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DEVERS, DRAGILA SET AMERICAN RECORDS IN MILLROSE GAMES

Millrose Pictures - Kirby Lee - Page One - Page Two

7 February 2003 - New York (USA)-Gail Devers (ex-Sweetwater HS/Natl City/UCLA) hasn’t set any timetable for retirement. In the interim, the three-time world 100m hurdle champion is still going strong.

Devers, 36, set an American record of 7.78 to win the 60m hurdles in the Verizon Millrose Games before more than 11,000 at Madison Square Garden. The triumph came 18 years after Devers’ first appearance in 1985.

``I don’t think of that `R’ word,’’ Devers said. ``When I say it is going to be the one and only time I say it. You won’t see me coming me back at all. I don’t think about it. I honestly believe that one day that I am going to wake up and I am going to head to practice and say `Nah, I am done and put my spikes up.’When that day is, I have no clue. I am still having fun.’’

Devers’ effort garnered her the meet’s outstanding performer honors and was one of two American records in the 96th running of the Millrose Games. Stacy Dragila (ex-Placer HS of Auburn) vaulted 4.72m to improve upon her record of 4.71m set six days earlier in the adidas Boston Indoor Games.

Devers’ time was a meet record and eclipsed the national standard of 7.81 set by former training partner and world heptathlon record holder Jackie Joyner Kersee. Kersee’s husband Bobby coached Devers since she was a collegian before the two parted ways because of Kersee’s hectic schedule. Devers has been coaching herself since the split in Atlanta and had planned to run the 60m sprint before entering the hurdles at the last minute.

``I am very pleased that I can open the season like this,’’ Devers said. ``The most challenging thing about coaching yourself is to go out there and figure out what you are going to do at practice today or if you are going to practice and finding the inspiration to do that. I think the inspiration comes from the things that I still want to accomplish and wanting to compete at a great level.’’

On Friday night, the 1992 and 1996 Olympic 100m champion’s biggest inspiration came from a 3-year old child named Jalen, who had recently undergone his third heart surgery. Devers, who started a foundation in her name to help needy families during the holidays, had visited the infant in Los Angeles in the days leading to the Millrose Games.

``I knew that dedicating the race to Jalen that God was going to take hold,’’ Devers said. ``The race was not for me. I asked God to let me do something special in Jalen’s name.’’

It was apparent Devers was in for a special night from the start. She was in command from the first barrier for a sizeable victory over 2000 Olympic bronze 100m hurdles medalist Melissa Morrison.

``I felt a little shaky with some aspects of the race,’’ Devers said. ``My goal was regardless of what happens at the first hurdle after that I have to get out. I felt a little long in certain aspects but that means there is some room to come out and improve.’’

In the men’s 60m, Terrence Trammell edged Justin Gatlin, 6.51 to 6.54, for the win. Former 100m world record-holder Maurice Greene was third in 6.57. Greene, who lost his 100m world record to compatriot Tim Montgomery last summer, started slowly and was never in contention.

``When you step one the line, you have to be ready,’’ Greene said. ``I wasn’t aggressive enough. You have to be aggressive in the 60 meters or they will be gone on you. I was a little bit too patient.You have game plans when you go into a race. Mine didn’t work.’’

Trammell had little time to ponder race strategy. His victory in the 60m came 30 minutes after the 2000 Olympic silver medalist in the 110m high hurdles was defeated by Larry Wade, who won by a hundredth of a second in 7.48 for the fastest time of the year.

``I didn’t want to dwell on the second place in the hurdles because I knew I had a second race to run,’’ Trammell said. ``I couldn’t say it was a good warm up because from a warm up you are not emotionally spent. It was just another race. At this point in time, my fitness is good. I just had to relax and let it go by and get ready for the dash.’’

The women’s 60m was even closer. Chyrste Gaines (ex-Stanford)got the nod over four-time NCAA 100m champion Angela Williams (ex-Chino HS/USC) in the sprint. Both were timed in 7.23.

The high jump competitions ended in deadlocks. Tisha Waller and Amy Acuff (ex-UCLA) tied in the high jump at 1.95m before each missed three attempts at a meet record 2.00m. Canadian Charles Boswell won the men’s high jump over Charles Austin with a jump off at 2.31m.

