Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center (Roxbury, MA)

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In its twelfth incarnation, the Reebok Boston Indoor Games had something for everyone. For the record watchers, the women's 5,000 meters was the race to see! But there were also meet records in the men's pole vault, Australian records at the women's mile, men's pole vault and men's 3,000 meters. And for the hometown crowd, a local women gave a stunning performance and American record for the citizens of Boston. In the end, track and field is about, the competition, athlete versus athlete, and who, that night, was in the zone, or had that something extra to get to the finish line first.

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Before the meet

The Saturday of the Reebok Boston Games, the Jury Hotel is awash in athletes. Going down to the first floor, Christian Cantwell and John Godina, two of the best shot putters in the world, are waiting for lunch. Distance runners are coming in from their runs, amazed at how cold it is, -10 wind chill.

On Friday, Victor Sailer, our photographer, and I went for walks twice during the day and experienced the rawest wind we have ever felt in Boston, a wind chill of -25 as we hit the Boston Commons in the morning. I have not had my toes freeze in a long while.

Craig Mottram, the Australian distance star who took the 2005 World Champs bronze medal at 5,000 meters, was not amused. His morning run, while much quicker than mine, was book marked by harsh winds and just plain hard cold. That afternoon, Craig and I watched his 5,000 meter race from Helsinki, where the race pace dawdled, tempers increased, as the field of 18 stepped on each other. Once the race started, at 4 kilometers, Mottram, who had six inches in height on anyone else in field. As the kicks truly began in earnest, seeing Mottram in full flight, with his six to seven foot strides. Fighting his way from sixth to first, then, with fifty to go, fighting his way back to the bronze medal was amazing to see, and note that Craig Mottram, world class distance runner, had never seen a tape of his full 5,000 meters race before!

Masters Mile: Coogan is new Master's star

So, how would Mark Coogan, 1996 Olympic marathoner, newly turned Master, do at the indoor mile? Last weekend, Mark ran his first indoor race since 1999 and ran 4:25 for the mile, with, as he told New England Runner (NER) editor Bob Fitzgerald, "No training."

So, Mr. Coogan took control of the mile at the 400 meters, hit in 67 seconds, and the race for the record was on. Coogan hit the 800 in 2:11. 3 looking like he was starting to work hard. Mark hit the 1200 in 3:18.5 and the race for the record was on! Mark lifted his legs and pumped his arms, and the effort was telling as he entered the last 200 meters, which he ran in a strong 33.5. Mark's time was a fine 4:24.76, just missing the Masters Meet record of 4:23.19 by Brian Pope in 2005. Kent Leme of the Greater Springfield Harriers was second in 4:28.67 and Doug Martyn of Whirlaway RT, a perennial competitor in the masters mile, was third in 4:29.63.

Smartwater Men's 800 Meter Run: Nick Symmonds is the real thing

Last summer at the AT&T USA Outdoor, Nick Symmonds dropped nearly three seconds off his 800 meter personal best, taking second. Two weeks ago, Nick ran 3:56.72 for the mile indoors, a personal best and won that race by six seconds.

So, how would Symmonds do with this crowd? The pack hit the 200 meters in 26.39, with Sam Burley, 2003 NCAA Champion at 800 meters, in the lead as the rabbit dropped out. Burley, who is not known for leading races, tried something different and pushed the pack through 400 meters in 53.17, with Symmonds on Burleys' shoulder. David Krummenacker, who won here last year, and is the 2003 World Indoor Champion at 800 meters, was still off the pace.

Burley was not letting up, hitting the 600 meters in 1:21.30, as Krummenacker began to move up. But the race was all about Sam Burley and Nick Symmonds. As the duo came into the final stretch, Burley was still in the lead. Did Symmonds have it in him to push past Burley, or would Sam be rewarded for his new tactics?

With less than thirty meters to go, Nick Symmonds went past Sam Burley, to win in 1:48.15 to Burley's 1:48.66 and Krummenacker was third in 1:49.29.

