Oliver Leads U.S. Sweep in Monaco

July 29, 2008 from USATF press release 2008 Olympic Trials champion David Oliver led a U.S. sweep in the men's 110m hurdles at the 2008 World Athletics Tour Herculis meet Tuesday in Monaco. Oliver won the race in 13.11 seconds, finishing just ahead of compatriot Anwar Moore, who ended the 2007 season ranked #4 in the world and finished in 13.19 seconds. University of South Carolina standout Jason Richardson placed third in 13.23.

The United States "Red" team comprised of Leroy Dixon, Rodney Martin, Darvis Patton and Travis Padgett won the men's 4x100m relay over three other squads in 38.41 seconds, with Germany finishing close behind in second place in 38.48.

Americans Candice Davis, Lisa Barber and Bianca Knight teamed up with Bahamian star Debbie Ferguson in leading the "Americas" team to a win in the women's 4x100m relay in 42.33 seconds. The USA "Blue" squad consisting of Angie Williams, Mechelle Lewis, Lashonda Solomon and Chaunte Moore finished second in 42.99 seconds.

Yelena Isinbaeva of Russia bettered her own world record with a clearance of 5.04 meters/16 feet, 6.50 inches in winning the women's pole vault. Fellow Russian Yuliya Golubchikova was the runner-up with a clearance of 4.71m/15-5.50.

In other events, 2007 World Outdoor Championships team member Dan Taylor finished second in the men's shot put with a best throw of 20.26 meters/66 feet 5.75 inches, with fellow American Garrett Johnson placing fourth with a toss of 20.15m/69-4.75.

In the women's long jump, 2008 Olympic Trials champion and 2007 NCAA Outdoor champ Brittney Reese was the runner-up with a leap of 6.76m/22-2.25. Fellow 2008 Olympic Team members Grace Upshaw (6.64m/21-9.50) and Fumi Jimoh (6.52m/21-4.75) finished fourth and sixth respectively.

A quartet of Americans finished 3-6 in the women's 100 meters led by 2008 Olympian and 2003 World Outdoor champion Torri Edwards (11.02), followed by Carmelita Jeter (11.08), Bianca Knight (11.09) and Lisa Barber (11.12). Jamaican standout Kerron Stewart won the race in 10.94 seconds.

In the men's 100m Race #1, 2008 Olympic team member Darvis "Doc" Patton was the runner-up in 9.98 seconds behind winner and former world record holder Asafa Powell, who crossed the finish line first in 9.82. In Race #2, Americans took the top three spots led by Leroy Dixon (1st-10.18), Michael Rodgers (2nd - 10.24) and Rodney Martin (3rd-10.27.

Reigning Olympic 100m hurdles champion Joanna Hayes placed third in that event in Monaco in 12.67 seconds. Other Americans in the race included Yvette Lewis (4th - 12.85), Candice Davis (5th - 12.87), Nichole Denby (6th - 12.92) and Danielle Carruthers (7th - 12.94). Melanie Walker of Jamaica won the women's 400m hurdles in 53.48 seconds, followed closely by 2008 U.S. Olympic Team members Tiffany Ross-Williams (2nd - 53.54) and Sheena Tosta (3rd - 53.58).

For more information on the 2008 Herculis meet in Monaco, including the complete results, visit: www.iaaf.org.