Derek Miles (ex-Bella Vista HS/So Dakota St) repeated his victory over training partners Tim Mack and Jeff Hartwig in the pole vault summit last month to win with a clearance of 5.70m. All are coached by former world record holder Earl Bell.

Kenyan Bernard Lagat won his second Wanamaker Mile title in three years, cruising to victory in 4:00.36_the slowest winning time since 1996.

In the women’s mile, Elenea Iagar of Romania was victorious in 4:36.08 in the absence of Regina Jacobs, who set a world indoor 1,500m record in the Boston Indoor Games. Jacobs withdrew from the Millrose Games because of a strained abductor muscle.

Tyree Washington (48.80) (ex-La Sierra HS/Riverside), who is making a comeback after a year layoff, and David Krummenacker (1:50.20) won the men’s 400m and 800m. Markos Geneti of Ethiopia won the 3000m in 8:00.27. It was a banner night for the Clark family. On a night when Joetta Clark was inducted into the meet’s hall of fame, sister Hazel Clark won the 800 (2:07.66) and sister-in-law Jearl Miles-Clark won the 400 (55.08).

Event 101 Men Shot Put

World Record: W 22.66m
Amer Record: A 22.66m
Meet Record: M 22.12m
Name Year Team Final Points

Final
1 Reese Hoffa Unattached 19.47m 63-10.50
18.42m 19.17m 18.95m 19.47m FOUL FOUL
2 Mike Pellet Manhattan College 15.44m 50-08.00
15.01m FOUL 15.27m 15.44m 15.16m 15.05m
3 Anders Constantin Manhattan/SWE 15.14m 49-08.25
FOUL 14.75m 14.64m 15.04m 15.14m 14.81m
4 Mike Theuerkauf Unattached 14.18m 46-06.25
FOUL FOUL FOUL FOUL 13.88m 14.18m

Event 102 Women Shot Put

World Record: W 22.50m
Amer Record: A 19.83m
Meet Record: M 18.59m
Name Year Team Final Points

Final
1 Oneithea Lewis Unattached 14.68m 48-02.00
14.07m 14.68m 13.97m FOUL 14.36m 14.32m
2 Kelly Fazekas Demarest HS 14.12m 46-04.00
FOUL 13.61m FOUL 13.54m 14.12m FOUL
3 Karin Larsson Manhattan/SWE 13.62m 44-08.25
12.51m 13.42m 12.96m 12.67m 13.62m FOUL
4 Marina Liander Manhattan College 12.80m 42-00.00
FOUL 12.80m 12.54m FOUL 11.71m 12.52m

Event 103 Men Weight Throw

World Record: W 25.86m
Amer Record: A 25.86m
Meet Record: M 24.82m
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Mike Mai U.S. Army 21.46m 70-05.00
19.90m 19.03m 20.65m 21.31m 21.46m 20.60m
2 Thomas Freeman Manhattan College 21.39m 70-02.25
20.75m FOUL FOUL FOUL 21.39m 21.26m
3 Jerry Ingalls U.S. Army 20.89m 68-06.50
20.35m 20.70m FOUL 20.37m 20.75m 20.89m
4 Lou Chisarri Unattached 20.12m 66-00.25
19.97m 19.68m FOUL 19.21m 20.12m 19.50m
5 Jason Goulart St. John's 17.50m 57-05.00
FOUL 16.93m 17.50m FOUL 16.73m 17.33m
6 Dan Gazzala Manhattan College 16.55m 54-03.75
FOUL FOUL 16.55m 16.37m FOUL FOUL
7 Anders Constantin Manhattan/SWE 16.25m 53-03.75
16.13m 15.68m 16.25m FOUL FOUL FOUL
8 Charles Harklerode Manhattan College 14.37m 47-01.75
14.33m 13.98m 14.28m FOUL 14.37m FOUL

