US news
2003 outdoor


USA Nationals
June 19-22 at Stanford University, Palo Alto CA

Previews


a DyeStat featured meet - on-site coverage

| USATF senior preview | USATF junior preview |

High School Stars Step Up

by John Dye

High school athletes step up in class at the USA Nationals as the higher age limit (under 20) opens the junior division to college freshmen. But HS athletes typically fare well in the junior nationals. Some of them this year are defending champions and many are veterans of last year's Team USA at the World Junior Championships in Jamaica. This year's international prize for top performers is the Pan Am Junior Championships at Barbados in July. The top two fnishers in each event are eligible for the national junior team, at the discretion of the USATF selection committee.

Los Angeles Baptist HS senior Allyson Felix is stepping up all the way to the senior division, as her 22.11 200 meters at Mexico City not only broke Marion Jones' high school record but put Allyson on top of the world rankings. A top 3 finish here would put Felix on the US team at the World Championships in Paris later this summer.

Allyson Felix won the California 100 meter championship as a sophomore, junior, and senior.
-- collage by Bill Leung

Here are the high school stars who figure to contend for gold in the junior division:

BOYS

Tommy Skipper OR - pole vault - Fresh off breaking the national record with an 18-3 leap last Sunday at the Golden West, the Sandy OR senior looks to set the bar even higher.

Sam Vazquez FL - 1500 - A somewhat surprising, but impressive winner of the AOC Raleigh mile (4:03.87) over what was called the strongest high school mile field ever assembled, Vazquez now looks to consolidate his case as miler of the year. He faces defending champion Chris Lukezic, a freshman at Georgetown, and last year's runner-up Adam Perkins.

Xavier Carter FL - 200 and 400 - The X-man has been dominant in high school sprints this season, doubling last week at AOC Raleigh and winning an unprecedented triple at Arcadia in April. He only lost one race, the 100 at the Golden South. A strong threat in the 400 is collegian Jeremy Wariner, a member of the World Junior team last year.

Willie Hordge TX - 100 - Sidelined by injury most of the season, Hordge won the 100 at AOC Raleigh last week. He was the anchor of Team USA's world record 4x100 relay at Jamaica last year.

Earvin Parker TX - 100 and 200 - double gold in the Texas state meet and the fastest prep in the country this year in the 100 (10.29).

GIRLS

Kira Costa CA - pole vault - Fresno senior now holds the national high school record both indoors and outdoors after winning the Golden West last Sunday at 13-8.5. Her power on takeoff belies her diminutive build. The field includes Julene Bailey ID, a member of last year's World Junior team.

Ari Lambie MA - 1500 - Runaway winner of AOC Raleigh last week is the third fastest high school miler ever off her 4:37.23 win in the Massachusetts state meet. A resident of Harvard MA, she will be running on her future home track as she is signed by Stanford. Collegian Laura Zeigle, a member of the World Junior team last year, is in the field.

Michelle Carter TX - shot put - Dallas senior broke both indoor and outdoor national records this year and now holds 5 of the top 6 throws ever by a high schooler.

Alandra Sherman TX - hurdles - best high school hurdler of the year at both 100 and 300 meters. Won AOC Raleigh a week ago, double winner at Great Southwest, and double winner in Texas state meet.

Erica McLain TX - long jump and triple jump - Still only a junior, Erica was on the World Junior team last year and will be eligible two more years. She won the long jump here last year and was second in triple jump. McLain warmed up with a winning 43-1 triple jump at AOC Raleigh last week.

Shalonda Solomon CA - 100 and 200 - With Southern California rival Allyson Felix moving up to the seniors, the star of Poly Long Beach's record setting relay teams has a chance to shine individually. Solomon is second to Felix on the national lists in both the 100 and 200, and she warmed up last Sunday by doubling in 11.47 and 23.08. into a headwind at the Golden West.

Billie Jo Grant CA - discus - Defending champion has flirted with the US high school record this year with a season best of 183-6.

Stephanie Smith FL - 200 and 400 - Georgia star was hurt most of last year but is running back to her sophomore form now. Her 52.14 win at the Golden South is the fastest high school 400 of the year.

Shana Cox NY - 200 and 400 - Impressive doubler at AOC Raleigh last week in 23.24 and 52.94.

Ashley Robbins TX - high jump - Although defending champion, she won't be favored because Sharon Day CA has jumped higher (6-2) this year and Chaunte Howard, 4th here last year, has lived in the 6-foot range this year for Georgia Tech. Last year's runner-up Kaylene Wagner is also in the field.

 

USATF release June 17
Future stars to compete at junior championships

by Jill Geer, Director of Communications, USA Track & Field

STANFORD, Calif. – Nearly 700 young athletes vying to win a spot on Team USA will compete at the 2003 USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships, part of the Verizon Youth Series, June 19-22 at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California.

The USA Junior Championships are being held in conjunction with the 2003 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships presented by Verizon at Stanford’s Cobb Track and Angell Field. As a part of the Verizon Youth Series, this meet will serve as the Team USA selection competition for the 2003 Pan Am Junior Championships, July 18-20 in Bridgetown, Barbados. The top two finishers in each event at the Junior Championships will be eligible for the selection pool for the Pan Am Junior Championships in Barbados. The selection of teams will be at the discretion of USATF and its committees.

In order to qualify to compete at the Junior Championships, an athlete must meet certain performance standards and be between the ages of 14-19 in the calendar year of 2003. The top eight athletes in each event at the meet will be named Verizon All-Americans.

