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LA SIERRA HIGH GRADUATE WASHINGTON MAKING COMEBACK IN 400 METERS - KIRBY LEE

Tyree Washington was on top of the world in 2001. A year later, Washington hit rock bottom.

After running the fastest time in the world in the 400 meters at 44.28 seconds in 2001, Washington stopped training troubled by flare-ups of a lifelong asthmatic condition and a hamstring injury

Washington, 26, who ran on the United States’ world-record setting 1,600-meter relay in the 1998 Goodwill Games, lost his shoe contract and contemplated retirement.

During the tumultuous period, the Moreno Valley resident was also required to testify in the murder trial of his sister and her boyfriend. They were convicted of first-degree murder for the death of Washington’s niece and sentenced to 25 years to life.

``It was like there was a dark cloud over my head,’’ Washington said. ``There were numerous things and it was bad timing. I thought maybe this isn’t for me. I don’t need to run.’’

After a year and a half layoff, Washington is making a comeback on the indoor circuit. He won the 400 at the USA Track & Field Indoor National championships in Boston two weeks ago to earn a berth in the IAAF World Championships in Birmingham, England this weekend.

Washington had no qualifying mark for the national championships and had to petition the USATF for an exemption to compete. Washington, who has traditionally not competed frequently indoors, had never raced on a 200-meter indoor track prior to the U.S. championships.

``I feel relieved,’’ Washington said. ``I am not really an indoor runner and it worked out very well. What was most important was to get my name out there again and show people that I am ready to run. I knew I wanted to go and make this team by any means.’’

Washington’s performance landed him a sponsorship contract. A shoe deal was among his primary objectives for running at the U.S. championships instead of training exclusively for the outdoor season. He had been competing in a borrowed speed suit and spikes throughout the indoor circuit.

Finances weren’t a concern when the Riverside La Sierra High graduate arose to prominence in 1997 at San Bernardino Valley Junior College with his trademark shaved head and headband.

Washington set an American junior college record that season and went on to finish third in the 1997 World Championships, turning in a yearly best of 44.39. He also ran on the U.S. gold-medal winning 1,600m relay in Athens.

Washington troubles began in 2000 when he failed to advance out of the first round of the U.S. Olympic Trials because of asthma.

In 2001, Washington ran 44.28 during an early-season all-comers meet that ended up as the yearly global leader by nearly two tenths of a second over Bahamian World Champion Avard Moncur’s season best of 44.45.

Washington, though, pulled a hamstring during workouts prior to the USATF championships. He was eliminated in the second round and did not qualify for the U.S. team for the World Championships.

Then, Washington had to deal with the murder trial of his sister, an ordeal that lasted over two years and ended with her conviction in August 2001.

``It hurt so bad,’’ Washington said. ``I had no choice but to testify. The law is the law. Deep down inside, I knew what she did was wrong and this was the only right thing to do.’’

Supporting his wife and 6-year-old son was also a priority during his hiatus from track. He returned to school and worked as a group counselor at a juvenile detention facility. Washington, who would like to coach at college some day, also coached track at alma mater La Sierra High where he won the 1994 state long jump champion as a junior.

``He felt a lot of stress and in pressure and felt that maybe not running would be the answer,’’ Washington’s wife Chara said. ``There were times when he wanted to give up and `I am just going to quit.’ And there were times when he would watch track meets. It was hard seeing it and you’re not there. It’s like watching somebody getting dressed for the prom and you can’t afford to go.’’

Washington couldn’t bear to watch the 2001 World Championships nor the 2002 Golden League circuit but kept track of the results via Internet. Watching the times in the 400 stagnate and encouragement from his wife and pastor Jody May at Riverside’s L.A. Church of Christ fueled Washington’s desire to return to track.

``When I saw the times that were run in the world, it made me furious,’’ Washington said. ``It was a slap in the face. It lit the flame to get back and cranking again.’’

Washington began jogging last July and reunited with his longtime coach Jim Bush, who has worked with 1992 Olympic champion Quincy Watts and 440-yard world record holder John Smith.

Bush said Washington has been able to handle workouts that Watts nor Smith could approach and could challenge the world record and run in the low 43s if he retains his focus.

``It just makes me so mad because he should be ruling the World,’’ Bush said. ``He has so much potential but has never done anything with it.’’

Washington ran only three races before competing in the USATF Indoor Nationals. He ran a solo 45.3 in the 400 in an outdoor all-comers meet in January in his first race back.

Last month, Washington also produced a 48.80 on the tightly curved oval in the Millrose Games in New York and coasted to an unchallenged 57.32 effort in the 500 yards on a 160-yard wood track in the Los Angeles Invitational.

In the USATF Indoor Championships, Washington won his heat in 46.27 and clocked 46.43 in the final.

``There’s a lot of critics but winning put the hammer on the nail to prove that I can run,’’ Washington said.

Washington has taken inspiration from retired world record holder Michael Johnson in his approach to the 400. Washington is impressed by Johnson’s attention to detailed analysis of every phase of the race.

```He became a student of the game of track and field and mastered the 400m,’’ Washington said. ``In my six years at this level and getting to this point, I’ve barely learned.’’

Washington concedes his inaugural World Indoor competition will be a learning experience. He’ll get a chance to race Edmonton world champion Moncur and Great Britain’s duo of defending world champion and 2003 world leader Daniel Caines and Jamie Baulch, who ranks among the top 10 all-time indoors.

``It’s going to be like going to a straight out war,’’ Washington said. ``It will be like a reunion after being out for two years. I need to be aggressive and strong but I need to be very smart and can’t go out too fast. Going through the challenges has helped me work on my character and appreciate the sport.’’

Check the World Championship Indoor Results - happy ending!!!

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