Event 104 Women Weight Throw

World Record: W 23.60m
Amer Record: A 23.60m
Meet Record: M 23.56m
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Anna Norgren-Mahon Nike 22.80m 74-09.75
21.23m 21.54m 22.80m 22.25m 22.58m 22.60m
2 Dawn Ellerbe NYAC-Nike 22.38m 73-05.25
20.85m 21.00m 22.00m 21.60m 21.21m 22.38m
3 Bethany Hart Unattached 19.49m 63-11.50
FOUL 18.47m 18.40m 18.74m FOUL 19.49m
4 Oneithea Lewis Unattached 17.00m 55-09.25
FOUL 16.72m 16.62m FOUL 17.00m 16.74m
5 Brenda Start Unattached 16.88m 55-04.75
FOUL 16.23m FOUL 16.52m 16.88m FOUL
6 Marina Liander Manhattan College 15.71m 51-06.50
FOUL 15.23m FOUL 15.71m FOUL 14.47m
7 Blessing Egwu St. John's 15.14m 49-08.25
15.14m FOUL FOUL 14.03m 14.62m 14.99m
8 Brandy Bradford St. John's 14.74m 48-04.50
14.37m 14.74m FOUL 14.47m FOUL FOUL
9 Lauren Primerano Manhattan College 14.70m 48-02.75
14.70m FOUL FOUL
10 Judy Owens St. John's 14.47m 47-05.75
FOUL FOUL 14.47m
11 TeTee Kuyateh St. John's 13.56m 44-06.00
FOUL FOUL 13.56m

Event 4 Women High Jump

Progression: 1.75-1.80-1.84-1.88-1.92-1.95-1.98MR
5-8.75;5-10.75;6-0.5;6-2;6-3.5;6-4.75;6-6
World Record: W 2.07m
Amer Record: A 2.01m
MSG Record: G 2.00m
Meet Record: M 1.97m
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Amy Acuff Asics 1.95m 6-04.75 - ex-UCLA
1.75 1.80 1.84 1.88 1.92 1.95 1.98
P O O O O XO XXX
1 Tisha Waller Nike 1.95m 6-04.75
1.75 1.80 1.84 1.88 1.92 1.95 1.98
P O O O O XO XXX
3 Lynn Houston Nat's Athletic 1.80m 5-10.75
1.75 1.80 1.84
P XO XXX

Event 8 Women Pole Vault Visa

Progressions: 4.00-4.15-4.25-4.35-4.45-4.55-4.64MR-4.72AR-4.77W
13-1.5;3-7.25;13-11.25;14-3.25;14-7.25;14-11;15-2.75;15-5.75AR
World Record: W 4.76m
Amer Record: A 4.71m
MSG Record: G 4.63m
Meet Record: M 4.63m
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Stacy Dragila Nike 4.72mA 15-05.75 - ex-Placer HS of Auburn/Idaho St
4.00 4.15 4.25 4.35 4.45 4.55 4.64 4.72 4.77
P P O XO O XO XO XO XXX
2 Kellie Suttle Nike 4.45m 14-07.25
4.00 4.15 4.25 4.35 4.45 4.55
O XXO O XXO O XXX
3 Jillian Schwartz Nike 4.25m 13-11.25
4.00 4.15 4.25 4.35
XO O O XXX
4 Mary Sauer Asics 4.25m 13-11.25 - ex-San Dimas HS/Azusa Pacific
4.00 4.15 4.25 4.35
O O XXO XXX
5 Tracy O'Hara Los Angeles, CA 4.15m 13-07.25- ex Rancho Bernardo (SD)-UCLA
4.00 4.15 4.25
O O XXX
5 Mel Mueller Nike 4.15m 13-07.25
4.00 4.15 4.25
P O XXX

Event 16 Men 60 m Hurdles

World Record: W 7.30
Amer Record: A 7.36
MSG Record: G 7.47
Meet Record: M 7.47
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Larry Wade Nike 7.48
2 Terrence Trammell Mizuno 7.49
3 Allen Johnson Nike 7.51
4 Ron Bramlett Nike 7.71
5 Jeff York Albany 7.84
6 Dudley Dorival asics/HAI 8.00

