Someone said that records are made to be broken. Running from lane five, Usain Bolt " ran his heart out", coming off the turn with a sizable lead and just blazed away, breaking the world record of one Michael Johnson, set twelve years ago in Atlanta. His gear after 140 meters was insane, as he destroyed the field, winning in a new World and Olympic record of 19.30! In second was Martina Chardinay of Netherland Antilles ran 19.82 for his third National record of the Games. And at first, Wallace Spearmon was third, but was disqualified for running out of lane nine. The sad thing was, no one told Wallace until after he had completed his victory lap and he looked and said , " Me"? thinking it was a joke. Shawn Crawford, the 2004 gold medalist moved up to the third position. Crawford ran 19.96 and Walter Dix in fourth, ran 19.98.
Brian Dzingai of Zimbabwe ran 20.22 for fifth. Christian Malcolm of Great Britain ran 20.40 and Kim Collins, the 2003 Wold Champion, ran 20.59 for seventh. Wallace Spearmon was disqualified for infringing on IAAF rule 163.3, running outside of the lane. To my eyes, he ran on the lane for four steps and one in the next lane, but did not infringe on the other runner. The US is making a protest.

This was Usain Bolt's second world record and second gold medal of the Games. He has won both with frightening speed and in this race, he showed his true ability. In my mind, the world record at 100 meters, 9.69 is tremendous but the really impressive record is this one the 19.30 for 200 meters.

If you want to hear my complete thoughts, check NPR tomorrow around five pm your local time. Tom Goldman, the NPR sports columnist, and I had a chat on the nature of our sport, Usain Bolt and other minutae. It was quite fun and Tom is a wonderful interviewer. Check it out!

For more on athletics, please check www.american-trackandfield.com

Holm to continue with jumping this year

BEIJING: Unlucky fourth 2004 olympic winner Stefan Holm already added two meetings on his website for post-olympic time. That means he will continue to jump this season. It is as he said that if he wins he will immediately end the career, if not then he will jump until the end of the season. Holm is scheduled to jump at Finnkampen the match Finland-Sweden in Helsinki on Aug 29 and then plans to be at World Athletics Final in Stuttgart.

Bolt against Powell and Gay in Brussels

BEIJING: Golden League final meet of the year in Brussels on Sep 5 promises something special at 100 m. At Van Damme Memorial the first this years clash Usain Bolt - Asafa Powell - Tyson Gay should be held. Another chance to see the world record to be broken,. Scientists calculated that Bolt had his highest speed between 50-80 metres having a 10 m split of 0.82 (43.9 km per hour). If he would continue in that speed his final time would be 9.60. At IAAF website a poll says that Bolt is able to break the 200 m world record this evening. 70% of readers say yes, only 30% are thinking that he will not run the 19.32 or faster.

Drama of Lolo Jones

BEIJING: US world indoor champion Lolo Jones from Baton Rouge was a clear leader in the 100 m hurdles final and also on the way to break the 12.40. But unfortunately at the 9th hurdle it happened. Here her voice as per USATF website:"You hit a hurdle about twice a year where it affects your race. It's just a shame that it happened on the biggest race of my life. About the middle part of the race, the hurdles were just coming up very fast, and I just told myself what I always tell myself, 'keep things tight.' But it's kind of like a car. When you race in a car and you're going max velocity and you hit a curve, you either maintain control or you crash and burn and today I crashed and burned."

Tyagachev spoke for Silnov

BEIJING: Russian National Olympic Committee president Leonid Tyagachev was personally involved in the decision to include Andrey Silnov additionally to Olympic high jump squad. "I personally was involved in the change," he said. He was included into the team only after his 238 in London as he initially did not qualify at Russian Nationals.

Baldini decision soon

BEIJING: Olympic marathon title defender Stefano Baldini should decide soon about his participation on Sunday´s final athletics event. On Wednesday he is to have a test which should help to make the decision.

TUESDAY EVENING ACTION

200m women quarter-final:

Jamaica's Sherone Simpson was the fastest runner of the quarter-finals with 22.60s. Her two teammates Kerron Stewart (22,63s) and title defender and world leader Veronica Campbell-Brown (22,64s) advanced to the semi-finals without any problem. Same for their three counterparts from the USA Allyson Felix (22,74s), Marshevet Hooker (22,76s) and Muna Lee (22,83s). Russia's Yuliya Chermoshanskaya won semi-final number three in a new personal best of 22,63s. And, interestingly enough,in semi-final number two Rakia Al-Gassra from Bahrain clocked 22,76s as first in front of France's Muriel Hurtis-Houairi (22,89s).

5.000m women heats:

Defending Olympic champion and Osaka gold medallist from Ethiopia Meseret Defar clocked impressive 14:56,32min for a heat in which six athletes were faster than 15 minutes, amongst them the doublers Elvan Abeylegesse from Turkey (14:58,79min = SB) and Shalane Flanagan from the USA (14:59,69min = SB). In the first heat, Defar's counterpart, world leader Tirunesh Dibaba started her 'double gold'-project crossing the finish line as first after 15:09,89min. All three Ethiopians (Meselech Melkamu qualified with 15:11,21min) and Kenyans (Sylvia Jebiwott-Kibet - 15:10,37min, Vivian

Cheruiyot - 14:57,27min = SB and Priscah Jepleting Cherono - 14:58,07min) advanced to the final. Interestingly all 3 medalists from 10k are competing and a special duel Dibaba-Defar is expected in finals.

110m hurdles men quarter-final:

Now that Liu Xiang is out, the 110m hurdles competition looks quite clear - who should be able to spoil world record holder Dayron Robles' victory if not he himself by making a mistake? The Cuban clocked 13,19s in quarter-final number two and advanced easily and safely to the semi-final. His counterpart, David Oliver from the USA, also had a smooth passage with 13,16s, the fastest time of the quarter-finals. Behind him, Ladji Doucoure from France clocked 13,39s and qualified.