The men’s and women’s pole vault competitions will feature two recent record-breakers. Defending U.S. champion Tommy Skipper (Sandy, Ore.), broke the national high school record in the pole vault Sunday, June 15, at the Golden West Invitational, jumping 18 feet, 3 inches, beating the previous record of 18-2.25 by Eric Eshbach of Orangefield, Texas, in 1999. Skipper won last year’s U.S. junior pole vault crown at Stanford with a clearance of 5.35m/17-06.50.

Kira Costa, who just graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High in Fresno, Calif., set a women's record of 13 feet, 8.5 inches at Golden West on Sunday afternoon. A future freshman at the University of California, Costa broke the U.S. high school mark of 13-8 set two years ago at the California state meet in Sacramento by Shayla Ballentine of Morro Bay (Calif.).

Leading the field of competitors is the 2002 World Junior Championships silver medalist in the 400m hurdles (49.38, breaking the national high school record) Kenneth Ferguson. The 2002 USA Junior National championships 400m hurdles runner-up ran a school and personal record of 48.79 in the 400m hurdles to earn his first SEC title this year for the University of South Carolina. Ferguson holds the Michigan high school state record in the indoor 60m hurdles (7.75), 110m hurdles (13.61), 300m hurdles (35.90) and 4x400m relay (3:13.70).

2002 Junior Championships 1,500m runner-up Adam Perkins also will be back this year. The University of Arkansas-bound Perkins ran 3:49.09 at the 2002 Junior Championships.

Stanford-bound Ari Lambie (Harvard, Mass.) on June 7 became the third-fastest female high school miler in history when she ran 4:37.23 at the Massachusetts state meet. Lambie finished in a meet-record time of 4:39.05 in the women’s mile June 14 at the adidas Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Raleigh, N.C. to further solidify her status as the favorite this weekend in the 1,500 meters. Top prep thrower Michelle Carter (Ovilla, Texas) will join 2002 and 2001 Junior Outdoor Championships hammer throw runner-up, Kristen Michalski (Syracuse University) who had a toss of 56.25m/184-6 last year. Carter set a new high school girls’ shot put mark with a toss of 16.73 meters/54 feet, 10.75 inches in May at the Texas State high school championships.

Returning to this year’s championships will be high school prep star Shalonda Solomon (Inglewood, Calif.), who has a personal best of (11.35) in the 100m and (23.47) in the 200m. Solomon was third at the 2002 USA Junior Championships in the 100m (11.54) and 4th in the 200m (23.69). Her 51.4 anchor lap in the sprint medley in April helped Long Beach Poly High School to a time of 1:38.73, taking more than three seconds off the national high school record (1:42.08 Berkeley, Calif., 2000 and 1:42.0 Hawthorne, Calif., 1987). She is scheduled to compete in the 100 and 200 meters in Stanford.

The U.S. Junior program has contributed greatly in the development of many of America’s finest track and field athletes. Past junior champions include all-time greats Carl Lewis, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Marion Jones, Lynn Jennings, Mike Conley and Renaldo Nehemiah, among many others.

For more information on the 2003 USA Junior Championships and the Verizon Youth Series, including meet schedule and a complete list of the athletes entered in the event, visit the USATF web site at www.usatf.org.

The USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships presented by Verizon will be broadcast live from 4-6 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, June 21, on NBC, and live from 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday on ESPN2. Check your local listings.

USATF release June 16
Event by Event previews

Based on 2003 performances as of June 9, 2003; Fields subject to change

At the 2003 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships presented by Verizon, June 19-22, Team USA will be selected for the 2003 World Outdoor Championships in Paris. The top three finishers in each final who have achieved the IAAF’s “A” standard will compete in Paris in August. Competition at the USA Outdoor Championships begins Thursday, June 19 at Cobb Track and Angell Field at Stanford. The meet will be broadcast live from 4-6 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, June 21, on NBC, and live from 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday on ESPN2.

Below are event-by-event previews for the USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, presented by Verizon. For the most up-to-date list of entries, qualifiers and declarations, visit the Outdoor Championships page of the USATF Web site, www.usatf.org, and click on the Outdoor “Status of Entries” link (http://www.usatf.org/events/2003/USAOutdoorTFChampionships/entry/status.shtml)

Nike Women’s 100 meters FINAL: 7:40PM, FRIDAY

World record: 10.49, Florence Griffith-Joyner (USA), 1988

American record: 10.49, Florence Griffith-Joyner, 1988

Meet record: 10.72, Marion Jones, 1998

THE SCOOP: Kelli White has the fastest times in the world this year, including a wind-aided 10.79 at the Home Depot Invitational June 1 and a wind-legal 10.96 at the Nike Prefontaine Classic May 24. The 2001 World Championships 200m bronze medalist won’t have a cakewalk, however. Chryste Gaines is the 2001 U.S. champion in this event and is Gaines’ training partner. Inger Miller, the 1999 World Outdoor silver medalist at 100 meters, posted a win at Stanford on June 7 at the Oracle U.S. Open and is always a threat, as are her H.S.I. training partners, four-time NCAA champion Angela Williams and Torri Edwards, who won May 17 at the adidas Oregon Track Classic.