Symmonds, a seven time Division III champion from Willamette University in Oregon, showed that he is a force to be taken seriously in our sport. He had this to say after his victory: " I knew the pacesetter was going out in 52. I knew I could handle that. I wanted to hang off it a little. My original plan was to go coming off the second-to-last turn, but I had to wait. Burley was tough. Fortunately I got him in the last 50. My big thing was being on the leader's shoulder. I did not have to push around too much, and I could watch the race unfold on the JumboTron."

(Quick comments on music sampling---a bit more metal than in the past, with samplings of Nirvana, Teen Spirt and one of my favorites, Ramstein (German metal band), and their hit, Du Hasch).

Men's Shot Put

Dan Taylor who threw 70-9 1/4 surprised the field of John Godina, Christian Cantwell and Reese Hoffa. It was Taylor's night, as he defeated Christian Cantwell, who was second in 70-01, and Reese Hoffa, who was third in 68-04.5 and John Godina, who was fourth in 63-02.

At the Reebok Boston Indoor Games, and also at Millrose, the shot put has been an event that is featured in the center of the track. The throwers, huge specimens, love the support of the crowds. Dan Taylor was inspired to perform on Saturday: he gave his best series of his young thrower's career-all over 21.

Dan Taylor added these comments on his last throw: "It's the best meet I have ever had. Every single throw was over 21 meters, and to have two throws over 70 feet is unbelievable. I felt good, it was a good day, and a good atmosphere. When they put us out in the middle like that, it helps a lot. The field out there was ridiculous. Christian and Reese are the top two ranked in the world, and John Godina has more accolades than anyone."

Women's 5,000 Meters: Tirunesh Dibaba Destroys WR

The first time this writer saw Tirunesh Dibaba was at the 2003 World Outdoor Championships. With one lap to go in the women's 5,000 meters, there was a traffic jam, with several runners still in the fight. It was a then 18-year-old Tirunesh Dibaba who took the gold medal.

In 2005, Tirunesh showed her fitness by setting a world record at 5,000 meters indoor in 14:32.93 at the Reebok Boston Indoor Games, starting off the year in a fine fashion. She added two gold medals, one at 5,000 m and one at 10,000 m. Dibaba became the first athlete, male or female, to win both races at a major championship!

Dibaba had a pace setter, Bridget Binning, who took Dibaba through 68.6 for the 400, 2.19.22 for the 800 and 2.55.3 for the 1,000 meters, and the race was on. Tirunesh took over after this, as her sister, Ejegayehu Dibaba, was under the weather, and had a tough night on her own, holding on to finish second.

Tirunesh was ahead of her record at 1600 meters in 4:38.78 by one second. Hitting 2k in 5:48.45, and hit 3k in 8.44.30, six seconds under the record of two years ago!

The tough kilometer in this race last year was the fourth. It was important that Tirunesh keep on pace through the fourth kilometer, in order to have a shot at the record. When Tirunesh hit 4 kilometers in 11:40.98, the announcer noted that Dibaba was five seconds under world record pace! The crowd went crazy as the pace quickened and Tirunesh was in her element. Dibaba hit 4400 meters in 12.50.98. Tirunesh hit 4,600 meters in 13:26 and it was clear that, barring a complete breakdown, Tirunesh Dibaba would set a world record. Running the last 400 in 61.42, the last 200 meters in 29.3, Tirunesh Dibaba broke the world indoor record for 5,000 meters by five second with her fine 14;27.42!

Dibaba's stride is light, staccato, and deadly in its efficiency. There is not a wasted movement and she barely touches the track. Her stride is perfectly matched for someone running very fast.

After her record-breaking performance, Tirunesh Dibaba was asked if she could break 14:15 for 5,000 meters. " God willing, I will try."

Ejegayehu Dibaba of Ethiopia, the sister of Tirunesh, took second in 15:09.49 and Aheza Kiros, also of Ethiopia was third in 15:26.43. But what has to be described is the DEAFENING CROWD, Ethiopian flags waving, the crowd on their feet as Tirunesh Dibaba shows why she is the Paavo Nurmi of women's distance running.