High jump men final:

World leader Andrey Silnov from Shakhty in Russia cleared 2,36m for Olympic gold. The big surprise of this final is silver medal winner Germaine Mason from Great Britain who achieved a new personal best of 2,34m. Russia's Yaroslav Rybakov cleared also 2,34m, which is a new season's best for him, and got the bronze. The unlucky person was Stefan Holm of Sweden: Neither could he defend his Olympic title, nor did he get any medal at all: He had to be satisfied with rank four (2,32m). Unclear is why Silnov tried at 242 (and one jump was so close) as he would only equal European record, break the Olympic and Russian records by 2 cm...

Discus throw men final:

World champion and world leader Gerd Kanter from Estonia spoiled Lithuanian

Virgilius Alekna's plans to achieve his third win in a row after Sydney and Athens: With 68,82m from his fourth attempt he won the gold medal. Alekna threw only 67,79m and had to take the bronze medal. The happy and surprising silver medal winner is Piotr Malachowski from Poland who achieved 67,82m in his second throw.

200m men semi-final:

While Usain Bolt approached his second gold medal a little bit by winning his semi-final in 20,09s, Churandy Martina from the Netherlands Antilles ran another national record: 20,11s. All three US-sprinters qualified (Walter Dix - 20,19s, Shawn Crawford - 20,12s and Wallace Spearmon - 20,14s). Christian Malcolm from Great Britain (20,25s) will be the only European representative in the final.

400m men semi-final:

No problem for defending Olympic champion, world champion and world leader Jeremy Wariner to qualify for the final - he clocked strong 44,15s. Yet, his challenger and teammate, LaShawn Merrit achieved a better time of 44,12s in his heat number three. Leslie Djhone from France crossed the finish line as first in heat number two after 44,79s. Two more Europeans will also be in the final: Martyn Rooney from Great Britain (44,60s = personal best and European lead 2008) and Sweden's Johan Wissman (44,64s = SB).

400m women final:

From the start until the last 70 metres, everything looked like Sanya Richards from the USA would finally get the long awaited gold medal because she was leading clearly in front of the other runners. But world champion Christine Ohuruogu from Great Britain had the better reserves, overtook her and - big surprise - crossed the finish line as first after 49,62, a world leading mark. Sanya Richards was so much a victim of her too high speed from the start that she also had to let Shericka Williams from Jamaica (49,69s = PB) pass her and thus was left with only the bronze medal (49,93s).

100m hurdles women final:

Another top favorite failed in the final: World leader Lolo Jones from the USA came only seventh after 12,72s as she stepped at the ninth hurdle. But her teammate Dawn Harper was the sensation clocking a new personal best of 12,54s and winning the gold medal. Australia's Sally McLellan and Canada's Priscilla Lopes-Schliep grasped the silver and bronze medal (12,64s both) in an extremely tight finish (Places four and five 12,65s: Damu Cherry from the USA and Delloreen Ennis-London from Jamaica and place six 12,66s: Brigitte Foster-Hylton).

1.500m men final:

With Bernard Lagat from the USA not qualified, this final looked like a safe thing for Rashid Ramzi from Bahrain. He let the Kenyans make the pace and then took the lead on the last 400m (52.9). Nobody could attack his final sprint, Kenya junior Asbel Kiprop tried his best but did not succeed and got the silver medal (3:33,11min). Ramzi clocked fast 3:32,94min to become Olympic champion. Surprise bronze medallist is Nicholas Willis from New Zealand with 3:34,16min, his country's first medal since 1976.

British evening

Christine Ohuruogu added the Olympic 400metres title to the world championship gold medal she won last year with a phenomenal performance in Beijing on Tuesday night. Ohuruogu said: "I don't know where I am right now. You never think it's a reality, it's something you dream about. As I came across the line I thought 'Oh my gosh' - I don't know what to say. I'm just so proud of myself. Today I warmed up for an hour and a half. I had to keep stopping and sitting down to sort my head out. I felt tired, I hadn't slept for the last two nights, the pressure was getting to me. I thought 'If I don't win, what will happen?' As it gets closer and closer you get more scared and realise it is a lot harder than it you think it is." Ohuruogu just over two years ago was considering quitting athletics after being suspended for 12 months for missing three out-of-competition drugs tests. While Ohuruogu's performance was not a surprise, Germaine Mason's silver medal in the high jump was a welcome addition to the Team GB's tally.
Mason, who was born in Jamaica but switched nationalities in 2006, had one failure at 2.29m and then opted to pass on that height, moving up to clear 2.32m and 2.34m with his first attempts. "I am a bit speechless but I am very happy and overwhelmed. I feel like Superman! I went way above my limits tonight - personal best and silver medal. I feel very British. Britain is my home and it will be forever. I spend six months a year in Jamaica doing a lot of training with Stephen Francis and Asafa Powell and then I come back to Europe to compete on the circuit."

used with permission of Alfons Juck, Publisher of EME News.

Ramzi not running the 5k

BEIJING: Fresh 1500 m olympic winner Rashid Ramzi will not run the 5000 m heats today. His management confirmed that he is too tired to compete today as he got back to his accomodations last night well after midnight.

Used with permission of Alfons Juck, Publisher of EME News.

By Bob Ramsak
(c) 2008 TRACK PROFILE Report, all rights reserved

BEIJING -- When the subject of tonight’s 200m final comes up –-and it has quite often over the past several days-– one general theme emerges: How fast will Usain Bolt run?

After his 9.69 world record in the 100m on Saturday --a performance that’s still extremely difficult to fully grasp-- attention has fallen on the 22-year-old Jamaican who, until this year, was considered a better 200m runner. According to him, it remains his favorite. That he’s in the shape of his life was vividly illustrated time and time again since the opening, most recently in the early rounds of the 200 when he redefined the discipline by adding the term “jog” to sprinting parlance.

His 20.09 win in the second semi was just that, a jog down the home straight. At least in comparison to how those who followed him appeared. American Shawn Crawford, the 2004 champion, worked hard to reach the line in 20.12. His teammate Wallace Spearmon worked even harder to finish third in 20.14.

That Bolt can be beaten hasn’t really been open to debate. Even among some of the runners who will line up against him.