Verizon Men’s 100 meters FINAL: 7:30PM, FRIDAY

World record: 9.78, Tim Montgomery (USA), 2002

American record: 9.78, Tim Montgomery, 2002

Meet record: 9.90, Maurice Greene, 2001, 1997; Leroy Burrell, 1991

THE SCOOP: The Verizon men’s 100 meters promises to be one of the most fascinating events of the Championships. The man who took Maurice Greene’s World record, Tim Montgomery, is the man to beat and is in search of his second U.S. crown. The 2001 U.S. champion ran 9.78 seconds last September and has his eye on improving on his silver medal from 2001 World Outdoors, where Greene took the gold. Because he gets an automatic berth into the World Championships in the 100 as the reigning world champ, Olympic gold medalist Greene is expected to concentrate on the 200 meters this weekend, but don’t be surprised if he runs a round of the 100 to, in his words, “put on a good show for the fans.” 2003 World Indoor champion Justin Gatlin, at age 21, is the “X-factor.” He has been nursing a hamstring injury since shortly after USA vs. The World at the Penn Relays on April 24, when he displayed sprint speed that would make him a favorite at this meet. Also look for Coby Miller and John Capel, 2000 Olympians at 200 meters, and J.J. Johnson to contend.

Women’s 100m hurdles FINAL: 1:44PM, SUNDAY

World record: 12.21, Yordanka Donkova (BUL), 1988

American record: 12.33, Gail Devers, 2000

Meet record: 12.33, Gail Devers, 2000

THE SCOOP: Three-time world outdoor champion Gail Devers is virtually unbeatable when she’s healthy. Hamstring problems have plagued the two-time Olympic 100-meter sprint gold medalist this outdoor season, but Devers is known for her ability to come back from injury and pick up where she left off without missing a beat. Miesha McKelvy has been the dominant U.S. hurdler outdoors, winning three Outdoor Golden Spike Tour meets (adidas Oregon Track Classic, Home Depot Invitational, Oracle U.S. Open) and placing second at the Nike Prefontaine Classic, where she ran a personal best of 12.51 seconds. 2000 Olympic bronze medalist Melissa Morrison and 2001 World Outdoor Championships finalist Jenny Adams, who finished second to McKelvy at the Oracle U.S. Open, will vie for the title as well.

Men’s 110m hurdles FINAL: 2:50PM FRIDAY

World record: 12.91, Colin Jackson (GBR), 1993

American record: 12.92, Allen Johnson, 1996; Roger Kingdom, 1989

Meet record: 12.92, Allen Johnson, 1996

THE SCOOP: The United States has the best men’s hurdlers in the world, and they will take the track at Stanford. In his only domestic appearance in 2003, Allen Johnson won the Home Depot Invitational in a wind-aided 13.20 seconds, proving he is recovered from a pesky calf injury. The three-time world champion is the heavy favorite, but as usual he will face stiff competition. Larry Wade, the world’s #3-ranked hurdler in the world last year, hasn’t let a broken arm suffered in April keep him out of competition. He won the Nike Prefontaine Classic and had an outstanding indoor season, where he won the Verizon Millrose Games. Two-time Olympic medalist Mark Crear is a veteran who could sneak in for a place on the World Championships team, as could young hurdlers like Ron Bramlett, a two-time NCAA champion. If he has healed the hamstring injury he suffered at the 2003 World Indoor Championships, 2000 Olympic silver medalist Terrence Trammell will be a contender as well.

Women’s 200 meters FINAL: 2:00PM, SUNDAY

World record: 21.34, Florence Griffith-Joyner (USA), 1988

American record: 21.34, Florence Griffith-Joyner, 1988

Meet record: 21.88, Evelyn Ashford, 1983

THE SCOOP: Handicappers would have their hands full with the women’s 200 at the 2003 USA Outdoor Championships. High school phenomenon Allyson Felix ran the fastest time in the world this year with her 22.11 last month in Mexico City. But winning a U.S. title against America’s top veteran will pose a daunting challenge for the Los Angeles Baptist senior. Kelli White is the 2001 World Outdoor bronze medalist but has admitted her 200-meter form needs fine-tuning this season. LaTasha Jenkins is the 2001 World Indoor bronze medalist, while Michelle Collins is the 2003 World Indoor champion. The American record holder indoors, Collins is questionable as a starter due to the hamstring injury she aggravated at World Indoors. The one certainty is that a new U.S. champion will be crowned, with five-time defending champion Marion Jones sitting out this season as she prepares to have her first child.

Verizon Men’s 200 meters FINAL: 1:56PM, SUNDAY World record: 19.32, Michael Johnson (USA), 1996

American record: 19.32, Michael Johnson, 1996

Meet record: 19.66, Michael Johnson, 1996

THE SCOOP: A roll of the dice could determine the top three finishers in this event, where any one of several Americans could win the world title. J.J. Johnson is fresh off a victory at the Oracle U.S. Open over 1999 world champion Maurice Greene and 2001 U.S. champion Shawn Crawford, the 2001 World Indoor gold medalist and World Outdoor bronze medalist. Johnson also owns the fastest time in the world in 2003 (20.05). Darvis Patton, a man who was runner-up in this race last year, could win after being ranked #1 in the 200 among Americans outdoors in 2002. Ramon Clay is the defending U.S. champion and is a dangerous runner, as is 2000 Olympic Trials champion John Capel, who has returned to track and field after a stint as an NFL receiver. If Justin Gatlin runs the 200, he will also be a favorite as a two-time NCAA champion.

Women’s 400 meters FINAL: 1:32PM, SATURDAY

World record: 47.60, Marita Koch (GDR), 1985

American record: 48.83, Valerie Brisco-Hooks, 1984

Meet record: 49.40, Jearl Miles-Clark, 1997

THE SCOOP: Jearl Miles-Clark has won this event four times and is the 1993 world champion. At age 36, she is still a favorite, though she won’t decide whether she will run the 400 or 800 until just before the Championships begin. Now a freshman at the University of Texas, Sanya Richards won the USA junior title last year in an American junior record time of 50.69 that would have beat Miles-Clark for the open title, and Richards has the fastest time by an American this year with her new AJR of 50.63. Monique Hennagan, who with Miles-Clark ran on the gold medal-winning 4x400m relay at the 2000 Olympic Games, is a likely contender, as are South Carolina alumnae Demetria Washington and Lisa Barber. Washington is the 2001 World University Games champion, while Barber was NCAA runner-up in this event last year.

