Day Seven

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Welcome to Day 7, as we have had two days off. In that time, we went to a Nike press conference on the new national team uniforms, planned our 2005 editorial schedules, and worked on editing an issue.

Thanks to all of our readers who have passed along notes, including Coach Wes Cook, who has not missed a Trials in a long time. It means a lot to get notes from you.

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Women's Shot Put, qualifying

The big three here look to be Kristn Heaston, who threw 17.93m, or 58- 10, Laura Gerraughty, who threw 17.75m, or 58-03, and Jillian Camarena, who threw 16.95m or 55-07.5. Special note for sixth qualifier Karen Freberg, at 16.53m or 53-07.75--her father has written some awesome shot pieces for ATF and Cal Track.

*****

Women's Long Jump, Final

Well, all those who felt that Marion was not trying were rudely awakened here, when Marion, after a couple days break, cranked a 23-4 long jump or 7.11m, her longest jump since 1998, and the second longest jump in the world this year. That came in round two, and Marion looked happy for the first time this meet.

Marion Jones jumped 6.80m, 7.11m, 6.72m, 6.81m, 6.84m, and 6.72m. She was obviously listenting to coach Dan Pfaff, who was walking along the fence across from the jump, as Marion produced one of the best sets of jumps that she has done in years.

Grace Upshaw jumped 6.77, or 22-2 1/2 moving her into second from fourth in round three. Marion Jones did not jump in round three.

Grace first fouled, then jumped 6.56m, 6.77m, 6.75m, 6.79m and 6.83m to keep second.

Akiba McKinney jumped 6.56, foul, 6.57m, 6.38m, foul, foul and kept third, with 6.57m, or 21-6.75.

The conditions are perfect--just a bit of wind, highs in the 70s, and a good, knowledgable crowd.

Marion Jones looked great in the long jump. Aftewards, wiping away the tears from her eyes, she said, "I was able to relax...it was alot of fun."

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The Torri Edwards affair

Torri Edwards, as reported by the IAAF and WADA, has tested positive for nikethamide, after a competition in Martinique, on April 24, 2004. According to the reports, both her A sample and B sample have tested positive for this product, which is classified as a stimulant.

The story from HSI, her representatives, was that her doctor purchased a glucose tablet, made in France, that contained the banned substance.

Then, HSI did something quite unique. They sent out a press release, where Torri did not dispute the testing or contest the result. They threw her at the feet of the IAAF and WADA, asking for leniacy, as it was a violation, but, in their minds, pretty small, considering the circumstances.

In this time of eternal viglialnce, a two year expulsion from the sport is possble for this violation.

It also means that Marion Jones may move into the sprint pool, especialy if Gail Devers concentrates only on the hurdles. Stay tuned on this one...

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Men's Javelin Qualifying

Breaux Greer used a single throw of 79.19m or 259-10 to make the final. The automatic qualifier was 75.00m or 246-1.

The top American at the NCAA, Brian Chaput, threw 76.28m/250-3 and two time Olympian Tom Puksyts came out of retirment to throw 75.46/ 247-7 to move on. Three time SEC champion Leigh Smith hit 74.06/243- 0 and moved to the final.

Also making the final was 42 year old ex-Brit Roald Bradstock, who finished seventh in the Atlanta Games, at 70.27/230-6, in eleventh place.

Breaux Greer is throwing at the world elite level, and if he continues, he will be a top six candidate in Athens. Tom Pukstys has done much for the javelin, and is one of the finest throwers in US history.

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Men's Triple Jump Qualifying

Kenta the Meek?

Mike Conley, the man in the triple jump, told ATF last year Kenta Bell was the new man, but he started off a bit slow, jumping 16.86 or 55-5 3/ 4.

Kenta the Triple Jump Deity?

Then, Kenta the meek woke up, and jumped a mega 17.47/57-7 3/4-- and he did it into a .7 to lead all the qualifiers.

Walter Davis took two attempts to get to 17.36 or 56-11 1/2. Tim Rusa took fifth in the qualifying in 16.80 or 55-1 1/2. La Mark Carter was eleventh qualifier in 16.36/53-8 1/4.

The triple jump is the most damaging event that you can do in track and field. It requires speed, flexiblity, agility, core strength and great timing. Sebastian Coe called it the most challenging field event and we at ATF can only agree.

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Women's 400m Dash, semi finals

Heat 1

DeeDee Trotter ran 50.53, Monique Henterson ran 50.53, Monique Hennagan ran 50.59 and Crystal Cox ran 51.23. This was one fast heat.

Heat 2

Sanya Richards is running fast, and if she had not shut down in the last 20 meters, she would have run sub 50 seconds, but she ran 50.34, with Suziann Reed in 51.14, Moushami Robinson in 51.72 and Debbie Dunn in 51.84.