Event 17 Women 60 m Hurdles

World Record: W 7.69
Amer Record: A 7.81
MSG Record: G 7.87
Meet Record: M 7.87
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Gail Devers Unattached 7.78A - ex-Sweetwater HS/Natl City - UCLA
2 Melissa Morrison adidas 7.95
3 Brigitte Foster Nike/JAM 7.97
4 Perdita Felicien Illinios 8.01
5 Vonette Dixon Mizuno 8.05
6 Jenny Adams Nike 8.07

Event 18 Women 60 m Dash

World Record: W 6.92
Amer Record: A 6.95
MSG Record: G 6.99
Meet Record: M 7.00
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Chryste Gaines Nike 7.23 - ex Stanford
2 Angela Williams Nike 7.23 - ex Chino HS/USC
3 Torri Edwards H.S.I. 7.33 - ex Pomona HS/USC
4 Inger Miller Nike 7.36 - ex Muir HS/USC
5 Brianna Glenn adidas 7.45 - ex La Mirada HS/Univ Arizona
6 Nolle Graham LeMans TC 7.49

Event 21 Girls 1 Mile Run High School

Amer Record: A 4:38.50
Meet Record: M 4:49.94
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Nicole Blood Saratoga Springs 4:52.00
2 Ari Lambie Bromfield School 4:53.14
3 Kathleen Trotter Red Bank Regional 4:53.17
4 Meghan Owen Killingly HS, CT 5:00.01
5 Elizabeth Maloy Aca. Holy Names 5:00.33
6 Jennifer Boyd Hickory HS, VA 5:00.63
7 Jessica Flinn Timberland HS, NH 5:02.13
8 Amanda Trotter Red Bank Regional 5:02.15
9 Laura Cummings Bay Shore HS 5:07.42
10 Catha Mullen Bronxville HS,NY 5:18.33

Men’s Pole Vault – not available

Event 23 Men 3000 m Run

World Record: W 7:24.90
Amer Record: A 7:39.23
MSG Record: G 7:43.81
Meet Record: M 7:43.81
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Markos Geneti adidas/ETH 8:00.27
2 Dan Browne Nike 8:00.91
3 Richard Kiplagat Iona College 8:02.66
4 Daniel Zegeye Asics 8:02.71
5 Beranu Adane ETHIOPIA 8:04.37
6 Martin Keino Nike/KEN 8:05.61
7 Kenneth Maiyo KENYA 8:12.50
-- James Karanu New Balance/KEN DNF

Event 24 Men High Jump J. Thomas

Progression: 2.14;2.19;2.23;2.27;2.31;2.35;2.38MSG;2.41AR
7-0.25;7-2.24;7-4.25;7-5.25;7-7;7-8.5MR;7-9.75;7-10.75
World Record: W 2.43m
Amer Record: A 2.40m
MSG Record: G 2.37m
Meet Record: M 2.34m
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Mark Boswell Nike/CAN 2.31m 7-07.00
2.14 2.19 2.23 2.27 2.31
O P O O XXO
2 Charles Austin So High Sports 2.27m 7-05.25
2.14 2.19 2.23 2.27 2.31
O P O O XXX
3 Charles Clinger Nike 2.23m 7-03.75
2.14 2.19 2.23 2.27
O O O XXX
4 Kwaku Boateng adidas/CAN 2.23m 7-03.75
2.14 2.19 2.23 2.27
O P XO XXX
5 Mike Morrison Willingboro 2.19m 7-02.25
2.19 2.23
XXO XXX
5 Nathan Leeper Nike 2.19m 7-02.25
2.14 2.19 2.23
O XXO XXX

Event 25 Boys 4x800 m Relay Catholic High School AA (NYC Area)

Amer Record: A 7:45.55
MSG Record: G 7:49.10
Meet Record: M 7:53.36
Team Final

Final
1 Fordham Prep 'C' 8:11.06
2 St. Anthony's HS 'E' 8:13.02
3 Chaminade HS 'B' 8:18.64
4 Bishop Loughlin 'A' 8:21.70
5 Kellenberg Mem. 'D' 8:23.77
6 St. Francis Prep. 'F' 8:27.86