“I’m not going to beat him,” said Zimbabwe’s Brian Dingzai, the runner-up in the first semi in 20.17. “I’ll just do my best.”

While not taking on that sort of defeatist attitude, even Spearmon paid him a further, if light-hearted, tribute. “He might be a 400 runner as well, but he’s lazy.”

A mark once considered untouchable, Michael Johnson’s 19.32 world record is the target pundits think Bolt should be aiming for. Both records have been broke in the same Olympics twice, but not by the same person. The records fell to Jim Hines and Tommie Smith in 1968, and to Donovan Bailey and Johnson in 1996.

But on the record, records aren’t crossing the Jamaican’s mind. He’s apparently too busy just having a good time.

“I’m just enjoying myself,” Bolt said after the semis. “You can’t be too serious, you’ve just got to enjoy it.”

He did make one promise though.

“I’m going to run my heart out.”

Others finals on Day 6 include the women’s 400m hurdles and women’s hammer throw.

Used with permission of Bob Ramsak, publisher of http://www.trackprofile.com

Delloreen Ennis-London of Jamaica, took fifth in the 100 meter hurdles, with the same time as Damu Cherry of the US in fourth, both in 12.65.

UPSETS, VINDICATION, HIGHLIGHT DAY FIVE IN BEIJING

By Bob Ramsak
(c) 2008 TRACK PROFILE Report, all rights reserved

BEIJING -- Upsets, hard luck and vindication were the order of the evening on Day five competition on the track in Bejing. Nearly across the board, pre-Olympic momentum, conjecture and conventional wisdom took a back seat to the action on the field.

On another night when the National Stadium was filled to capacity, two events in particular stood out: Christine Ohuruogu’s sensational victory in the 400m, and Dawn Harper’s unlikely triumph in the 100m hurdles.

A year ago, Ohuruogu won the world title in Osaka, but without the event’s undisputed No. 1 American Sanya Richards in the race, the victory seemed to lack some luster. But her triumph in Beijing will go a long way to assuage any doubts about the Briton’s ability to come through when it matters most. And with Richard finishing a well-beaten third, the American may finally lose the oft-cited “favorite” superlative.

Richards went out fast –-in hindsight perhaps too fast-- and paid for it when she slowed to a crawl with about 60 meters remaining. Ohuruogu has said that the final 50 meters is her best portion of the race. That clearly showed when she stormed by in lane four to nab the gold in 49.62.

“I’m still feeling numb,” she said some 50 minutes later.

With a strong late race charge of her own, Jamaican Shericka Williams nearly came through to steal the win, but came up just a bit short, stopping the clock in 49.69. Richards held on to take the bronze in 49.93.

“My right hamstring grabbed on me, and I just couldn't move it anymore,” said Richards, a co-winner of last year’s $1 million Golden League Jackpot. “I tried to hold them off, and I just couldn't.”

Ohuruogu returned from a one-year suspension for missing three doping tests to win the world title last year. While her return has attracted some critics, Richards can’t be counted as one. Always supportive of the Briton, Richards reiterated last Thursday that Ohuruogu’s case was an exception, and that the Londoner is indeed “clean”.

HARPER SHOCKER IN WOMEN’S 100m HURDLES

Less than 20 minutes later, the upsets continued in the women’s 100m hurdles. Why the term is often used to describe obstacles we encounter in everyday life has already been sufficiently addressed in Beijing over the past few days. After Liu Xiang, two-time silver medallist Terrence Trammell, and European champion Susana Kallur, World leader and pre-meet favorite Lolo Jones provided yet another example.

With a clear lead heading towards hurdle nine, the U.S. champion hit the barrier hard. While she stayed on her feet, her late race mishap swiftly knocked her out of contention for a medal of any color.

That opened the door for Dawn Harper, whose late race charge had already guaranteed her a medal. That it would be gold caught the entire world by surprise.

“I knew I needed to react to the gun, just focus on me and be quick and attack each hurdle," said Harper, whose 12.54 victory, a career best, will be one of the most memorable of the Games.

With Jones out, the battle for second was nearly too close to call. After a nerve-racking pause to read the photo, the bronze went to 21-year-old Australian Sally McLellan who edged Canadian Priscilla Lopes-Schliep. Bother were credited with 12.64, with American Damu Cherry and Jamiacan Delloreen Ennis-London just a tick behind in fourth and fifth, both clocking 12.65.

Said Jones, "You hit a hurdle about twice a year where it affects your race. It's just a shame that it happened on the biggest race of my life.”

While Harper’s victory will go into the record books as a surprise, it wasn’t to the former U.S. junior champion. “I felt I was always capable if I focused on myself,” said Harper, whose previous best was 12.58.

McLellan’s post race assessment: I can’t believe this is even happening.”

RAMZI BECOMING ‘MAN OF CHAMPIONSHIPS’

When he emerged as a middle distance power at the world championships in Helsinki three years ago, Rashid Ramzi said his childhood idol was Hicham El Guerrouj. On Tuesday, the 28-year-old succeeded the all-time great as the Olympic 1500m champion.

Biding his time in the middle of the pack for more than half the race, the enigmatic Bahraini wormed his way through the pack to join the leaders at the bell before making his break with 200 metres to go to. The gap of some two meters he carried through the final bend proved to be decisive as he crossed the line in 3:32.94.

But he wasn’t alone when he unleashed his fearsome trademark kick. Kenyan teenager Asbel Kiprop, who shared the early race pacing chores with his teammate Augustine Choge, matched Ramzi’s move, and although he wasn’t able to catch him, he didn’t allow the gap to grow either. The 19-year-old finished just a step behind in 3:33.11 to take the silver, the eighth medal overall in the event for Kenya in Olympic competition.

“I’m not disappointed,” said Kiprop, who was fourth at the World championships last year. “Not at all.”

In the fast and furious charge over the final 150 metres, New Zealander Nick Willis produced the race of his life. Sixth entering the homestretch, the 25-year-old national record holder forged on to claim the bronze in 3:34.16, holding off Frenchman Mehdi Baala, who was running on the inside, by just 0.05 seconds.