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Men's 400m Dash, Final

This, friends, was a horse race. Jeremy Wariner took off from the start and by 250 meters, he had a clear lead. Andrew Rock and Kelly Willie were right on his back, when they felt... the BEAR. The BEAR, that feeling when lactate fills your mitocondria, and those long strides become baby steps and you feel like a 500 lb bear has sat on your back, and how can you be running so slow?

Wariner was tearing up the track, and right behind him was Otis Harris, Derrick Brew, and Darold Williamson.

Jeremy Wariner was rewarded with a 44.37 for the win, and a world leader! Otis Harris was in second in 44.67, Derrick Brew was third in 44.69, Darrold Williamson was fourth in 44.70, Calvin Harrison was fifth in 44.85, Andrew Rock was sixth in 44.95, Kely Willie was seventh in 44.97, and Jerry Harris was eigth in 45.06.

You know, with two Baylor students in the 400m final, that coach Clyde Hart sure knows how to coach the four hundred meters.

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Men's 1,500 meters, quarter finals

Heat 1

Well, this one was a race of surprises. The key is that six top and six fastest move on. Mike Stember waited until 1200 meters and took off, winning this one. What was most impressive, was the poise of Paul McMullen in second. The 1996 Olympian who has showed some great moments. McMullen looked better than he has in years. Mike Stember ran 3.41.65, Paul McMullen ran 3.42.06, Mike Miller ran 3.42.39, Charlie Gruber, who had lead the first two laps, ran 3.42.65, Joel Atwater ran 3.42.66. Sean OBrien, Ian Connor and Karl Savage also moved on.

Heat 2

In this heat, Alan Webb stayed close to the lead and kept the lead over the last 300 meters, in a slow 3.47.10. Aaron Lanzel ran 3.47.11, Bryan Berryhill ran 3.47.17, Donald Sage ran 3.47.24, Jason Lunn ran 3.47.29 and Christopher Lukasec ran 3.47.31.

Heat 3

Said Ahmed won this one, in 3.41.81. Second was Rob Meyers, then Christopher Estwanik, Scott McGowan, Zachery Griffin, Brendan Mahoney, Erik Nedeau (who has made every Trials since Moses). Final qualifier was Grant Robison, who looked okay.

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Mens steeplechase Final--Daniel LIncoln is Steeple Deity

Perfect weather, great competition, and an appreciative crowd equaled a very fast steeplechase in the men's final. Running 63-65 second laps, with an inside water jump, Daniel Lincoln, Anthony Famligietti, Steve Slattery and Robert Gary made up the lead group.

Famiglietti lead from lap one through three, with Lincoln, Gary and Slattery on his heals. Slattery slipped just before the end of three laps and stayed in fourth.

Daniel Lincoln looked great, poised and relaxed. His hurdle form over the barriers was clean and his jumps over the water barrier were precise--he was out to do something special tonight.

Famiglietti ran in the lead, his form a little bit forward, then a little down with Lincoln and Gary looking pretty tough. Steve Slattery was having some trouble from lap four on.

But Lincoln, Famgliette and Gary were working hard. The 800 was passed in 2.10, the 1600 in 4.22.9 and six laps in 6.34.9.

With two laps to go, Lincoln took command, and he passed two laps to go in 6.04.9, with Famiglietti in second and Gary in third. Gary challenged Famiglietti, newly shorn of his beard, with 600 remaining, but Fam came back.

With 600 to go, Daniel Lincoln was a man possessed. He ran his penultimate lap in 65 and then the final lap in 64.9 for a final 8.15.02 and a personal best. If Daniel had not waved, he would have run 8.12.

Holding on for second was Anthoney Famiglietti who ran a fine 8.17.91 for a pr. Robert Gary broke 8.20, running 8.19.46 and looking the best he has in eight years.

Running the fastest finishes of the day, Isaiah Festa of Wisconsin Runner ran for fifth in 8.20.66 ( also formerly a Cal state high school champ at 2 miles, as a junior), besting Steve Slattery, who ran 8.23.60 for fifth. Jordan Desilets ran well, finishing sixth form 8.24.62. Also finishing well in seventh, John Mortimer, one of the greatest guys in the sport, ran his best steeplechase, in 8.24.92.

Nine guys under 8.30! One of best races that I have seen in a long while.

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Women's steeplechase, final

Ann Gaffigan ran 9.39.35, and finished second. She broke the American record, and also won the race--and she did finish second.

Briana Shock actually finished first, running a brilliant race, she just happened to miss the first water barrier. In her defense, the inner water jump was a little unique.

Kathryn Anderson finished third in 9.45.32 and Carrie Messner came in fourth in 9.50.70.

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We will follow up on the womens hammer tommorow, as they are closing down the stadium.

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