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2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials

Track & Field

University of Oregon, Hayward Field - Eugene OR

June 27 - July 6, 2008





SteveU's Olympic Trials Preview
Sorting out the qualifiers and their chances to advance

Photos by John Nepolitan, Kirby Lee, Rich Gonzalez, Vic Sailer, Richard Svaleson and Mark Smith

Girls (Alpha List) - Boys

Christine Babcock, Sr., unattached, Irvine CA (Woodbridge HS)
Event/PR: 1500 – 4:16.42 (Makes B standard of 4:19.50; A standard is 4:10.00)
Event Dates: Quarters 7/3, Semis 7/4, Finals 7/6
Qualification Status: 18 qualified and declared; Christine is 24th overall. 30 expected to be accepted into quarters.
World Juniors? Did not compete at US Juniors

Quick Notes: Ran her 4:16.42 qualifier just over a week ago in special 1500, which also broke the high school record … she twice set national federation 1600 records this spring, including 4:33.82 at state … has won 3 straight state 1600 titles

The Skinny: All of those who have wanted Christine to run a post-season track or XC meet finally have their wish come true as the Californian runs the biggest meet available. Remember, at the end of XC she said the Trials was her goal, and here she is. It stands to reason that Christine could improve her time with competition, but she’s never been in a field that’s as deep and talented as this. One hopes that maybe she and Hasay will be in the same quarterfinal. If Christine runs smart and fast here, she could make the semis, but the Final would be very tough.


Shanay Briscoe, Soph., NW Flyers TC, Houston TX (Cypress Christian HS)
Event/PR: High Jump – 6-01.25 (Met exactly the A standard of 1.86m; B standard is 1.83m/6-0)
Event Dates: Qualifying 6/30, Final 7/4
Qualification Status: Tied for 12th of 22 qualified and declared. Field size should be 24.
World Juniors? Yes, made team by winning high jump.

Quick Notes: Quickly showed she was a phenom by hitting US#3 5-11.50 as a freshman … won Great Southwest this year with 6-0, then cleared 6-01.25 in additional competition … followed up with USATF Juniors win last weekend.

The Skinny: Very young, but becoming more and more consistent. Can make the final with a good day … BUT with the World Youth team scheduled to fly to Poland 7/4, she’d have a choice to make. Not known which meet she is doing, or if some combination of both.


Hannah Carson, fr., Arizona Cheetahs TC, Mesa AZ (Chandler HS)
Event/PR: Javelin 173-07 (2007)/52.91m (Has met B standard of 50.50m, A standard is 54.50)
Event Dates: Qualifying 6/28, Final 6/30
Qualification Status: 14th of 19 qualified and declared (last yr. PR)
World Juniors? Finished 3rd at USATF Jrs., but has qualifier if others decide not to go

Quick Notes: Set huge PR as 8th grader at USATF JO’s last summer … has not beaten it this year, but has been in 160s several times … event is not contested in Arizona … Hannah also did USATF Youth Nats Heptathlon this week (ended Wednesday) … Won NON as well, but with just 149-03.

The Skinny: Hannah has been close, but not quite several times this year, as far as raising her PR; her best is 167-11. She’s thrown it 3 times since last Friday alone, with the 163-05 at USATF Jrs, but then just sub-150 at NON and Youth Nats. She needs to get to PR level to make the final. Just getting in the meet, as a HS freshman, however, is amazing. She would have plenty of time to do the Trials and make the Junior trip to Poland.


Jackie Coward, Sr., Track Knoxville TN (Knoxville West HS)
Event/PR: 100H – 13.21 (13.26 in 2008, 13.00w), 400H – 57.21
Event Dates: 400H: Quarters 6/27, Semis 6/28, Final 6/29. 100H: 1st round and quarters 7/5, Semis and Final 7/6
Qualification Status: 17 qualified and declared in 100H; Jackie is 25th overall. She’s 22nd of 27 qualified and declared in the 400H.
World Juniors? Finished 4th in 100H at Jrs., didn’t run 400H final after leading qualifiers; not expected to go to Poland, even if others were scratched

Quick Notes: First loss in at least 2 years at 100H was last weekend at Junior Nats … At Great Southwest, ran a stunning 13.00w (+2.9), 2nd best all-conditions ever … Other than last week, has been completely dominant prep short hurdler last two years, as well as being very close to top at 300H and 400H … holds USR at 60H indoors at 8.17.

The Skinny: Coward said she wasn’t disappointed about Juniors last week and was going to go back home and work on getting ready for the Trials. In the 400H, she ran 57.21 last year, but hasn’t gotten down there yet this year, so making semis would be big accomplishment. In short hurdles, she should be able to get to quarters, then semis will be challenge … but if she can get to 13.00 form, she’s got a good chance.


Jordan Hasay, jr., unattached, Arroyo Grande CA (Mission Prep HS)
Event/PR: 1500 – 4:16.98 (Makes B standard of 4:19.50; A standard is 4:10.00)
Event Dates: Quarters 7/3, Semis 7/4, Finals 7/6
Qualification Status: 18 qualified and declared; Jordan is 29th overall
World Juniors? Yes, made team by winning 1500.