Splits for Women's 5,000 meters (special thanks on splits to Steve Vaitones, USATF/NE)

W5000 34.8 68.65 1:43.8 2:19.22 K 2:55.28 2:55.28 3:30.11 4:04.3 4:38.78 -x- 2K 5:48.45 2:53.17 6:23.7 6:58.79 7:33.8 8:09.12 3K 8:44.30 2:55.85 9:19.35 9:54.7 10:30.31 11:05.7 4k 11:40.98 2:56.68 -x- 12:50.98 13:24.8 13:57.70 5K 14:27.42 2:46.44 62.6 29.72

Men's 60 m hurdles

David Payne had this one, with a fine start and his strong finish, running a fine 7.58.Joel Brown was second in 7.60 and David Oliver was third in 7.61.

Women's 60 m hurdles

Edmonton World Champion Perdita Felicien of Canada took this race in 7.97, and Daniella Carruthers was second in 8.10. In third was Kellie Wells in 8.11.

American Track & Field Girl's Mile

Danielle Tauro won the Millrose Mile last year, and continued her winning ways into the Junior championships this past summer. In the American Track & Field Mile, Daniella, with schoolmate Jillian Smith on her shoulder, ran a controlled race. Hitting the quarter in 73 seconds and hitting 800 meters in 2:32.2, the field was all close. Tauro started to increase the pace, hitting 1320 in 3:44, running her last 400 meters in 68.20, and Danielle Tauro took the mile, in 4:52.20. In 4:53.58 was Jillian Smith, who had been at Tauro's shoulder the entire race. In third was Alex Kosinski, of El Dorado Hills, CA, in 4;54.05. Lindsay Carson of Ontario, Canada was fourth in 4;55.00, and Catherine White of Bellport, NY was fifth in 4:55.38.

American Track & Field Boy's Mile

This was one of the most competitive events of the night. Steve Murdock, Nike Team Nationals winner took the lead in 60.1-2:04.6 and 3:07.5. Murdock was under the weather a bit but wanted an honest pace. And honest he gave them. At the bell, it was Murdock fading, with Matthew Centorwitz, Duncan Phillips, Mark Amirault, Girma Mecheso ready to move.

At 1400 meters, Matt Centrowitz made a serious move to win the race and with one lap to go, Centrowitz looked like a prohibitive winner.

Duncan Phillips had other ideas and proceeded to run down the entire gap between Centrowitz and Phillips. Only getting Centrowitz at the line, Duncan Phillips of College Station, TX, took the win in 4:09.20, with Matthew Centrowitz, of Arnold, MD in second in 4:10.85. Mark Amirault of Walope, MA finished in third in 4:11.26, Girma Mecheso of Lawrenceville, GA in 4:11.67 and Even Jager in fifth, from Algonquin, IL, in 4;12.59.

(For more coverage on these two races, go to http://www.atf-athlete.com for race coverage by John Nepolitan and photo gallery from http://www.photorun.net).

Men's 60 Meter Dash

Shawn Crawford, the 2004 Olympic champion at 200 meters, ran 6.55 here tonight to take the field. DaBryan Blanton ran 6.58 for second and Mark Jelks was third in 6.60.

Women's 60 Meter Dash

Marshevet Hooker won the women's dash in 7.24. Miki Barber was second in 7.28 and Sheri-Ann Brooks was third in 7.29.

Women's Pole Vault

Jenn Stuczynski of the U.S. cleared 4.70, or 15-5 last weekend at the Pole Vault Summit in Reno, NV. Stuczynski is the best women vaulter in the U.S., having won the U.S. Outdoor in Indy last summer, and having competed with distinction across Europe last summer.

