US Nationals Day Two

Day Two continued with lots of qualifying rounds, but there were several finals including the men's and women's 100 and 5000 meters.

In the women's 100 Carmelita Jeter remained unbeaten winning the title in a blazing 10.78w. The victory was not easy however, as last year's Trials winner, Muna Lee made a rush to the finish in the final 30 meters that brought her to within .001 of victory as she too crossed the line in 10.78w. They will be joined by super vet Lauryn Williams who, once again, brought her "A" Game when it mattered and ran her way onto the team after a somewhat average spring.

With Tyson Gay having run enough to secure his ticket to Berlin, Mike Rodgers continued his hot streak winning the men's event in 9.91w just ahead of fast closing Darvis Patton's 9.92w. The surprise was the 3rd place finish of Rae Edwards (10.00w) who ran solidly through the rounds and edged ahead of Travis Padgett (10.02) to gain a spot on the team. Both 100 squads appear to be strong and should form formidable 4x1 relay teams in Berlin. One of the events early favorites , Walter Dix, went down to injury in his semi and is out for the rest of the meet.

I had high hopes for the women's 5000, as several of our distance stars were originally entered. But Jenny Barringer opted to focus on the steeplechase, Shalane Flanagan was satisfied with her place on the 10000 team, and Shannon Rowbury opted to focus on the 1500. All of which left Kara Goucher as the Alpha Distance Queen in the race. Goucher went out and dominated the race, winning easily in 15:20.94 over the 15.26.92 of second place finisher Jen Rhines.

The men's race lost a bit of luster when Galen Rupp opted to just run the 5000, but Oregon Track Club members ran solidly in taking all three Berlin spots - Matt Tegenkamp (13.20.57), Chris Solinsky (13.20.82, Evan Jager (13.22.18).

Results for all events can be found here.

Today's events will feature long jumper Dwight Phillips who could be flirting with the 29 foot barrier before the day is done, and Olympic Champion Lashawn Merrit in the 400 meters. The sprinters will get right back on the track for the opening rounds of the 200 meters. And we should get a good battle between Shannon Rowbury and Anna Willard in the women's 1500 meters. Should be an exciting afternoon.