Event 26 Women 800 m Run

World Record: W 1:55.82
Amer Record: A 1:58.71
MSG Record: G 1:59.63
Meet Record: M 1:59.98
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Hazel Clark Nike 2:07.66
2 Kenia Sinclair Seton Hall 2:09.48
3 Sasha Spencer Nike 2:10.37
4 Melissa DeLeone TRINIDAD 2:11.74
5 Svetlana Badrankova adidas/KAZ 2:15.16
6 Erin Belger Cal-Berkeley 2:19.05

Event 28 Men 800 m Run

World Record: W 1:42.67
Amer Record: A 1:45.00
MSG Record: G 1:46.77
Meet Record: M 1:47.18
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 David Krummenacker adidas 1:50.20
2 Khadevis Robinson Nike 1:51.08
3 Khalid Tighazouine MOROCCO 1:52.22
4 Derrick Peterson adidas 1:53.87
5 Trinity Gray Nike 1:54.60
-- Daniel Caulfield IRELAND DNF

Event 30 Men 400 m Dash

World Record: W 44.63
Amer Record: A 44.63
MSG Record: G 46.55
Meet Record: M 46.85
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Tyree Washington Octagon 48.80 - ex La Sierra HS/Riverside
2 Brandon Couts Nike 48.86
3 Godfrey Herring Nike 49.05

Event 31 Women 400 m Dash

World Record: W 49.59
Amer Record: A 50.64
MSG Record: G 51.95
Meet Record: M 52.20
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Jearl Miles-Clark New Balance 55.08
2 Kaltouma Nadjina Nike/CHD 55.15
3 Aliann Pompey adidas/GUY 56.37
4 Tacita Bass Columbia, SC 56.42

Event 34 Women 1 Mile Run Fred Lebow

World Record: W 4:17.13
Amer Record: A 4:20.50
MSG Record: G 4:21.45
Meet Record: M 4:21.45
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Elena Iagar ROMANIA 4:36.08
2 Lyubov Kremleva Warren St/RUSSIA 4:37.98
3 Carmen Douma CANADA 4:40.00
4 Sentayehu Ejigu ETHIOPIA 4:40.43
5 Geraldine Hendricken IRELAND 4:44.96
6 Heather Sagan adidas 4:47.12
-- Lyudmila Vasileyva Nike/RUS DNF
-- Tanya Blake New Balance DNF

Event 36 Boys 1 Mile Run 1050AM ESPN

Amer Record: A 4:06.60
Meet Record: M 4:08.00
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Matt Debole Mt.Tabor, NC 4:16.50
2 Brian Dalpiaz Sayville HS, NY 4:17.20
3 Chris Kollar Strongsville HS, OH 4:18.54
4 Kippy Keino Fork Union, VA 4:20.15
5 Chris Pannone Hunterdon Centra 4:24.09
6 Dave Baxter Warwick Valley, NY 4:24.91
7 David Murphy B. Henricken, RI 4:28.97
8 Kevin Tschirhart Northport HS, NY 4:35.87

Event 37 Men 1 Mile Run Wanamaker

World Record: W 3:48.45
Amer Record: A 3:51.80
MSG Record: G 3:52.99
Meet Record: M 3:53.00
Name Year Team Final

Final
1 Bernard Lagat KENYA 4:00.36
2 Vyacheslav Shabunin RUSSIA 4:01.99
3 Laban Rotich KENYA 4:02.91
4 Noah Ngeny KENYA 4:02.92
5 James Thie NYAC/GBR 4:03.41
6 Ibrahim Aden Nike 4:08.73
-- Sammy Mutai KENYA DNF

Devers, Dragila rewrite American record book at Verizon Millrose Games

NEW YORK – Two veteran gold medalists broke American records to make Friday
night ladies’ night at the 96th Verizon Millrose Games, the second stop on
USA Track & Field’s 2003 Indoor Golden Spike Tour. More than 11,000 fans
filled New York’s Madison Square Garden for the record-setting evening.

Ageless Gail Devers broke a record set by a track and field legend, burying
the field in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.78 seconds to break
Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s previous AR of 7.81, set in 1989. For her
performance, Devers was awarded the Fred Schmertz Outstanding Performer
Trophy. Melissa Morrison was second in the race at 7.95, with Jamaican
Brigette Foster third in 7.97.