Returning to the track where she won her first national title three years ago, Jenn won by six inches, with her clearance of 4.63m, or 15-02.25. She then took three attempts at the American record, but did not clear. In second was Mary Sauer, who cleared 4.43m or 14-6.25m, Jillian Schwartz was third, and her clearance was also 4.43m, or 14-6.25. Nast ja Ryshich of Germany cleared 4.28m or 14-00.50 for fourth. Dana Ellis of Canada cleared 4.28m, also, finishing in fifth on more misses than Ryshich. In sixth place was Chelsea Johnson, who cleared 4.13m or 13-06.50. Tracy O'Hara did not clear a height in this competition.

Men's Pole Vault: Hooker Breaks 19 feet!

Steven Hooker of Australia is a giant of a man. With parents who were former track athletes---his father ran the 800 meters and also ran the 4x400 in the Commonwealth Games and his mother was a long jumper.

Hooker, ranked first in the world in 2006 by Track & Field News, won both the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup---bookends of the international outdoor season in 2006, which gave him peaks six months apart!

Steve trains in Perth, Australia. He carefully planned not only his arrival, but his pole's arrivals here. Airlines have this wonderful way of losing regular baggage, but that is nothing what airlines do with the tool of vaulting, the vault pole.

As Steve Hooker was vaulting on Saturday---on a borrowed pole---his poles were somewhere in the skies above Boston. Hooker cleared 5.81m or 19-00.75, setting a meet record plus an Australian record. He did not attempt another jump as he would have had to try a completely new pole. The crowd was enthralled by his clearance of nineteen feet.

Russ Buller, last year's national champion for the U.S., cleared 5.61m or 18-04.75. Jeff Hartwig, the 39-year-old AR and dean of U.S. vaulting, cleared 5.51m or 18-01.00. Daniel Ryland of the U.S. was fourth in 17-05, and Robbie Pratt of Mexico did not clear a height in this competition.

Women's 400m Dash

Monica Hargrove of the U.S. won this two lapper. Running to the lead right after the break, Monica kept the power down and won in a fine 52.85. Mary Wineberg of the U.S. was second in 53.50. Dee Dee Trotter of the U.S. ran 53.93 for third place and Patricia Hall of Jamaica was fourth in 54.10. Licretia Sibley of USA was fifth in 54.28. Ronetta Smith finished the field, in sixth, as the Jamaican ran 54.61.

Women's Mile

On Friday afternoon, Chris Lukesic, Nick Willis, Lindsey Gallo and Sarah Jamieson joined this writer on a panel on the mile for the junior runners in the ATF boys and girls prep mile. In querying the panel, it was noted that Sarah, one of the top women milers in the world had endured nearly five years of constant leg operations and recovery to get to this level of health and training. In her first healthy year in several years, Jamieson took the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games, ran an Australian record at 1,500 meters (4:00.93) and also took the bronze in the World Cup, among many races this year. Most of us noticed her in the elite U.S. outdoor season where she blasted the 1,500 meters over four meets.

Sarah took off tonight and pushed herself all the way to an Australian indoor record, of 4:28.03 for the indoor mile. Shayne Culpepper of the U.S. was second in 4:31.35. Christin Wurth-Thomas ran a fine 4:31.84 after running a great race. Sarah Hall was fourth in 4:32.24. Lindsay Gallo ran 4:33.86 for fitth and Carmen Douma-Hussar ran 4:33.9 in sixth. Mestawot Tadesse of Ethiopia ran 4:40.26 for seventh place, Janelle Deatherage ran 4:40.43 for eighth place and Amy Mortimer took ninth in 4:41.95 with Natalie Hughes in 4:44.00 for tenth place.

Men's Mile

Alan Webb has already had the career of three middle distance runners-prep records, indoor and out, a great college start, then the denoument. During his tough years, few thought he could recover. Well, only two really mattered. Alan and his coach, Scott Razcko, thought he would re emerge. And emerge he did.

In 2005, his challenging third lap in the Helsinki 1,500 meters cost him a higher finish, but showed his guts. In 2006, his 27:34 10,000 meters showed some serious distance strength. The rest of his season was marred by injuries and some recovery issues over the 10,000.

Two weeks ago, and five years to the day that he broke the prep indoor record, Alan Webb ran a 3:56 mile on the NY Armory indoor track at the New Balance Classic. Webb's mile was a serious effort and the results of six good months of endurance training.