“I wasn’t able to get the gold,” said Willis, “but to get a bronze means just as much.”

Just over half a second separated finishers four through seven, with Spaniard Juan Carlos Higuero taking fifth (3:34.44) to give Europe two top-five finishers for the second straight Games.

Kiprop said that he and Choge made the decision last night to assume the pacing chores. A brisk pace from the outset, they reasoned, would be the only way to work the kick out of Ramzi’s legs. But that game plan quite come to pass.

Kiprop assumed the immediate lead, bringing the tightly-knit pack through the first lap in 56.48, but Choge then slowed the tempo significantly, reaching the 800m in 1:56.06. The next lap was quicker, but the 2:53 split at 1200m wasn’t quite according to plan either.

“We were hoping for 2:50,” Kiprop confirmed. Choge later wasn’t a factor in the homestretch battle, fading to 10th in 3:35.50.

On Wednesday, Ramzi said, he’ll decide whether to emulate his idol’s Athens Olympic achievement, and contest the 5000m as well.

ENDS

----- -----------------------------------------

The TRACK PROFILE REPORT is a news and feature service published by the Track Profile News Service. In addition to regularly dispatched news, profile and interview features, subscribers also receive exclusive on-site updates from major national and international competitions, usually within 24 hours. Copyright (c) 2008 by Bob Ramsak and TRACK PROFILE. All rights reserved. Reproduction, republication, reposting and retransmission in ANY form is strictly prohibited without express permission from the editor. Small portions may be reproduced ONLY if accompanied by source citation and *ADVANCE* notice in writing to Track Profile. Please contact the editor at bob@trackprofile.com for reprint permission. [ Visit www.trackprofile.com for more. ]
----- -----------------------------------------

The TRACK PROFILE Report is sponsored in part by Shooting Star Media, Inc., publisher of American Track & Field, Athletes Only and Coaching Athletics Quarterly, among their seven print publications and six websites, is a proud member of the Running Network, LLC, which represents 34 of the finest regional and national athletics and running publications in North America. American Track & Field [ http://www.american-trackandfield.com ] is a professional magazine geared to coaches, athletes and enthusiasts of track & field, race walking, road racing and cross country running. Links to all Shooting Star Media publications can be found on its website at http://www.shootingstarmediainc.com .

------ -----------------------------------------

Individual subscriptions: USD 50/EUR 45/year. To make payment arrangements, send an email to bob@trackprofile.com or you can pay by credit card via PayPal at [http://www.trackprofile.com/dispatch.html ]. Likewise, direct all comments, suggestions, questions, and corrections via email to bob@trackprofile.com . More info at http://www.trackprofile.com .

STAGE SET FOR WARINER-MERRITT, DIBABA-DEFAR CLASHES

By Bob Ramsak
(c) 2008 TRACK PROFILE Report, all rights reserved

BEIJING -- Tuesday evening’s semi-final competition set the stage for two of the most eagerly anticipated showdowns of the Games: Wariner v Merritt in the men’s 400 and Dibaba v. Defar in the women’s 5000.

Even before events took a dramatic turn in the men’s 100 meters, the Jeremy Wariner – LaShawn Merritt clash over the full lap was billed as the showdown of the Games. And both looked extremely well prepared after their convincing and dominating victories in the semi-finals.

In the first of three heats, defending Olympic and two-time World champion Wariner wasted little time to stamp his authority. On fire out of the blocks, the 24-year-old Texan made up the stagger on the field by midway, and once through the turn, gradually shut it down, looking to his outside some 40 meters from the finish before cruising through the line in 44.15. This season, only he and Merritt have run faster.

And Merritt was even faster. Out quickly but more patiently than Wariner, the 22-year-old U.S. champion gradually built a comfortable lead with what appeared to a very evenly run race. He was unchallenged over the final 100 meters, stopping the clock in 44.12.

“I’m excited for the finals,” said Wariner, who leads the world this year at 43.86. “I knew where I was at. I did everything I wanted to.”

Said Merritt, who’s run 44.00 this year: “Anything can happen on any day. I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m ready to show the world what I can do.”

In 2008, the two have split their four meetings. The lane draw may be critical; both of Wariner’s victories came when Merritt ran to his outside. In Thursday’s final, Merritt will line up in lane four, and Wariner in seven.

Behind Merritt, Briton Martyn Rooney improved yet again, making up two spots over the final 50 meters to finish second in a personal best 44.60, just ahead of Swedish record holder Johan Wissman, who advanced easily on time. Renny Quow of Trinidad, moved on as well after his 44.82, also a career best.

“The last 100 meters were hard,” said Rooney, who as each race passes, looks more and more a medal contender. “I had to run a personal best to get through.”

Meanwhile, Bahamian Chris Brown, this season’s third fastest, was the only other runner remotely close to Wariner and advanced easily with his runner-up finish in 44.59.

RARE DEFAR-DIBABA FACE-OFF SET

A day later on Friday, another of the fiercest rivalries in the sport will take centre stage: Tirunesh Dibaba, the recently minted Olympic 10,000m champion will square off against Meseret Defar, the reigning 5000m champion.

Since the 2002 World junior championships, when Defar took the title over Dibaba, the Ethiopian duo have met 22 times in the 5000m, with Defar holding a narrow 12-10 lead while building up her resume as arguably the world’s finest 5000m runner. But in June, Defar, who has dominated the 10,000 in recent years, took the World record from Defar in Oslo clocking 14:11.15. Defar tried to reclaim it in Stockholm a month later, but came up just a few meters short, clocking 14:12.88. The two are that close.

For whatever reasons, they haven’t met since the World Athletics Final nearly two years ago – won by Defar - but their paths will finally, and dramatically cross here as Dibaba aims to win her second medal of the Games while Defar hopes to hold on to a title she considers hers.

Each won their respective heats tonight with relative ease, Dibaba the slower first in 15:09.89 and Defar the faster second in 14:56.32. Their victories were remarkably similar as both were content to sit back in the pack and let others do the leading. Dibaba moved the front just beyond the bell and held on, while Defar chose to wait until about 200 meters remained.