Quick Notes: Won USATF Jrs last year with PR, then this year with 4:18.44 … ran huge 3200 PR 9:52.13 in winning state meet … 2nd in World Youth Champs last year in 4:17.24, giving her some great international experience … 4:17 race at Cardinal Invite this year was good experience against Olympic Trials-level collegians and pros

The Skinny: Because the US Junior Team is leaving for Poland July 4, and all must travel together, Jordan will only be able to run the quarterfinals at the Trials. Making the semis would have been possible; the final unlikely. On the positive side, she could be free to run all out and go for the HSR, if she chooses.


Anna Jelmini, jr., unattached, Bakersfield CA (Shafter HS)
Event/PR: Discus - 183-11/56.06 (Met B standard of 56.00; A standard is 59.00.
Event Dates: Qualifying 6/27, Finals 6/29
Qualification Status: 22nd out of 24 qualified and declared
World Juniors? Yes, made team by winning discus

Quick Notes: Has made big strides to becoming dominant discus thrower in the country … doubled at Arcadia and state … won USATF Jrs with 173-01

The Skinny: Jelmini will probably need a big PR to make the finals, but will be great experience for someone with another year of high school remaining. With events being early in the week, she can easily compete and make the 7/4 plane to Poland for the World Juniors.


Victoria Jordan, Sr., Dallas Gold TC, Fort Worth TX (Dunbar HS)
Event/PR: 100 meters/200 meters – 11.16/23.24 (22.84w from 2007) – (Met B standard of 11.35 in 100; A standard is 11.35. Met B standard of 23.25 in 200; A standard is 22.80)
Event Dates: 100 – Qualifying & Quarters 6/27, Semis & Final 6/28. 200 – Qualifying 7/4, Quarters & Semis 7/5, Finals 7/6
Qualification Status: Tied for 17th of 33 qualified and declared in 100. 18 qualified and declared in 200; Victoria is 6th of 6 with provisional/open status.
World Juniors? Yes, made team with 2nds in 100 and 200.

Quick Notes: Hit the big time in '07 with dominant indoor season, including NIN double … missed spring outdoor season when didn’t compete with Dunbar HS team … came back in summer with super USATF JO meet, including 22.84w … Her 11.16 at state this year is #5 all-time.

The Skinny: Victoria was in peak form back the 2nd weekend of May when she ran her 11.16. Since then, she’s been 11:30-40 in her big meets. Getting to the semis would be possible if she gets back to form. Not expected to declare in 200, as she would have to miss Juniors trip to compete.


Ryann Krais, Sr., unattached, Eagleville PA (Methacton HS)
Event/PR: 400H – 57.20 (58.96 in 2008)
Event Dates: Quarters 6/27, Semis 6/28, Final 6/29.
Qualification Status: 21st out of 27 qualified and declared.
World Juniors? Yes, made team with Heptathlon victory

Quick Notes: Two-time USATF Hept champ … just 11 points off USR with 5522w score at Great Southwest … set 400H PR of 57.20 at USATF Jrs last year … set 300H PR with 41.20 win at Great Southwest.

The Skinny: This works out nicely for Krais, being able to do one of her favorite events at the Trials, then have plenty of time before the plane leaves for Poland. Making semis will be tough, but she can do it if she gets back to PR level.


Rachel Laurent, sr., unattached, Houma LA (Vanderbilt Catholic HS)
Event/PR: Pole Vault - 14-00/4.27 (Met ‘B’ standard of 4.20; A Standard is 4.47)
Event Dates: Qualifying 7/3, Finals 7/6
Qualification Status: 20 qualified and declared; ranks 27th overall
World Juniors? Yes, made team with victory.

Quick Notes: After bad meet at Simplot, she took NIN and NSIC indoors … continued to up the ante outdoors, reaching her 14-00 eventually … also got big win at Great Southwest … has attempted HSR 14-01.50 several times.

The Skinny: Rachel is not expected to be at Trials, as requirement of Juniors to travel together on 7/4 plane makes it all but impossible for her to even do the Qualifying. She stated at USATF Juniors that she would just do the Worlds.


Victoria Lucas, sr., unattached, Midland TX (Midland HS)
Event/PR: High Jump 6-00.25/1.85m (Met B standard of 1.83m; A standard is 1.86m)
Event Dates: Qualifying 6/30, Final 7/4
Qualification Status: Tied for 15th of 22 qualified and declared.
World Juniors? No, did not make team

Quick Notes: Was NIN champion indoors … one of 3 Texans to clear 6-00 at Great Southwest

The Skinny: Lucas is hoping to bounce back after disappointing meet at USATF Jrs. Will have to PR to make final.