Defending Olympic gold medalist and outdoor world record holder Stacy
Dragila broke her own, six-day old American record in the Visa women’s pole
vault, clearing 4.72 meters/15 feet, 5.75 inches. The mark improved on her
record of 4.71/15-5.5 set February 1 at the first stop on the Golden Spike
Tour, the adidas Boston Indoor Games. Kellie Suttle was second in the
competition with a clearance of 4.45m/14-7.25.

Though she said she wasn’t surprised by her time, the record in the hurdles
was unexpected for Devers. The two-time Olympic 100m champion and three-time
World Outdoor 100m hurdles gold medalist had hoped to run the 60m dash at
Millrose. But meet director Howard Schmertz had something else in mind.

“I have to say thank you to Howard (Schmertz, Verizon Millrose Games meet
director),” Devers said. “I wanted to sprint this indoor season, but he said
I had to hurdle if I wanted to be in the meet. I said, that’s fine, if that’
s what they want me to do, I’ll do it. I’m very happy with the time.”

She was even happier given that she had dedicated her race to a critically
ill youngster in her hometown of Atlanta. “I dedicated this race to a
three-year-old named Jalen, who is in the Atlanta hospital, having (had) his
third heart surgery,” Devers said. “I knew me dedicating that race to Jalen,
god was going to take hold.”

Dragila continued the firm hold she has on her own event. Though pleased
with breaking the American record in the Visa women’s pole vault on Friday,
she left Madison Square Garden wanting more.

“I was really happy with my performance,” Dragila said. “When you get out
there and jump an American record which is so close to the world record, you
think, let’s go out there and get it … I walked off the pit angry (that she
didn’t get the world record). It’s good to go home and still have something
to work toward.”

The sprint events also brought excitement to the Verizon Millrose Games,
with close finishes and dramatic races. In the women’s 60-meter dash,
defending U.S. indoor champion Chryste Gaines overcame a scintillating start
by World Indoor silver medalist Angela Williams to nip Williams at the tape.
Both women were timed in 7.23 seconds, but Gaines was given the nod to win
her first Verizon Millrose title.

The Verizon men’s 60m dash also featured a fast start by a promising young
athlete as 21-year-old NCAA champion Justin Gatlin got out of the blocks
quickly. Defending U.S. champion Terrence Trammell then took the lead,
winning in 6.51 seconds to 6.54 for Gatlin. World record holder Maurice
Greene was third in 6.57.

Trammell also figured in the men’s 60 hurdles, run just 25 minutes before
the sprint. In the hurdles, it was Trammell who got the fast start before
being overtaken by 2002 Millrose champion Larry Wade. Wade finished in 7.48
seconds, just .01 off Trammell’s meet record. Trammell was a fraction back
at 7.49. Allen Johnson finished third in 7.51.

Kenya’s Bernard Lagat, the World Championships 1,500m silver medalist, made
sure the Wannamaker Mile wasn’t as suspenseful as the sprints by running
away from the field early on, leading by more than a full turn for most of
the race before breaking the tape in 4:00.36.

America’s best two women’s high jumpers went head-to-head and came away with
a draw. Tisha Waller and Amy Acuff both cleared 1.95m/6-4.75. After a
jump-off in which neither woman cleared a height, they called it a night –
and a tie.

In the John Thomas men’s high jump, it was American Charles Austin – the
1996 Olympic gold medalist and Olympic record holder – matching heights with
Canadian Mark Boswell at 2.27m/7-5.25. Boswell, however, went on to win with
a clearance of 2.31m/7-7.

In other events, Hazel Clark won the women’s 800m in 2:07.66, while David
Krummenacker won his second consecutive Verizon Millrose title in the 800 in
1:50.20. Running his first race since 2001, Tyree Washington won the men’s
400m in 48.80. Jearl Miles-Clark took the women’s 400 in 55.08. Taking
advantage of Regina Jacobs’ withdrawal due to a slight adductor injury,
Elena Iagar of Romania easily won the Fred Lebow women’s mile in a time of
4:36.08. Derek Miles unseated Jeff Hartwig as the champion in the Fred
Schmertz men’s pole vault with a clearance of 5.70m/18-8.5.