Verizon Men’s 400 meters FINAL: 1:20PM, SATURDAY

World record: 43.18, Michael Johnson (USA), 1999

American record: 43.18, Michael Johnson, 1999

Meet record: 43.44, Michael Johnson, 1996

THE SCOOP: Americans are regaining strength in the men’s 400, led by 2003 World Indoor and U.S. Indoor champion Tyree Washington. The 1997 World Outdoor bronze medalist is back in track and field after a year of injury and personal difficulties, and he is now the man to beat. His time of 44.70 at the Nike Prefontaine Classic was a world-leading mark for this year. Two-time U.S. champion Jerome Young (‘98, ‘99) also is returning to form. Former NCAA runner-up Derrick Brew has run 44.83, second this year only to Washington worldwide, and looked very strong outdoors, while former professional football wide receiver Corey Nelson is a new threat. Alvin Harrison is the returning champion, but the Olympic silver medalist has been erratic this year as his twin, Calvin, has shown better form, including a win at the Home Depot Invitational.

Womens’ 400-meter hurdles FINAL: 1:54PM, SATURDAY

World record: 52.61, Kim Batten (USA), 1995

American record: 52.61, Kim Batten, 1995

Meet record: 52.97, Kim Batten, 1997

THE SCOOP: Sandra Glover is undefeated at the last four USA Outdoor Championships, but she will face stiff competition from the University of Texas’ Raasin McIntosh, who is the fastest American in 2003 at 54.60. 2001 NCAA champion Brenda Taylor also is likely to be in the hunt for her first U.S. championship.

Men’s 400-meter hurdles FINAL: 1:08PM, SUNDAY

World record: 46.78, Kevin Young (USA), 1992

American record: 46.78, Kevin Young, 1992

Meet record: 47.03, Bryan Bronson, 1998

THE SCOOP: Reigning Olympic gold medalist Angelo Taylor has returned to form after an off year in 2002. After winning the U.S. titles from 1999 to 2001, Taylor relinquished his streak last year to James Carter, who went on to win the 2002 World Cup title. Carter was fourth at the Olympic Games and should provide a considerable challenge to Taylor, as will Joey Woody and Eric Thomas. Woody was second at USA Outdoors in 2002 and has the third-fastest time in the world in 2003 (48.52), while Thomas, third at this meet last year, isn’t far behind at 48.61. Bershawn Jackson is the potential spoiler, owning the fastest time in the world this year (48.51). Jackson won the 400mH bronze medal at the 2002 World Junior Championships.

Women’s 800 meters FINAL: 1:32PM, SUNDAY

World record: 1:53.28, Jarmila Kratochvilova (TCH), 1983 5.82

American record: 1:56.40, Jearl Miles-Clark, 1999

Meet record: 1:57.04, Meredith Rainey, 1996

THE SCOOP: A battle of half-mile heavyweights, plus new talent, could make for a fascinating final. Jearl Miles-Clark won this event in 1998 and ‘99, is the American record holder, and her time of 1:58.61 at the Nike Prefontaine Classic is the fastest by an American this year and #2 on the world list. She will be the favorite if she opts for the 800 over the 400. Regina Jacobs’ title in this event at the 2001 U.S. Championships is one of 24 national crowns that she owns. She will double in the 800 and 1,500 here at Stanford, and she’s looking for a time of 1:57. Nicole Teter, who trains at Stanford with the Nike Farm Team, was the dominant 800 runner in the U.S. in 2002, winning the indoor and outdoor titles and breaking the American record indoors. She has fought a hip injury this year and the outdoor championships will be her first outdoor race of the season. With a personal best of 1:57.97, she will mix it up. The newest threat is 2002 runner-up Jen Toomey, who broke 2:00 for the first time in her career at the 2003 Nike Prefontaine Classic (1:59.75).

Men’s 800 meters FINAL: 1:20PM, SUNDAY

World record: 1:41.11, Wilson Kipketer (DEN), 1997

American record: 1:42.60, Johnny Gray, 1985

Meet record: 1:43.9, Rick Wohlhuter, 1974

THE SCOOP: David Krummenacker is the heavy favorite, having won the 2003 World Indoor Championships over World record holder Wilson Kipketer. Krummenacker suffered defeats on the last two Golden Spike Tour stops at distances of 1,500 and 1,000 meters, but he will return to his 800m specialty here. 2002 U.S. Indoor champion Derrick Peterson, 2002 indoor runner-up Michael Stember and 2000 Olympian Bryan Woodward of the Nike Farm Team and 1999 U.S. champion Khadevis Robinson will challenge Krummenacker, who is likely to look for victory with a strong kick.