The race went out hard, with the pacemaker hitting 55.3, 1:56.1 and Webb was off! Running through the 1320 in 2:55, Alan Webb set his second indoor PR of the season, one week apart with a fine 3:55.18. Kevin Sullivan, the Canadian vet, who is having the a great start to this year, lead the second pack the entire race and ran a fine 3:57.33 for second. Mark Fountain, the Commonwealth bronze medalist, ran 3:57.76 for third. James Nolan of Ireland was fourth in 3:58.85 with the Ukraine's Ivan Hesko, the European champion at 1,500 meters, in fifth in 3:59.14. Chris Lukesic, who had sat on Sullivan's back most of the race, drifted back to sixth in 4:00.50. Rob Myers was next up , in seventh in 4:00.52. Gabe Jennings, the second placer in the U.S. outdoor championships, had a hard start to his indoor season with a 4:12.13 for eighth place.

Webb would remark after the race that he wondered why the field was shocked with the pace, as the pacemakers had run the agreed pace. The truth is, Alan is in a place of his own right now, working toward Osaka, the goal of the world championships. What can Alan Webb do? A good season of training, some thoughtful racing, smart tactics and lots of luck could make the end of summer something to remember for Mr. Webb.

Women's 3,000m: Defar a Bit Down and Flanagan is BACK!

Meseret Defar and Tirunesh Dibaba are runners of disparate styles. One only notices Dibaba's effort over the last few laps, whereas Defar runs with determination and focus that does not hide her effort.

Defar wanted the 3kworld record tonight. Unfortunately, she caught a bug and was not up to her full strength. At 95 percent of her best, Defar would run the sixth fastest time in the world, ever. There are many athletes who would love to have her off night.

Not having an off night is one Shalane Flanagan. The daughter of the former Cheryl Bridges (who held the women's marathon record after a very tough run on the old Culver City marathon course) and Steve Flanagan (a tough cross country runner who competed internationally for the U.S., as well as a former footwear executive), Shalane had a lot of pressure on her growing up with such a running pedigree. At NC State, Shalane showed that her prep prowess was nothing compared to what she would do in college. When Shalane went pro, big things were said---was she the next Mary Slaney? Shalane ran some fine races, but her injuries stacked up against her and it was not until this past year, when an extra bone was found in one of her feet just as surgery was about to begin and Amol Saxena, a noted foot surgeon, removed the problematic extra bone.

Flanagan was able to train this fall without pain for the first time in 18 months! As she began the race this evening, it was evident that she was fit, as she seemed to be the only athlete besides Defar not in over her head.

The pacemaker Carlstom took the field through 64.17 for 400 meters, and 2:14.28 for 800 meters. Carlstrom stepped off the track right after the kilometer in 2:49.62, and the race was on.

Meseret Defar pushed the pace with Kim Smith from New Zealand and Shalane Flanagan in tow. Defar pushed the next kilometer in 2:53.33, hitting the 2k in near record pace of 5:42.95. By this time Kim Smith was back ten meters, still holding on, and Shalane Flanagan was one step behind Defar.

Defar must have sensed Flanagan on her back. Defar was working very hard, dropping a 69-second lap, and Flanagan was flying along, actually looking much more relaxed and economical than Defar, whose running style would never be described as delicate. Defar ran a 69, then powered to a 66 and still Flanagan was there.

It was at about 2800 meters, when there was still a chance of a world record that Flanagan came up on the side of Defar who gave her an incredulous look that seemed to say---who is this silly American who thinks she can challenge me? Defar took off, running 8:30.31, the sixth fastest indoor 3k of all times.

