men’s shot put, Mesa, Ariz.
The first throw was great. It was well over qualifying, but I guess I fouled it on the front. It went all downhill from there. The same thing happened at my first worlds.

Reese Hoffa, Athens, Ga.
It’s awesome to be in the finals. But I have to execute. I can’t just dilly-dally like I did this morning. I got through, and I’m happy about that. I may have struggled a little bit. I have to believe it was there. I don’t know what was going on out there. I think I was thinking too much. At the last couple of major championships, I went out there, first throw and I was gone. To go out there and barely just miss it, maybe it got too technical. It was 30 minutes between throws. That might wear you out just a bit as well.

Lindsay Anderson, Women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, So. Ogden,Utah
It’s definitely not what I was hoping for. As soon as the gun went off, I felt like I didn’t have it. I didn’t have anything there. It was kind of disappointing. Everything has been running great. It just wasn’t a good day.

Jennifer Barringer, Women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, Boulder, Colo.
I qualified. I gave everyone a heart-attack, but I qualified. I was a little nervous. With two laps to go, I changed the game plan, don’t try and take control of the race. It was getting a little aggressive up front. We weren’t running especially fast. I calmed down a little bit. I gave myself some room to see and know what I wanted to do. I was really confident with 100 meters that I was going to catch that qualifying pack. I think when I re-watch the race, I’m going to realize I was a little farther behind than I thought. It was a physical race for sure. I was ready for that. It was that way in China. It was that way in Japan. I definitely experienced that before. I got through today. I am really happy with qualifying. I will be ready to go.

Bridget Franek, women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase, Hiram, Ohio
The first few laps, I definitely wanted to put myself in position, be ahead at the end and make finals, and that was the ultimate goal. Unfortunately, I ran out of gas or something. I felt awesome (when the race started). The first five laps, it felt so good. I don’t know what happened at the end. I’m so honored to make it. Nothing has changed. It has been a long season. I didn’t expect this going into the season. I have to make some adjustments. That’s something I will be working on for the future.
Jake Freeman, men’s hammer, Westbury, N.Y.
It was fun, a lot of fun out there. It was a great day to throw, we had great competition. I thought I did pretty good. The second throw was a good one. I just finished it right. That third throw, I needed a little more. But I kind of pulled it too much. I got some experience for my next one. I think I did ok. It gives me a little bit of confidence going into next year, and the next three years.
I would’ve like to have made it to the next day.
A.G. Kruger, Men’s Hammer Throw, Ashland, Ohio
Training, coaching and everything else felt great. I just didn’t put it together. It’s just as simple as that. I’m going to go home and figure out what to do next year. I will figure it out one of these years. When I do, I will throw it far.

Michael Mai, Men’s Hammer Throw, Santa Clara, Calif.
It started off pretty good. I was happy with my first throw. I kind of missed it at the finish. My second throw was really looking great. I just pulled it at the finish. It was a good day for the most part. I had the speed. Everything was ready to go. I just didn’t quite do what I was looking for. I haven’t had a lot of volume this year. I’m trying to work on things. It just takes a long time. Hopefully, I will have some more chances in the next year.

Jessica Beard, Women’s 400 Meters, Euclid, Ohio
I think it went pretty good. I got second in my heat. The top three automatically make it. Of course that was a big goal for me. I have to still work on some stuff in my race. I know that. I felt I ran pretty well, I’m happy with it. I know I have to run something better than I ran at USA Nationals. I think this is a perfect time for me. There is so much experience on this team especially when it comes to quarter-milers with what all they have done and accomplished. I’m just looking at them for experience and words of wisdom. Sanya (Richards) told me, “Jessica, just run your race.” That helped me calm down a lot.

Debbie Dunn, Women’s 400 Meters, Norfolk, Va.
It’s the first round, so the main goal is to go out there and get to the next race. I did that, so I am happy with my time. (Running style with right arm) I know. I have been happy with that for the longest time. I don’t know what to do with it. But I tried to work it. We’ll see for the next round. Hopefully, I will work it better for the next round.
Darvis Patton, Men’s 100 Meters, Grand Prairie, Texas
I miss my daughter Dakota Rae. She was born a little bit before the USA Championships, and my mom’s been doing a great job taking care of her while I’ve been away.

Rae Edwards, Men’s 100 Meters, Kansas City, Kan.
I learned today what it’s like to have to get back into the race.

Tyson Gay, Men’s 100 Meters, Clermont, Fla.
I just had to run and get the kinks out. I just played it safe and got through the=2 0round.

Erica McLain, Women’s Triple Jump, Menlo Park, Calif.
I felt like I was rushing through all three of my phases today. I had a lot of energy in getting ready to compete today, but it seemed like it wasn’t there this morning. In big meets like this, I have to learn how to be more of a competitor.

Sanya Richard, Women’s 400 Meters, Austin, Texas
I was happy that (Christina Ohuruogu) was there. I t gave me a little bit of extra motivation. Today I felt really relaxed. Coach (Clyde Hart) wanted me to go out and run my first 300 a little bit more aggressive. Coach might not be happy with where I was at 300, but my legs felt really strong coming home, and that’s how I like to feel.

I like to win all my races, so I can get the first pick of lanes.
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

PreRaceJitters’ Track & Field Radio Show - Podcast #38

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After a brief break, track and field’s top internet radio show returns with two weeks until the World Championships to discuss track and field’s hottest stories. Jay Hicks and John W. Davis chop up the issues.

-Gay vs. Bolt
-Is Allyson Felix unbeatable?
-Can the U.S. 1,500m women medal in Berlin?

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

PreRaceJitters’ Off the Track with John W. Davis Podcast # 38 featuring Joe Battaglia

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For the 5th Episode of ” PreRaceJitters’ Off The Track with John W. Davis”, I collaborated with a highly respected Track and Field Journalist.

My guest, none of than Universal Sports Senior Producer, Joe Battaglia.

You probably know Joe as the lead reporter of Universal Sports’ Track and Field section.

I know Joe as a respected colleague, who I wanted to team up with, to breakdown T&F.

So, we decided to record an audio version of Joe’s weekly Inside Track interview/recap/preview article.

Here’s our podcast rundown:

1. Bolt v. Gay
2. The American Distance Scene
3. Marathon Match ups
4. The State of the Long Jump
5. Is Jelimo Back?
6. Who’s the Best Hurdler in The World?

Off the Track with John W. Davis. My Style… Their Stories… For Your Ears Only!

Don’t forget, Off The Track with John W. Davis is a PreRaceJitters.com exclusive.

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