Nike Women’s 1,500 meters FINAL: 2:38PM, SATURDAY

World record: 3:50.46, Qu Yunxia (CHN), 1993

American record: 3:57.12, Mary Slaney, 1993

Meet record: 4:01.01, Regina Jacobs, 2000

THE SCOOP: The script has played out many times: all-time greats Regina Jacobs and Suzy Favor Hamilton duking it out on the final lap. Although Favor Hamilton has been ranked #1 in the U.S. the last three years, the Stanford-educated Jacobs has recently had the edge in head-to-head races where it comes down to the two of them, outsprinting Favor Hamilton at the 2000 Olympic Trials, 2001 and 2002 U.S. Outdoor Championships. The two most recently raced at the 2003 Home Depot Invitational, where Jacobs, the 1995 and 2003 World Indoor gold medalist and indoor World record holder at 3:59.98, again won on the strength of her kick. Favor Hamilton’s competitiveness and pure speed – only Mary Slaney has run faster than Favor Hamilton’s 3:57.40 – will put her in the hunt for her fourth U.S. title. Collette Liss is the 2001 U.S. indoor champion in the mile and should make a strong showing. Other contenders include Mary Jayne Harrelson and Sarah Schwald.

Men’s 1,500 meters FINAL: 2:20PM, SUNDAY

World record: 3:26.00, Hicham El Guerrouj (MAR) 1999

American record: 3:29.77, Sydney Maree, 1985

Meet record: 3:34.92, Steve Scott, 1982

THE SCOOP: Two-time U.S. indoor champion Jason Lunn of Stanford University and the Nike Farm Team looks for his first U.S. outdoor crown. He has been the top American so far in 2003, winning the Home Depot Invitational over David Krummenacker and posting a mile personal best of 3:54.43 at the Nike Prefontaine Classic. Seneca Lassiter won the U.S. titles in 1998 and 2002 and will again contend, as will Lunn’s training partner, Michael Stember, a 2000 Olympian at this distance. Alan Webb returns to the USA Outdoor Championships for the first time since 2001, the year he broke Jim Ryun’s high school record in the mile (3:53.43) and placed fifth at the USA Outdoor Championships.

Women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase FINAL: 1:00PM, SATURDAY

World record: 9:16.51, Alesya Turova (BLR), 2002

American record: 9:41.94, Elizabeth Jackson, 2002

Meet record: 9:47.35, Elizabeth Jackson, 2002

THE SCOOP: American record holder Elizabeth Jackson, a recent Brigham Young grad, assumes the role of the favorite and is a three-time U.S. champion, winning in 1999, 2000 and 2002. Former Oregon All-American Lisa Nye was the 2001 champion and is the veteran of the field at age 34. Collegians typically fare well in this event, as they have the most opportunities to compete throughout the season. Lisa Aguilera (Arizona State, 9:46.30), Kassi Anderson (BYU, 9:48.57) lead the current U.S. list.

Men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase FINAL: 2:04PM, SATURDAY

World record: 7:53.17, Brahim Boulami (MAR), 2002

American record: 8:09.17, Henry Marsh, 1985

Meet record: 8:15.77, Pascal Dobert, 2000

THE SCOOP: A corps of young steeplechasers will vie for the U.S. title. Meet record holder Pascal Dobert owned the title from 1998-2000, with Tom Chorny and Anthony Famiglietti, the 2001 World University Games champion, winning the last two years and ushering a new era of an up-for-grabs title in the steeple. Famiglietti has the fastest qualifying time, but NCAA champ Daniel Lincoln of Arkansas is a dangerous runner and can be expected to be among the top finishers. Robert Gary’s winning time of 8:27.77 at the Oracle U.S. Open is fastest among Americans this year.

Women’s 5,000 meters FINAL: 8:40AM, FRIDAY

World record: 14:28.09, Jiang Bo (CHN), 1993

American record: 14:45.35, Regina Jacobs, 2000

Meet record: 14:45.35, Regina Jacobs, 2000

THE SCOOP: Elva Dryer and Shayne Culpepper, two 2000 Olympians, are veterans leading the U.S. lists in 2003. If two-time defending champion and indoor American record holder Marla Runyan (15:05.38) chooses the 5,000 meters at Stanford, she will be the heavy favorite. Runyan ran the New York City Marathon last fall and the Boston Marathon in April, but the 1,500m finalist in Sydney will return to the track this weekend.

Men’s 5,000 meters FINAL: 9:00PM, FRIDAY

World record: 12:39.36, Haile Gebrselassie (ETH), 1998

American record: 12:58.21, Bob Kennedy, 1998

Meet record: 13:16.42, Doug Padilla, 1985

THE SCOOP: Alan Culpepper is the returning champion, and he will take on returning runner-up Meb Keflezighi, as well as a field that includes American record holder Bob Kennedy and 2000 Olympic Trials champion Adam Goucher, both of whom are returning to competition after injury. Culpepper is the man to beat, but this could get interesting.


Women’s 10,000 meters FINAL: 9:25PM, THURSDAY

World record: 29:31.78, Wang Junxia (CHN), 1993

American record: 30:52.32, Deena Drossin, 2002

Meet record: 31:43.33, Libbie Hickman, 1999

THE SCOOP: Deena Drossin has been the dominant distance runner in the U.S., with recent American records in the 10,000 meters (30:52.32 in 2002 at Stanford) and the marathon (2:21:16 in 2003 in London). Drossin won the U.S. 10 km track titles in 2000 and 2001, while Jen Rhines took the title last year when Drossin dropped down to the 5,000 meters. Look for Drossin and Rhines again this year. Marla Runyan, who defeated Drossin in the 5 km in 2002, will be a threat to win if she chooses to run this race.

Men’s 10,000 meters FINAL: 8:50PM, THURSDAY

World record: 26:22.75, Haile Gebrselassie (ETH), 1998

American record: 27:13.98, Meb Keflezighi, 2001

Meet record: 27:39.4, Craig Virgin, 1979

THE SCOOP: The last several years, the men’s 10,000 meter championship races have come down to a three-way battle between Alan Culpepper (1999 champion), Abdi Abdirahman (2001 champ) and Meb Keflezighi (2000, 2002). Look for the same race to develop in 2003. Keflezighi has been in the shorter races on the roads, winning the 2003 U.S. 8 km championship, but Culpepper has shown tremendous strength, running 2:09:41 in his first marathon at New York City last fall. Stanford was the site of Keflezighi’s 2001 American record run, so look for a fast race.