If either can be considered to have a slight edge, it would be Defar, who raced for the first time in these Games. The biggest question mark hanging over Dibaba will be how she’ll recover from her phenomenal victory in the 10,000m, where her stunning 29:54.66 performance was the second fastest in history.

Neither of the first round heats produced much drama for the remaining five automatic spots behind the Ethiopian pair, with the slots already more or less determined as the fields approached their respective bell laps.

Just a little more than a second separated spots two through five in the first race, with Kenyan Sylvia Kibet (15:10.37), Alemitu Bekele (15:10.92) of Turkey, Ethiopia’s African Champion Meselech Melkamu (15:11.21) and Gulnara Galkina-Samitova (15:11.46) of Russia moving on easily. Behind them, American Jenn Rhines, who ran with the leaders through much of the race, nabbed the sixth automatic spot, clocking 15:15.12.

The significantly quicker pace over the final kilometer in the second race would guarantee that the next three over the line behind the top six automatic qualifiers would also advance.

With Vivian Cheruiyot (14:57.27) and Priscah Jepleting (14:58.07) advancing, Kenya will have three women in the final, as will the United States, led by Shalane Flanagan, the 10,000m bronze medallist, and Kara Goucher.

Also advancing were Russian Liliya Shobukhova (14:57.77), who broke the European record last month, and former 5000m World record holder Elvan Abeylegesse of Turkey.

While the Defar-Dibaba show will take the spotlight, behind them several other notable double attempts will be undertaken. Galkina-Samitova won the first Olympic gold medal in the 3000m Steeplechase on Sunday, clocking a World record of 8:58.81. Abeylegesse won silver in the 10,000m on Friday with a European record 29:56.34 (the third fastest performance in history) in what very well might have been the finest ever women’s contest over the distance.

ENDS

Used with permission of Bob Ramsak, publisher of http://www.trackprofile.com

Asbel Kipruoto Kiprop took out the field in 56.48 for the 400 meters. Augustine Kiprono Choge of Kenya took the field through 1:56.06 with the crowd menacing on his back. KIpruto, Mehdi Baala of France, Juan Carlos Higuero of Spain, Adbalaati Iguider of Morocco, and Andy Baddeley of Great Britain were all there as Choge hit the
1,200 meters in 2:53.67.

It should be noted that Choge increased the pace at the bell, hit in 2:42 and that Balia Mansoor Ali, who had tried to move, nearly stumbled there. The pack was thick and the tension was created by an Olympic final. All finalists had their reputations on the line.

Staying out of trouble, but in the pack was Nick Willis of New Zealand. Willis had had a maddening year, with injuries, a tough disqualification in World Indoor, where he should have medalled but was called in a race that was much too physical.

As Willis menaced, Rashid Ramzi blasted by all on the outside, starting his sprint at the 300 meter mark. Ramzi, teeth clenched, arms pumping, did not stop until he had given Bahrain its first Olympic gold medal in track & field! Running 3:32.94 ( not as fast as his first round), Ramzi gave his country their first gold medal.

Trying to run Ramzi down, Asbel Kipruto KIprop of Kenya made a dash with sixty meters to go, but was short, taking the silver in 3:33.11.

Now the race got interesting as there were eight guys fighting for the bronze medal.

Juan Carlos Higuero of Spain, Addaalati Iguider of Morocco, Juan Van Deventer of South Africa, Belai Mansoor Ali were all there. But it was Nick Willis, who timed his final sprint until once he hit the final straightaway, he pounced, running hard to the finish, running 3:34.16, taking the bronze. And push to the finish he did, as Baala of France finished in 3:34.21 for fourth, Higuero of Spain was fifth in 3:34.44, Iguider of Morocco was sixth in 3:34.66. In seventh, Juan Van Deventer of South Africa ran 3:35.23, and in eighth, Ali Belai Mansoor of Bahrain ran 3:35.37 with Andy Baddeley of Great Britain running 3:35.50. Augustine Choge of Kenya finished in tenth in 3:37.68.

For Nick Willis of New Zealand, it was a wonderful story book ending to a crazy year. In the World Indoor, Willis looked to be a medalist but was disqualified for running too physically in my mind. Willis kept his cool around the final bend, and made his moved down the straight and fought off Mehdi Baala's last minute push for the bronze, holding on in the Olympic final! Nice run for Mr. Willis!

Willis, a Michigan grad, races in the US alot and is quite popular in the States. Coached by Ron Warhurst, a man who knows how to take young milers and make them world class, Willis is shown below with his coach, his fiance and his national colors! Congrats to all!

Nick Willis and his coach, Ron Warhurst

Nick and Fiance, and Coach

The San Jose Mercury News, one of the most respected newspapers in the country, continues to play the same old record. Anne Killion and Mark Purdy, two of the top writers and two of my favorites ( I lived an coached in the bay area for nearly two decades) note the demise of American Track & Field, yet fail to truly do their homework. Mark Purdy, in a column on Stephanie Brown Trafton notes that the performances were sub par, and the top performer in the world was caught as a drug cheat. So, Purdy is suggesting, that even though Brown Trafton gave the US track team its first old medal, it was really an easy and sub par field. Nice way to pat a local on the back. I am not sure Mark would say the same thing about the Earthquakes, the Giants or other teams, but that is his perspective.

Secondly, it is fine to write about the negatives, but how about equal treatment for the postive changes in our sport. It takes research so in the interest of saving the Merc some time and money, here we go....

So, what does her hometown paper write? First of all, the San Jose Mercury News seems to either be in a time warp or just all using the same sources. First, Anne Killion of the Mercury News wrote a column bemoaning the fact that track has killed itself and that Marion Jones and Justin Gatlin, caught using drugs means that all athletes in track should be suspect.