Chanelle Price, Sr., United Stars TC, Easton PA (Easton HS)
Event/PR: 800 – 2:01.61 (Just misses A standard of 2:01.50, makes B standard of 2:06.50)
Event Dates: Quarters 6/27, Semis 6/28, Final 6/30
Qualification Status: 7th of 30 qualified and declared
World Juniors? Did not compete at USATF Juniors

Quick Notes: Has been the nation’s dominant 800 runner since her soph year … last week was named Gatorade Athlete of the Year for all of girls track and field … has won several prep and junior indoor and outdoor titles … finally broke her junior year PR of 2:02.38 with her 2:01.61 at Prefontaine.

The Skinny: The most celebrated of Trials and Olympic Games aspirants, and the most experienced against national and professional competition. From her foray last summer into the USATF Final last year to her PR run at Prefontaine this month, she has tested and proven herself worthy at this level. What’s left for her is the pacing and good fortune to make a run for the finals, nail Kim Gallagher’s HSR at last, and if there’s anyone out there who could make the team, it’s her. Yes, it’s unlikely, purely based on her ranking, but no one in the field is consistent or fast enough to be a sure thing for the team by any stretch. But again, the big thing is she’ll have to have a big finish; while she’s most comfortable ahead and running fast, she have to run smart strategically and have a move left in the final 100 to 200 meters.


Laura Roesler, Soph., Team NoDak, Fargo ND (Fargo South)
Event/PR: 800 - 2:03.08 (makes B standard of 2:06.50; A standard is 2:01.50)
Event Dates: 6/27, Semis 6/28, Final 6/30
Qualification Status: 18th of 30 qualified and declared
World Juniors? Did not compete in USATF Juniors

Quick Notes: Won 100, 200, 400, and 800 at North Dakota State Meet … stunned by lowering her PR to 2:05.28, 2:04.96, then 2:03.08 over about a month

The Skinny: Laura ran a great 2:07.83 as a freshman in 2007, but who thought she’d be down to 2:03.08 at this point a year later? Her story is one of the most amazing of the year. Who knows if she can still improve, but she has the tools (speed and endurance) and is beginning to learn to race with elites. Making the semis would be a super accomplishment.


Boys (Alpha List)

William Claye, Jr., Do Right Track Club, Phoenix AZ (Mountain Pointe HS)
Event/PR: Triple Jump 52-04.75 (Met B standard of 15.80m/51-10; A standard is 16.66)
Event Dates: Qualifying July 4, Final July 6
Qualification Status:  19 qualified and declared; Will is 7th of 7 with provisional/pending status.
World Juniors?  Was entered at USATF Jrs, but didn’t come to Columbus
Quick Notes:  Claye owned the legal US#1 lead with his current PR until Christian Taylor broke it at USATF Juniors… he won the TJ on his last attempt at Great Southwest.
The Skinny:  Claye broke his wrist after Great Southwest, missed last weekend’s USATF Juniors meet, and is not expected to compete.







Jeff Demps, sr., unattached, Okahumpka FL (South Lake HS)
Event/PR:  100 – 10.17 (met B standard of 10.28; A standard is 10.07)
Event Dates:  Qualifying and Quarters 6/28; Semis and Final 6/29
Qualification Status: 20 qualified and declared; Jeff is tied for 28th.
World Juniors?  Demps passed on USATF Jrs
Quick Notes:  Jeff first really attracted major attention with is 10.25 last year  … he hit his PR early in the season, which has held up for #1 all year
The Skinny:  With his 3rd at Pre (10.19 into headwind) and his 10.03w, it’s easy to think of Demps as having a lot better chance to go deep than his seeding would indicate.  Like most here, he lacks this type of experience – even for younger US teams.  But he does appear fit and has been racing well recently, which is always good.  One can certainly imagine him making the semis, but getting into the final would be monumental.





Erik Kynard, soph, unattached, Toledo OH (Toledo Rogers)
Event/PR: High Jump – 7-03.75/2.23 (Met B standard of 2.20m/7-03.75; A standard is 2.28)
Event Dates:  Qualifying 7/3, Final 7/5
Qualification Status:  17th out of 20 qualified and declared
World Juniors?  Yes, made high jump team with 2nd at USATF Jrs
Quick Notes:  Hit four  straight 7-footers indoors, including his PR jump … he won NIN … has not found the groove for the 7-02 or better jumps since indoors … won his state meet, though Ryan Fleck would jump higher another division… went head-to-head with Fleck at USATF Juniors, with Fleck winning, 7-10.50 to 7-00.
The Skinny:  The biggest thing for Erik will be regaining his indoor form.  He’s been jumping in the 7-00 and 7-01 range all spring after his monster 7-03.75 indoors, which makes him one of only two ‘A’ qualifiers among preps in the Trials (only male).  He will have to be at his best, or better, to make the final.  He will also, however, have to decide between Juniors and the Trials.


Marcus Rowland, sr., unattached, Moore SC (Dorman HS)
Event/PR:  100 – 10.28 met B standard of 10.28; A standard is 10.07)
Event Dates:  Qualifying and Quarters 6/28; Semis and Final 6/29
Qualification Status: 20 qualified and declared; Marcus is tied for 43rd.
The Skinny:  Rowland just squeaked in for a qualifier and is not likely to get into the first round (32 athletes).


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