Olympic Trials final day overview

The women’s 1500 was one of the major events of the day yet it was all but overshadowed by fan favorite Jordan Hasay, who had qualified for the finals. The stands boomed with applause as she was introduced last. It was a bit much, however, to ask a high school runner to compete with adults in three races in a short time and, happily, Amy Mortimer took the early lead. Treniere Clement, however, quickly decided that she preferred to be in the lead and took over that duty. Behind trailed Morgan Uceny & Erin Donohue, who had apologized to Hasay after the first heat for trailing her until the third lap.

Clement remained in the lead through the rest of the lap and reached the 400 meter mark in 68.17. Shannon Rowbury followed only a step behind in third while Hasay was tucked safely behind & on the rail in second-last place but still close enough to remain in contention. Lindsey Gallo moved into the lead during the second lap and led at the 800 with a time of 2:15.7 but was followed by a good-sized pack that included Christin Wurth, Rowbury, Donohue, Mortimer & Sara Hall. During the third lap there was some jockeying for position but midway through it, Rowbury took over and was followed by Wurth, Hall & Mortimer. Rowbury continued to lead as they began the final three hundred meters (3:18.6) of the race. Sarah Hall held 2nd at the time & was trailed by Wurth & Donohue.

Rowbury remained in control during the lap & gradually pulled away to win with a time of 4:05.48, while Erin Donohue took 2nd in 4:08.20. Christin Wurth claimed the 3rd medal with 4:08.48 two seconds ahead of Morgan Uceny. All three medalist have the A standard so they will compete in Beijing. Jordan Hasay finished 10th in a fine time of 4:17.36 which was 5 seconds faster than the next runner. Jordan will run in Poland on July 11th in the World Junior meet.

The women’s 200 meters was won by Allyson Felix in a time of 21.86. Muna Lee took 2nd and Marshevet Hooker placed third. Lauryn Williams narrowly missed a medal by one-hundredth of a second finishing with a time of 22.21. In the men’s 200 meters Walter Dix of Florida State took the title with a stadium record of 19.86. Shawn Crawford (19.857) placed 2nd and credited with the same time although just 5-100s behind. Wallace Spearmon finished just a bit in front of Rodney Martin to take third. In the women’s hurdles Lolo Jones won with a time of 12.29 3.8 2 and Damu Cherry (12.58). Dawn Harper edged Nichole Denby 12.612 to 12.619 to earn third place. The men’s hurdles was won by David Oliver with a time of 12.95. Terrence Trammell placed 2nd & David Payne earned 3rd. Just missing in 4th was Aries Merritt.

In the javelin Bobby Smith won with a throw of 249-06 and Mike Hazle placed 2nd. In third place was . Brian Chaput. The title in the men’s discus went to Ian while Michael Robertson placed 2nd. In third was Casey Malone. The men’s long jump saw Aarik Wilson take the title and Kenta Bell took 2nd Rafeeq Curry placed third just edging Walter Davis.

The men’s 1500 Meter run was also much anticipated for it had defending World Champion (also 5K champ) Bernard Lagat as well as Alan Webb, who set the American record in the mile last summer but the race did not deliver on its promise at least as far as time was concerned for the early going was slow and rather lackluster. Lagat, starting out of lane one, took the lead early from Said Ahmed and then slowed the pace. They crawled through the first 400 meters in a sluggish 61.42 - a time so slow one might have thought that they were at the Golden West high school competition. Lagat continued to control the pace during the second lap and was shadowed by Lionel Manzuno, who stated simply afterwards: "what better guy to stick with?"

The pace, especially with the Olympic rules demanding an A standard that many in the race lacked, made no sense and Gabe Jennings happily must have realized it, as he took over the lead and picked up the pace. Still even with his effort they came through the 800 in a dawdling 2:00.7. Lagat stolled along just off his shoulder followed closely by Ahmed and Manzano. Lopez Lomong, hampered by an ankle he had turned earlier, was still hanging on pleased with the snail pace that was just made to order. Allan Webb was in 6th place and in contention but then again the pace being what it was - everyone was still in contention.

Impatient with the pace Said Ahmed bulled his way to the front shoving both Jennings and Lagat. Manzano followed the move despite thinking to himself "relax man - it’s the Trials" (in reference to Ahmed’s move). Ahmed led at the 1200 meters mark with a still slow 2:59.68. Lagat had recovered his stride and was 2nd at that point, while Manzano & Webb were next. Lomong was back in 6th reminding himself to be patient. The cat and mouse game ended just before the runners reached the final turn and Lagat shifted fears. He opened up a slight lead that he would never relinquish with Manzano moving in his wake. Further back Lomong began picking runners off as he moved into contention. Lagat powered down the stretch (his last lap was run in 54.5) with Manzano giving chase. Webb caught Ahmed in the stretch but was caught in turn by Lomong and there was your Olympic team. On a day that was part of the Fourth of July weekend America had a 1500 meter team that was m ade up by athletes, who had all been born in foreign nations (Kenya, Mexico & Sudan). Lopez Lomong, who had been the only athlete I can recall who wished everyone a "Happy 4th of July" put it best stating: "This is America, the land of everybody."

Lagat took his young son with him on his victory lap as Manzano & Lomong celebrated on the track. Meanwhile Gabe Jennings walked dejectedly through the media tent. He had never recovered his stride after being pushed. Behind him followed a forlorn Alan Webb, who walked with head down and shoulders stooped - after four years of dreams and hard work there was nothing that could be said.

Somewhat fittingly the running events were over but the women’s pole vault was still in progress. Most of the athletes were actually out of the competition by then including former US, Olympic & World’s gold medalist Stacy Dragila but all the athletes remained on the field. This is a special event in a way as all the athletes remain on the field until everyone has finished. Their Olympic dream might be over for now but their Olympic spirit remained and they as well as over 21,000 fans were treated to a new American record of 4.92 meters set by Jennifer Stuczynski. April Steiner Bennett placed 2nd with 4.60 and Erica Bartolina took 3rd. Hats off to Stacy Dragila, who had returned after a string of serious injuries, yet looked strong during the early stages of the event. She did not medal but remained a champion in her own right. When told that there were fans crying in the stands for her she noted "I was crying on the track. " Still in spite of her disappointment she vowed to compete next year and though feeling almost crushed by her failure to make another team she had the grace to sign an autograph. In a way she epitomized these Trials which displayed some memorable events and incredible grace.