Shalane Flanagan, coached by Alberto Salazar, was rewarded for her paradigm shift, running a new American Record! Her 8:33 was mind boggling! Also the sounds of the crowd as Flanagan reached out and ran next to Defar was deafening! Congrats also to Kim Smith, whose 8:38.13 was a New Zealand record!

w3000 spilts (courtesy of Steve Vaitones) -x- 64.17 pacesetter - Carlstrom 1:38.4 2:14.28 K 2:49.62 2:49.62 Pacesetter Carlstrom steps off 3:26.30 4:00.7 Defar Flanagan Smith 4:36.67 5:09.3 Smith dropped 10M 5:42.95 2:53.33 6:16.5 6:51.16 7:25.56 7:58.50 Flanagan 759. 8:30.31 2:47.36

Men's 3,000 meters

Let's face it, this meet is all about the middle distances! And one of the most amazing races was the last event of the night, the men's 3,000 meters.

Craig Mottram of Australia won the two mile last year, here, a tactical affair. Allistair Cragg had won here several times over 3k, but last year was his first defeat. Both were back and ready to run. Mottram was coming off a 27.34 in Madrid where he had a tinge of leg soreness, probably from running 13.07 for the first 5,000 meters! Cragg had a nice build-up after a tough Euro 5k injury, just as he was ready to take control.

The field, with Mottram up front, went through the 400 m in 57.71, the 800 m in 1:58.70 and the 1320 in 3:02.8 and the mile in 4:06.24. The field had passed through 1k in 2;30.6 and 2k in 5:11, a second k in 2:41! Markos Geneti and Ali Abdosh of Ethiopia were trailing Mottram with Cragg close behind. Remember, the mile was hit in 4:06, pretty good pace for the first track meet of the year!

By this time, Mottram was in control of the race and he began to drop most of the field. Cragg, who had followed the fast 1,600 m in earnest, began to drop back. Mottram was full of running now, and put the pressure on, with a 65, then a 62, then a 58!

It was during the last two laps, run in just under 55 seconds, that Mottram was overcome with his quest for victory and Craig pumped his fist on the last back stretch to the crowd, and waved as he was hitting the final straight, run the last 200 meters in 28 seconds. Markos Geneti and Ali Abdosh did not give up, but Mottram was in full run and no one can catch Buster, as they call him, when he is full of running.

Craig Mottram was rewarded for his efforts with a fine 7:39.24, a new Australian indoor record. Markos Geneti of Ethiopia ran 7;42.72 for second, Ali Abdosh of Ethiopia was third in 7:45.96 for third. Alistair Cregg of Ireland was fourth in 7:52.68. Josphat Boit of Kenya was fifth in 7:54.30, Thomas Morgan of the US was sixth in 7:54.45 . Robert Cheseret of Kenya was seventh in 7:56.86. Gebre Gebremariam of Ethiopia was eighth in 7:57.27 and Jorge Torres of the US was ninth in 8:04.84, with Michael Aish of New Zealand in tenth in 8:10.04.

M 3000 (stats from Steve Vaitones) 28.1 57.71 1:28.1 1:58.70 K 2;:30.6 3:02.28 Pacesetter Skortsov off 3:33.8 Cragg in lead 4:06.24 4:39.1 2K 5:11.xx 5:42.3 6:13.71 6:44.26 7:11.97 7:39.24 Nat'l rec

Mottram is now one of the real superstars of the sport. His running is full of emotion and his style is unapologetic. He knows, on the right day and in the right race, he can beat anyone in the world---and he will. Mottram running full out is something to behold.

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The beginning of 2007 and the Reebok Boston Indoor Games is over. A meet with one world record, five national records and a sold out facility, where ten years ago, there was a fan base of 500. My how the sport has changed.

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Special thanks to Global Athletics & Marketing, especially Mark Wetmore, Rich Kenah, Barbara, Sam, Page-thanks for the great event. Special thanks to Victah Sailer and Lisa Coniglio for their photographs and John Nepolitan for his junior mile stories. Stats by Steve Vaitones. Edited by Brenda Barrera. Managed by Brian Eder/two fish design. Written by Larry Eder, larry.eder@gmail.com

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atf newswire is published by shooting star media, inc. All rights reserved. Copyright 2007. http://www.shootingstarmediainc.com. Published for the good of the sport.

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