Women’s 20 km race walk FINAL: 8:00AM, SATURDAY World record: 1:26:52, Olimpiada Ivanova (RUS), 2001

American record: 1:33:17, Michelle Rohl, 1999

Meet record: 1:32:39 (road), Michelle Rohl, 2000; 1:34:56.52 (track), Joanne Dow, 2002

THE SCOOP: Joanne Dow set an American record for 20 km on the track in winning the 2002 title. The 1998 10 km champion enters as the favorite. Three-time U.S. champ and American record holder Michelle Rohl is back from maternity and is expected to provide the biggest challenge. Susan Armenta has the fastest qualifying time at 1:43;20, and two-time 10 km champion Teresa Vaill is the veteran of the field, in her 20th year as an elite athlete. Amber Antonia, third in this event last year, could mix it up as well.

Men’s 20 km race walk FINAL: 8:00AM, FRIDAY

World record: 1:17:25.6, Bernardo Seguro (MEX), 1994

American record: 1:23:40, Tim Seaman, 2000

Meet record: 1:23:34, Curt Clausen, 1999

THE SCOOP: Tim Seaman and Curt Clausen have traded off as U.S. champion in this event since 1996. Clausen is the ‘96, ‘97, ‘99 and ‘01 champion, while Seaman won in ‘98, 2000 and ‘02. As the American record holder and top American qualifier, Seaman will again be the favorite. Ben Shorey, the 2001 Verizon Men’s Outstanding Athlete at the 2002 USA Junior Championships, where he broke Seaman’s U.S. junior record for the 10 km walk (42:50:20) will go for his first U.S. title. Also look out for Philip Dunn, Al Heppner, Sean Albert and John Nunn, among others.

Women’s high jump FINAL: 12:10PM, SUNDAY

World record: 2.09m/6-10.25, Stefka Kostadinova (BUL), 1987

American record: 2.03m/6-8; Louise Ritter, 1988

Meet record: 1.99m/6-6.25, Tisha Waller, 1999

THE SCOOP: An exciting competition looks to be in store as any one of four women could win. Four-time U.S. champion Tisha Waller, three-time champ Amy Acuff, 2002 runner-up Gwen Wentland and 2000 Olympic Trials champion Karol Rovelto staged an outstanding battle at the Oracle U.S. Open, with Acuff coming out on top and all four clearing 1.95/6-4.75. Despite placing fourth at Oracle, Waller is the favorite and has the best jump this year with her winning height of 1.98m/6-6 at the Nike Prefontaine Classic.

Men’s high jump FINAL: 5:25PM, FRIDAY

World record: 2.45m/8-0.5, Javier Sotomayor (CUB), 1993

American record: 2.40m/7-10.5, Charles Austin, 1991

Meet record: 2.36/7-8.75, Hollis Conway and Doug Nordquist, 1990 THE SCOOP: Like the women’s high jump, the men’s section will be hotly contested. Nathan Leeper is the two-time defending champion, but 6-time U.S. outdoor champion and 1996 Olympic gold medalist Charles Austin added an indoor title to his resume last March. The 2001 NCAA outdoor champion, 2000 U.S. Indoor champion, Charles Clinger stands 6 feet, 9 inches tall and has a goal of being the first American to clear 8 feet. Matt Hemingway has the best mark by an American this year at 2.34m/7-8.

Visa women’s pole vault FINAL: NOON, FRIDAY

World record: 4.81m/15-9.25, Stacy Dragila (USA), 2001

American record: 4.81m/15-9.25, Stacy Dragila, 2001

Meet record: 4.65m/15-3, Stacy Dragila, 2002

THE SCOOP: World record holder, Olympic gold medalist and world champion Dragila has dominated this event in the U.S., winning five of the six U.S. titles ever contested. She is coming off a strong indoor season, where she won her seventh U.S. indoor crown, setting a then world indoor record (4.78m/15-8.25). She out-dueled her Russian nemesis, Svetlana Feofanova, to score a victory at the 2003 Nike Prefontaine Classic outdoors as well. Kellie Suttle in 1998 was the only woman to break Dragila’s U.S. win streak, and Suttle has been consistent in 2003, with a win at the Oracle U.S. Open. Mel Mueller and 2002 U.S. indoor champion Mary Sauer, like Dragila and Suttle, both have cleared 15 feet.

Men’s pole vault FINAL: 11:00AM, SUNDAY

World record: 6.14m/20-1.75, Sergey Bubka (UKR), 1994

American record: 6.03/19-9.25, Jeff Hartwig, 2000

Meet record: 6.02m/19-9, Jeff Hartwig, 1999

THE SCOOP: The United States typically places two athletes in the top three on the world and Olympic stages, so you’ll be watching the world’s best in this event. Jeff Hartwig was the world’s #1 ranked vaulter last year and broke the American indoor record three times in 2002. Derek Miles is his training partner and has been vaulting well in 2003, with a victory over Hartwig indoors at the Verizon Millrose Games and USA Indoor Championships. Miles has the best mark by an American this year with 5.81/19-0.75. Tim Mack is the 2002 U.S. indoor and 2001 Goodwill Games gold medalist, and Tye Harvey owns the 2001 World Indoor silver medal. Harvey, Hartwig and Miles all train in Jonesboro, Arkansas, so they have a friendly rivalry. Be on the lookout for 2000 Olympic gold medalist Nick Hysong, who could pop off a big vault.