ATHLETE QUOTES – 2003 VERIZON MILLROSE GAMES

Gail Devers, women’s hurdles winner: “I’m pleased with my time. I felt a
little shaky with some aspects of the race, but I’m very, very thankful. I
dedicated this race to a three-year-old named Jalen, who is in the Atlanta
hospital, having his third heart surgery. I knew me dedicating that race to
Jalen, God was going to take hold. I have to say thank you to Howard
(Schmertz, Verizon Millrose Games meet director). I wanted to sprint this
indoor season, but he said I had to hurdle if I wanted to be in the meet. I
said, that’s fine, if that’s what they want me to do, I’ll do it. I’m very
happy with the time. I see some places to improve. I’m very pleased I could
open the season like this. Last year, I was sick. I’m in my second season of
coaching myself.” On coaching herself: “It’s me and a 7-pound Pomeranian and
God out on the track.” “I actually didn’t know what the American record was,
that’s how unprepared I was for this race. … I used to say I’m going year by
year, but now I’m going day by day. … The New York fans have always been
crazy about track and field. It’s just exciting. They know about track and
field, they know the athletes. For me, I’m just glad to be a part of it.”

Stacy Dragila, women’s pole vault winner. “I was really happy with my
performance. When you get out there, jump an American record which is so
close to the WR, you think, let’s go out there and get it … I walked off the
pit angry (that she didn’t get the world record). It’s good to go home and
still have something to work toward. I wasn’t technically perfect tonight.
On takeoff I felt I wasn’t as upright as I should have been. I was on bigger
poles today than I was in Boston, and they actually felt a little soft. So
it’s good. I’m hungry right now, and I want to feel the stiffer poles. … I
feel great right now, and I’m excited that I’m back and I flushed last year
down the toilet. I had critics who said I was done. I’m not done. I’m not
close to being done. I love that Svetlana (Feofanova) has the world right
now because it makes me very hungry to go out and train and get the record
back. I want to prove my critics wrong and get people excited.”

Amy Acuff, women’s high jump co-winner: “I thought my jumping was really
promising tonight. I was a little disappointed that I ran out of gas at the
end. I was really tired in my attempts at 6-6 – I was trying to force it and
execute it, but it turned to duck slop. … I was a lot faster than I’ve ever
been before on my run. I attribute it to being more stable on my heels.”

Larry Wade, men’s hurdles winner: “I had the worst start that I possibly
ever had. I just kind of moved. Once I found myself behind, I didn’t panic.
John Smith and I worked on what we call our “drop zone,” which is from the
third hurdle on. It worked for me tonight. … it’s the zone where I try to
drop other athletes. To win the same race as all those guys – Renaldo
Nehemiah, Greg Foster – it’s a great honor. I respect that a lot.”

Chryste Gaines, women’s 60m winner: “Earlier this week, I was talking to MSG
TV. The reporter was asking me what one word Millrose means to me. I said
redemption. I’ve never won here. I’m glad to come away with a win, finally.
I think I’ve been here every year for last nine years, except one. I’m
pretty happy with the win. The time is better than last week. I’m happy that
it’s coming down. I didn’t even notice (Williams on the lead) until I got to
the finish line. Once you check up in a dash, you’re pretty much lost. When
I start looking around to see what everyone else is doing, I get distracted.
This is one of the best venues to run in indoors because the crowd is
knowledgeable, they give you the energy you need, and heck, it’s New York.
It’s Madison Square Garden.”

Justin Gatlin, second in men’s 60m: “I felt really anxious Wednesday coming
here. I was ready to run when I first stepped off the plane and I was really
excited. I just wanted to run. I didn’t want to go out or see any sights. I’
ve been working on my starts and acceleration. I was strong out of the
blocks. I stumbled a little but I can correct that.” On beating Maurice
Greene: “To me, everybody’s the same. It’s all equal.”

Terrence Trammell, men’s 60m winner: “When you go against the world record
holder and one of the greatest of all times (Greene) and you’re going
against Drummond and one of the great ones coming up with Gatlin, you’ve got
to know what you’re doing. I just give it all to God, because I came up and
ran a difficult double. All I wanted to do was come out here and execute the
best that I could. I felt at a certain point in my hurdle race, I lost my
aggression. I didn’t want to dwell on my second-place finish in the hurdles
because I know I had another race to run I wanted to put that as far out of
my mind as possible and get ready for the next race.”