So, in an effort to educate the sports staff at my former hometown paper, here we go:

a. Anne Killion is right about some things, our sport has virtually, in the sixties, seventies and eighties, committed suicide. Ignoring drugs, misunderstanding that sports was entertainment, misunderstanding that our sport is all about competition, and pushing world records, this all helped put sport behind bass fishing.

b. What Killion does not write about and it happened in her back yard, was the success of the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Trials in Sacramento, where 22,000 fans came to the track each and every day to enjoy great track and field.

c. What Killion did not write about was the huge success of Eugene 2008, where, Nike poured in a lot of money ( estimates on the track, facilities and event are $8.5 million) to present the singularly best entertainment value in sport over ten days, a music and wine festival and tremendous performances .

d. What Killion did not write about was that athletes such as Tyson Gay, the three time Osaka gold medalist, who is a volunteer for a revolutionary program with USADA and WADA to test athletes and keep the sport clean.

e. What Killion does not comprehend is that catching athletes who are cheats is the right thing to do. That Marion Jones cheated is a fact. People cheat in all parts of live, but most, do not.

f. What Killion does not seem to understand is that USADA and WADA have made it quite difficult for athletes to cheat. At this time, my guess is that 95 percent of drug cheats are being nabbed. To cheat now, one must amass about $60k a year in pharmaceutical masks, various drug cocktails to beat the system. Without systematic help or the athlete is making a fortune, it is pretty tough to beat. EPO and HGH are not cheap and that puts most athletes out of that realm as well.

g. Purdy's comments were just more of the same, faint praise then a slam. I think he should be ashamed. Stephanie Brown Trafton, like most track athletes will never get the money to compensate her for the her 40,000 spins a year, yes, that is the number it takes to be at the level.

g. The sport started to clean itself up a decade ago, when Craig Masback found a federation both finacially and morally bankrupt. Masback changed that system and left the new CEO, Doug Logan, still much to do, but a place from which to start.

h. NBC has been frustrated with track and field for years. First, they do not know how to produce our sport. Their inability to research what fans want show a blatant disregard and arrogance for putting on the sport. They do not care that track fans by the thousands are using websites to by pass NBC to see the sport. My hope and prayer is that ESPN/Disney puts some serious cash into their bids for the next Olympic contract as I am just tired of pretend coverage that comes a day after the event happens.

i. In the end, it is very easy to criticize the sport. It takes alot more guts to offer solutions and be part of that change. I am revitalized each day I go to the Birds Nest and note that it is full, 85,000 people full, morning and evening. I am revitalized and honored to be writing about athletes who have given up years of their lives to pursue something as silly as throwing, jumping or running faster and farther. I am honored that the majority of the athletes and coaches in this sport know that there is right and wrong and that cheating in sports bastardizes the whole reason for sports.

j. As the publisher of American Track & Field for the past fifteen years and also the publisher of California Track & Running News for the past decade, we have seen our sport hurt itself, stumble and try to regain some its former stature by asking the hard questions. I welcome both of you taking the time to analyze the sport seriously instead of the cynical commentary that does no one any good.

The great Virgilijus Alekna of Lithuania popped his 67.79m in round four, and moved to second. Alekna is this huge tree of a man, who at six foot eight, and graying temples, has not given up on his dream. His throwing looked superb and he showed, with his competitiveness, that the fire is still there.

Gerd Kanter of Estonia, who had been third with his second round 66.38m, threw the winning toss in round four, where he hit 68.82 m for the win!

In fourth, Robert Harting hit 67.09 meters and in fifth, Yeniffer Frank Casanas of Spain threw 66.49 meters.

Russian thrower Bogdan Pishchalnikov hit 65.88m for sixth place, a personal best.

Alekna, all 6-8 of him, noted, " I am not dissapointed with the bronze, it is quite true that I am not young anymore. I am thinking about finishing my career after 2008, but I have not decided yet. I amy not go to London for the next Olympics."

Hat off to Gerd Katner, who delighted the crowd as he jogged around the track, Estonian flag flowing in the air, pretending he was flying, floating over the track lanes. He stopped a the finish line, to the delight of the crowd and did his version of the Usain Bolt Lightening Bolt!

For more info, please check http://www.american-trackandfield.com

Yaroslav Rybakov of Russia cleared 2.34 m on his first attempt, but could not get any higher and took the bronze. He was given the bronze, because at 2.32m height it took him three times to clear 2.32m.

Germaine Mason, a newly minted British citizen, who used to jump for Jamaica until 2006 ( and still holds that country's high jump record), had a superb day and cleared 2.34 m on his first attempt, but again no higher and took the silver. He also had cleared 2.32 m on his first attempt, which gave him his silver on the countback.

The night belonged to Andrey Silnov of Russia, who had to win a jump off in Russia, and he proved the selectors quite bright. Silnov cleared 2.32 m, 2.34m, then 2.36m, clearing by a huge margin, to take the gold.

Silnov did try three attempts at 2.42m, trying to better the 2.39m set in 1996 as the Olympic record by Charles Austin in the Atlanta high jump wars.

"This is a great moment in my life and I want to say, Olympics I love you" noted gold medalist Andrey Silnov after his win to the reporters at the China Daily.

And remember, Prime Minister Putin visited the Russian team last week and told the team and all gold medal winners will receive $150k from the Russian government to thank them for their efforts!

For more info, please check http://www.american-trackandfield.com

Then, reality hit and in the last fifty meters, as Christine Ohuruogo of Great Britain, the World champion from Osaka, running her own race, made up about three meters on Richards as Richards faded badly. Ohuruogo went by about thirty meters to go, and then Shericka Williams went by, as Sanya Richards had all she could do to save the bronze.

After the race, Richards commented, " I am not well. I just worked so hard for this. This is so devastating for me, the gold medal would have been mine if it were not for a hamstring grab."

Actually, Sanya Richards, from my veiwpoint, executed a very poor race. For 320 meters she controlled the race. Problem was Christine Ohuruogo controlled the last thirty and she won the gold in 49.62, a seasonal best.

" It is not luck, I worked damn hard for this. It is over, so I can go to sleep! I just know I had to fight her ( Sanya Richards) from behind. I may not be fast, but I fight. The 400 meters race is very hard, it is not about the fastest, it is about keeping it together." was how Christine Ohuruogu of Great Britain, the gold medalist summed up the race.