Women’s long jump FINAL: 11:50AM, SATURDAY

World record: 7.52, Galina Chistyakova (URS), 1988

American record: 7.49/24-7, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, 1994

Meet record: 7.12/23-4.5, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, 1987

THE SCOOP: Brianna Glenn is the U.S. outdoor champion, while 2001 U.S. champ Jenny Adams has returned to the jump after a year off. 2002 U.S. indoor champion Grace Upshaw has the best American jump this year at 6.61m/21-8.25, with Adrien Sawyer at #2 with 6.60/21-8. This could be anyone’s game.

Men’s long jump FINAL: 5:50PM, FRIDAY

World record: 8.95m/29-4.5, Mike Powell (USA), 1991

American record: 8.95m/29-4.5, Mike Powell (USA), 1991

Meet record: 8.79/28-10.25, Carl Lewis, 1983

THE SCOOP: For the first time since the heyday of Carl Lewis, the United States now rules the long jumping world. Savante Stringfellow, Miguel Pate and Dwight Phillips finished 2002 ranked 1-2-3 in the world. Stringfellow is the two-time defending U.S. outdoor champion (8.52m/27-11.5 - best jump in the world outdoors) and the World Cup gold medalist, achieving the #1 world ranking. Phillips was somewhat of a darkhorse, but he entered the limelight when he won the 2003 World Indoor Championship (8.29m/27-7.25). He is a threat to win any competition he enters. With Pate out with a knee injury, this should be a two-man tussle between Stringfellow and Phillips. 1999 U.S. champion Kevin Dilworth will lead the pack to round out the U.S. team for Paris.

Women’s triple jump FINAL: NOON, SUNDAY

World record: 15.50m/50-10.25, Inessa Kravets (UKR), 1995

American record: 14.41m/47-3.5, Sheila Hudson, 1996

Meet record:14.23m/46-8.25, Sheila Hudson, 1994

THE SCOOP: Yuliana Perez has been the top U.S. jumper outdoors, winning the 2002 U.S. title with a jump of 46-7.25. Vanitta Kinard is the two-time U.S. indoor champion and was runner-up to Perez last year. Tiombe Hurd is the 2001 World Indoor bronze medalist and the 2001 U.S. outdoor champion.

Men’s triple jump FINAL: 11:35PM SUNDAY

World record: 18.29m/60-0.25, Jonathan Edwards (GBR), 1995

American record: 18.09m/59-4.5, Kenny Harrison, 1996

Meet record: 17.97m/58-11.5, Willie Banks, 1985

THE SCOOP: Several young jumpers are lining up to carry on the strong Team USA tradition in this event. Best among them are Walter Davis and Kenta Bell. Davis won the 2001 and 2002 NCAA indoor and outdoor titles and graduated from LSU in 2002. He then won the 2002 U.S. outdoor title as well, with a personal-best jump 17.59/57-8.5. Davis kept his streak going by winning a silver medal at the 2003 World Indoor Championships (17.35m/56-11.25). Bell is the 2001 World University Games gold medalist, and the 25-year-old had the best jump by an American outdoors last year (17.63m/57-10.25). He leads the U.S. list so far in 2003 as well (17.33/56-10.25), but it will be a horserace in Stanford for the U.S. title. Either man is a medal threat at World Outdoors, as is two-time defending U.S. indoor champion Tim Rusan, the runner-up outdoors last year.

Women’s shot put FINAL: 6:30PM, FRIDAY

World record: 22.63m/74-3, Natalya Lisovskaya (URS), 1987

American record: 20.18m/66-2.5, Ramona Pagel, 1987

Meet record: 20.23m/66-4.5, Ilona Breisenick (GDR), 1987

THE SCOOP: With the retirement of Connie Price-Smith, Terri Steer has stepped in to move up as the top American women’s shot putter. Steer won the U.S. indoor and outdoor titles in 2002, as well as the World Indoor bronze medal in 1999, and enters as the favorite. A group of throwers all are within one foot of one another on the current U.S. list, and all could emerge as U.S. champion. Among them are UCLA graduate and 2001 U.S. outdoor champion Seilala Sua; New Hampshire native, 2001 U.S. junior champion and North Carolina sophomore Laura Gerraughty; and Ashland’s Adrienne Blewitt.

Men’s shot put FINAL: 12:50PM, SATURDAY

World record: 23.12m/75-10.75, Randy Barnes (USA), 1990

American record: 23.12m/75-10.75, Randy Barnes, 1990

Meet record: 22.22m/72-11, Adam Nelson, 2002

THE SCOOP: The big men put on a big show for track fans as the world’s top three throwers - Adam Nelson, John Godina and Kevin Toth - lead the competition for spots on the U.S. team for World Outdoors. Godina is the three-time defending world champion, and Olympic silver medalist Nelson was #1 world ranked last year, winning the U.S. indoor and outdoor titles. Yet the favorite to win is Kevin Toth, who at age 35 became the #2-ranked thrower last year, thanks in part to his win the at the Nike Prefontaine Classic, over Nelson and Godina. Toth unleashed an astounding throw of 22.67m/74-4.5 April 19 at the Kansas Relays, and he is now the world’s dominant thrower. Christian Cantwell and Reese Hoffa have looked good outdoors and could capitalize if any of the Big Three falter. All three have had injuries this year, with Godina having a hyperextended finger, Nelson battling back spasms, and Toth slightly injuring a finger as well.