Maurice Greene, third in men’s 60m: “Terrence ran a great race. I didn’t run
too well, but you’ve got to give him everything. When you step at the line,
you’ve got to be aggressive. I wasn’t aggressive enough. I was a little bit
too patient. I’ll never do that again. You have game plans going into a
race. Mine didn’t work.”

David Krummenacker, men’s 800m winner: “It felt good. It was my first 800 of
the year. I just wanted to maintain close contact because I wasn’t sure what
kind of pace they were going to run today. My strategy was to get up there.
I felt really good last week running the 1500. As ironic as it may sound, it
’s a little easier to run an 800m off base training. Today was pretty easy.
I felt very comfortable. I’m still chasing some records, including my own
management group (Global Athletics and Marketing, which employs former 800m
runner Rich Kenah).”

Charles Austin, men’s high jump runner-up: “It feels good. I’ve been in the
sport for a long time. This is my 15th year doing this. It feels good to be
out there with Mark (Boswell) and Nathan (Leeper) and (Charles) Clinger. I’m
pleased. My training has been going very well, I just need to jump more.
Right now my rhythm and technique is not where I want it to be. I should
jump very well this year. … The high jump is an event where, if you take
care of your body, you can have a long career. As you get older, your
muscles get stronger, they mature and you have more knowledge. You can jump
well up until your 30s – look at Carl Lewis. The fire is still there, the
drive to compete.”

Mark Boswell, men’s high jump winner: “It was a fun meet. I used to have a
picture of him (Charles Austin) on my wall. He’s like a big brother. It’s
great to have him here to tech us how to take care of ourselves when we’re
in Europe. We don’t bust him, because we know he’s going to put it on us at
the next meet.”

Tyree Washington, men’s 400m winner: “I felt kind of awkward out there
tonight. It was my first meet back in a year and half since I had the
problem with my hamstrings in 2001. Tonight I had those question marks, but
God answered my question marks tonight.” On what he did during his time away
from the sport: “You never now what’s going on in someone’s life. I had to
put away my sister. I had to testify against my sister in court for
first-degree murder. It’s been a whirlwind. I didn’t know if I was going to
come back to track. She’s in a state penitentiary for the rest of her life.
I use that as motivation to do something good in my life. … I worked for
probation department for seven months in Riverside County (Calif). I got
tired of handcuffing kids. I’d rather counsel them than handcuff them. I ‘m
happy to be back. I just pray every day to stay injury-free and
illness-free. Last year was hard just watching my buddies run. … The month
of August, 2002, I testified against sister. I didn’t want to go through
running anymore. My confidence was low, my self-esteem was low. But I think
all in all, that just made me stronger.”

Jearl Miles-Clark, women’s 400m winner: “It’s been a pretty tough year for
me, because we made the move from Gainesville to Knoxville. The biggest
change was the weather, so we’ve had to redo my training. In Gainesville we
trained year-around outdoors. It’s been very cold in Knoxville, and there’s
been days when there was snow on the track. Luckily Joetta (Clark-Diggs, her
sister-in-law), who went to school there, gave us some tips. They’d run up
stairs at a building they call Stokely. I still haven’t gotten a routine
down, and I’m not where I want to be. The strategy was to take the lead on
the break and control the break. That’s what I did. I went out a little too
wide (on the final turn), but I made it to the tape first, so I’m really
happy.”

Bernard Lagat, men’s mile winner: “It went really good. The pacemaker did a
good job at the beginning. I was just following him. I was thinking of
pushing the pace afterwards, but I didn’t really go as fast as I wanted it
to. I was looking back, thinking all the time they were behind me. I thought
maybe someone was in my blind spot. I was surprised they weren’t right
behind me. I think that’s something that made my last quarter a little
slower. I really wanted to run 3:53 today, but it didn’t really happen.”

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Editors: Doug Speck and Rich Gonzalez
Publisher: John Dye

�2002 by DyeStat