Shericka Williams took second in 49.69, a personal best, continuing the dominance of Jamaica in the sprints. Yulia Gushchina of Russia ran a personal best of 50.01 in fourth, Anastasia Kapachinskaya of Russia ran a personal best for fifth in 50.03 and Tatiana Firova of Russia ran 50.11 for a seasonal best in sixth. Say, who do you think will win the women's 4 x 400 meters?

Rosemarie Whyte of Jamaica ran 50.68 in seventh and in eighth, Amantie Montsho of Botswana ran 51.18 for eighth.

Shericka Wiliams of Jamaica, the silver medalist noted, " I tried my best and this is my best. I am so fond of this medal. "

In any case, our sport is about dreams made reality and dreams lost. For Sanya Richards, there will be another day. For Christine Ohuruogu, the gold medal is vindication for all of the difficult times she has had over the past few years. For Shericka Williams and her country, Jamaica, the green and yellow just keeps on rolling.

Our sport is unforgiving. Someone wins the gold, someone wins the silver, and yes someone wins the bronze. No Olympic medals are given away and any advertising campaign that says anything different just does not get it. This is the global stage baby, and no one will give an inch without you digging down to your core and putting everything on the line. Reputations in Beijng mean nothing...

Here is Walter Dix, one of my new favorite athletes. Walter knows how to get the job done and stays focused. That is a talent.

Well I have had it. the BOCOG folks talk about a green Olympics. Instead of just sending us the results, front and back of page, they send us four sheets, one line on each and every time BOCOG burps or gives out medal. It is ridiculous and means nothing. I have not seen one member of media use the paper. It just makes the medal presenter feel good. Please, BOCOG, give us a rest! Put all medal presenters for one night on one sheet and that would be useful, this just puts more paper at our workstations and drives us nuts.

Your Liu Xiang Update

When I arrived back at my condo after last night's session, it was about 4 am and I turned on the local television. They had a special on Liu Xiang with Sun Haiping, Liu's coach, and pictures of Liu training over hfurels, doing plyometrics, all of the things that an athlete does in preparation for their event.

In a copyrighted story in the Financial Times, Hong Kong edition, it was revealed that Chinese vice president, Xi Jin Ping, sent Liu Xiang a telegram. It was supposed to read as follows" the comrades of the Party central are very concerned about your injuries.." but are convinced that Liu " will come back and win even greater glory for the motherland."

Chinese national TV, owned by the government, asked for " concern" over Liu's health but to give him time to recover. Web sites across China have been quite tough, one today used the "sick man of Asia" analogy to hurl an insult at Liu Xiang.

Today, Liu Xiang apologized to the Chinese people for his injury and not being able to represent his country. His coach, Sun Haiping, was weeping during the press conference describing the pain Liu Xiang put himself through the last week, trying to compete. Feng Shuyong, the head coach of the Chinese track & field federation was on the stage at the press conference yesterday, describing the nature of LIu Xiang's injury as an achilles injury near the heal, on the right foot.

Liu Xiang revealed his problems to the world, on live global TV during his warmup. He winced as he tried to jog and put his hand on his lower right leg, near the soleus, where the achilles connects to the foot. He seemed to be rubbing the lower part of ones' achilles. In the false start, he actually made it only five steps out of the blocks before it was too much for him.

Trivia

Speaking of bad days, here is a trivia question for you. When was the last time that no US man was in the high jump, long jump or triple jump in Olympic history? This is not a trick question, well, besides Moscow boycott, US has never NOT had finalists in above events, well until Beijing.

Catching up

First round Men's 400 meters ( from August 18, 2008)

Leslie Dihone of France won heat one in 45.12, followed by David Neville in 44.22.

Christopher Brown of the Bahamas lead four under 45 seconds with his 44.79. Also going on was Joel Milburn of Australia in 44.80, a personal best, Johan Wiseman of Sweden, in 44.81, a seasonal best and Senga Gary Kikiya of the Ivory Coast, in 44.89, also a seasonal best.

Nery Brenes of the Costa Rica ran 45.36 to take the third heat, with James Godday in second in 45.49.

Martyn Rooney of Great Britiain ran 45.00 for the fourth heat win, with Sean Wroe of Australia in 45.17, a personal best.

LaShawn Merrit ran a nifty 44.96 to take heat six, with Saul Weipogwa of Nigeria in second in 45.19.

Andrew Steele of Great Britain ran his first sub 45, with a nice 44.94 for a personal best and the win. Renny Quow of Trinidad took second in 45.13. Not moving on was Jamaica's Michael Blackwood and Canada's Tyler Christopher, whose 45.67 and 46.30 just did not cut it in this level of competition.

Jeremy Wariner won the last heat, in 45.23, with Tabarie Henry of the US Virgin Islands ran 45.36, a national record for ISV, in second place.

August 19, 2008 Back to the present

Women's 200 meter, round 2

Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica ran 22.64 for first. Allyson Felix of the US, the defending gold medalist, ran 22.74 for second. Debbie Ferguson McKenzie of the Bahamas was third in 22.77 and the final qualifier from heat one was Cydonie Mothersill of Cayman Islands, in 22.83.

Roqaya Al Gassra of Bahrain, ran 22.76 to win this heat. Muriel Hurtis Houairi of France, ran 22.89 in second. Susanthikia Jaysinghe of Sri Lanka ran 22.94 in third, Roxana Diaz of Cuba, in fourth in 22.98 and final qualifier from heat two was Aleksandra Fedoriva of Russia in in 23.04.

Yuliya Chermoshanskaya of Russia won the third heat in 22.63, her personal best. Kerron Stewart of Jamaica was secodn in 22.74. Marshevet Hooker of the US was thrid in 22.76 and Natalia Pygyda of the Ukraine was fourth in 23.03. Only four qualified from this heat.

Sherone Simpson of Jamaica won in heat four in 22.60. Muna Lee of the US took second in 22.83, with Emily Freeman of Great Britian in third in 22.95 as the final qualifier from this round.