Women’s discus FINAL: 3:10PM, THURSDAY

World record: 76.80m/252-0, Gabriele Reinsch (GDR), 1988

American record: 69.44m/227-10 (pending), Suzy Powell, 2002

Meet record: 67.58m/221-9, Ria Stalman, 1984

THE SCOOP: Kris Kuehl (#7), Suzy Powell (#9) and Aretha Hill (#10) all were ranked in the top 10 in the world in 2002. Kuehl is the defending U.S. champion (64.44m/211-5), while Seilala Sua won the previous four crowns and will vie for another World Championships berth. Powell is coming off a win at the Oracle U.S. Open, while Hill won at the Home Depot Invitational and has been the most consistent American thrower this year. With favorable winds, the Meet record could fall.

Men’s discus FINAL: 6:40PM, THURSDAY World record: 74.08m/243-0, Jurgen Schult (GDR), 1986

American record: 72.34m/237-4, Ben Plucknett, 1996

Meet record: 71.26m/233-9, John Powell, 1984

THE SCOOP: Adam Setliff and John Godina will butt heads for discus supremacy once again. Godina won in 1997 and ‘98, but Setliff has owned the event since 2000 and was fifth at both the 2001 World Outdoors and 2000 Olympic Games. Doug Reynolds and Casey Malone both have thrown over 211 feet in 2003 and could steal a win as well.

Women’s hammer throw FINAL: 5:30PM, THURSDAY

World record: 76.07m/249-7, Michaela Melinte (ROM), 1999

American record: 72.01m/263-3, Anna Norgren-Mahon, 2002

Meet record: 72.01m/236-3, Anna Norgren Mahon, 2002

THE SCOOP: Dawn Ellerbe dominated this event from 1995 through 2001, winning six U.S. titles. In 2002, Anna Norgren Mahon, a school teacher from Connecticut, emerged to dethrone Ellerbe. Norgren Mahon also took Ellerbe’s American record, improving the old mark on three occasions, and was ranked #6 in the world. Norgren Mahon is the woman to beat, but Ellerbe is motivated, and she seeks to regain her U.S. supremacy.

Men’s hammer throw FINAL: 5:35PM, FRIDAY

World record: 86.74m/284-7, Yuriy Syedikh (URS), 1986

American record: 82.52m/270-9, Lance Deal, 1996

Meet record: 82.50m/270-8, Lance Deal, 1994

THE SCOOP: The scramble to fill Lance Deal’s sizeable shoes in this event has resulted in tremendous competition - the only problem is that you never know when Deal will come out of retirement. Kevin McMahon won this event in 1997 and 2001 and is the favorite when he is healthy. But Deal came back in 2002 when McMahon struggled with injury, and won his eighth U.S. title. John McEwen is a two-time U.S. indoor weight throw champion, and he has the farthest throw outdoors so far by an American in 2003 (74.73m/245-2). James Parker also could place in the top 3.

Women’s javelin FINAL: 7:20PM, FRIDAY

World record: 71.54m/234-8, Osleidys Menendez (CUB), 2001

American record: 60.68m/199-1, Kim Kreiner, 2002

Meet record: 30.06m/197-0, Serene Ross, 2002

THE SCOOP: The 2001 U.S. champion, Kim Kreiner, traded the American record with Serene Ross, the 2002 U.S. champ, last year. Kreiner stood as the American record holder at season’s end, but Ross got the top U.S. ranking. It should be an outstanding battle between the two. Ross also won the 2002 NCAA championship for Purdue.

Men’s javelin FINAL: 12:15, SATURDAY

World record: 98.48m/323-1, Jan Zelezny (CZE), 1996

American record: 87.12m/285-10, Tom Pukstys, 1997

Meet record: 85.23m/279-7, Breaux Greer, 2001

THE SCOOP: Tom Pukstys and Breaux Greer have been the top U.S. throwers of the last 10 years, and 2003 is shaping up no differently. Greer has won the last three U.S. titles, and placed fourth at the 2001 World Outdoor Championships, but he is coming off shoulder surgery last summer. He showed good form in winning the Oracle U.S. Open, but Pukstys and Latrell Frederick have the top throws by Americans this year.

Women’s heptathlon FINAL: THURSDAY and FRIDAY

World record: 7,291, Jackie Joyner-Kersee (USA), 1988

American record: 7,291, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, 1988

Meet record: 6,979, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, 1987

THE SCOOP: It has been a two-woman show between DeDee Nathan and Shelia Burrell since Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s retirement. Burrell won the bronze medal at the 2001 World Outdoor Championships, and is the 1999 and 2002 U.S. champion. Nathan won in 2000 and 2001. The wild card is Arkansas graduate GiGi Miller, an outstanding triple jumper who made the World team in the heptathlon in 2001 after placing third at the USA championships.

Men’s decathlon FINAL: THURSDAY and FRIDAY

World record: 9,026, Roman Sebrle (CZE), 2001

American record: 8,891, Dan O’Brien, 1992

Meet record: 8,726, Dan O’Brien, 1996

THE SCOOP: The next great American decathlete has been crowned, and he is Tom Pappas. Fifth at the 2000 Olympic Games and first at 2002 USA Outdoors, Pappas won the 2003 World Indoor Championships heptathlon, beating World record holder Roman Sebrle. Pappas placed second to Sebrle at Gotzis this year with a personal-best score of 8,585. Other young decathletes to watch for are 2002 U.S. runner-up Bryan Clay, Stephen Harris (third among Americans so far this year) and Stephen Moore, fifth last year.

 

 

USA Nationals

 


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