A few telling words from Muna Lee, fifth in the 100 meters the other night: " I feel really good, it was a good round for me. I am pretty happy with it and I am ready to see what my coach has to say..It is a strength and a mental thing, if you can overcome the soreness and the fear of not getting first, you can do anything. I just wanted to hold form, did not want to go into the Muna Lee swing. I felt better than other times."

Women's 5,000 meter semi finals

Heat one

Silvia Wesssteiner took this one out, hitting the kilometer in 3:04.85. As she was followed by Tirunseh Dibaba of Ethiopia, Sylvia Kibet of Kenya, Alemitu Bekele of Turkey, Meselech Melkamu of Ethiopia, Jenn Rhines of the USA and Guinara Galkina-Samitova of Russia, the gold medalist from the Olympic steeplechase.

The whole idea here is to expend as little energy as possible. But, for the exception of Dibaba, this will be a hard one for most concerned. Dolores Checa of Spain took over the leading chores through the second kilomter, hit in 6:10.02, a 3:06 kilometer, or 15:30 pace, still quite comfortable for the top ten or so.

Checa kept the lead through three kilometers, hit in 9:18.42, a 3:08 kilometer, still slowing down and the pack was together.

Trying to burn off some of the kickers, the elegant Guinara Galkina-Samitova of Russia took the lead and hit four kilometers, hit in 12:23.46, a 3:05 kilomters, the second fastest of the day, but also a time when all are hurting in the 80 plus degrees, and 40 percent humidity. Galkina Samitova runs so gently, that it hides her leg speed.

Running the last kilometer in 2:46, an the last lap in 63, Galkina Samitova finished fifth in 15:11.21. Going by her like a freight train, Tirunesh Dibaba, Sylvia Kibet and Alemitu Bekele, plus Meselech Melkamu of Ethiopia went positions, Dibaba for the win in 15:09.87, Kibet in second in 15;10.37, Bekele in third in 15:10.92 and Melkamu of Ethiopia in fourth in 15:11.21. Dibaba ran her last lap in 61. The leaders had hit the bell in 14:08.

Finishing in sixth, the last auto qualifier was US runner Jenn Rhines, who continues to run semis better than just about any American distance runner, finishing here in 15:15.12. Rhines had three runners on her back so she had to hustle the last lap.

Heat two

This one got down right to the big question-who wants it the most?

Kayako Fukushi of Japan took the crowd through the kilo in 2:58.70 and the race was off. Closely following Fukushi were former world record holder Meseret Defar of Ethiopia, Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya, Lilia Shobukhova of Russia, Priscah Jepleting Cherono of Kenya, plus Shalane Flanagan and Kara Goucher of the USA.

Yukiko Akaba of Japan took over the next chores for leading, hitting the 2k in 6:01.92, nine seconds faster than the first heat! The pack broke up into two packs, the first eight and then a couple of following packs.

Lilia Shobukhova of Russia took over the lead, and hit three kilometers in 9:06.99, and four kilometers in 12:08.58, with the lead pack down to seven.

Defar and Cheruiyot went by Shobukhova liked she was standing still, but not for long. Hitting the bell in 13:55, Defar took first in 14:56.32, Cheruiyot took second in 14:57.27, her seasonal best while Shobukhova took third in 14:57.77. In fourth was Priscah Jepleting Cherono of Kenya in 14:58.07. In fifth, Elvan Abeylegesse of Turkey, the 10,000 meter silver medalist, ran a seasonal best of 14:48.79. Following her in sixth place, 10,000 meter bronze medalist ran her seasonal best. In seventh, also qualifying was Kara Goucher of the US, who ran 15:00.98, the Osaka bronze medalist at 10,000 meters.

Jenn Rhines spoke for the entire field, when she said, " When I stepped in here today, this is what I have been training for twelve years. "

Kara Goucher noted : " We have three women in the five kilometer final. I am really proud to be part of that team. Three runnes in the final makes it less nerve wracking. I think we are making a statement.

Men's 110 meter hurdles

heat 1

David Payne dominated this heat, hurdling well and taking the heat in 13.24. Petr Svoboda of the Czech Republic was second in 13.41, with Dongpeng Shi of China, to the delight of 85,000 Chinese fans, running 13.42. In 13.46, Konstadinos Douvalidis of Greece was fourth in 13.46, in a Greek national record. In fifth, Richard Phillips ran a seasonal best in 13.48, the last qualifier in this heat.

heat 2

Dayron Robles of Cuba, ran clean here, the class of this field in 13.19. Artur Noga of Poland ran 13.36, a personal best in second. Gregory Sedoc of the Netherlands ran 13.43, a seasonal best for third. In fourth was Samuel Coco-Viloin of France in 13.51, the last qualifier in his heat.

heat 3

Maurice Wignall of Jamaica won here in 13.36, a seasonal best. Ryan Brathwaite of Barbados hurdled 13.44 here for second. In third, Paulo Villar of Columbia ran 13.46. In fourth, Marcel van der Westen of the Netherlands
ran 13.48 for the last qualifier here.

Heat 4

David Oliver of the US ran a strong 13.16 to run the fastest of the competition. Ladji Doucoure of France, healthy once again, ran 13.39 for second. Jackson Quinonez of Spain ran 13.47 for third. Quinonez was the final hurdler to qualify for the next round.

Ladji Doucoure, one of the veterans the circuit had thoughts for Liu Xiang: " He is a dear friend of mine and I am so sorry for China because the Beijing Olympics was his competition."

Men's 200 meter semifinals

heat 1

Martina Churandy of Netherland Antilles ran another national record, wining here in 20.11. In second Brian Dzingai of Zimbabwe ran 20.17, a seasonal best. In third Walter Dix, continues to impress as he runs 20.19 for third. The final qualifier in this heat is Christian Malcolm of Great Britain in 20.25, seasonal best.

heat 2

Usain Bolt continues his jog to greatness, as he ran a 20.09, not shutting down until Shawn Crawford of the US did, who ran 20.12 for second. Wallace Spearmon, who looks good, ran 20.14-we had heard he had an injury.
Kim Collins, the 2003 World Champion at 100 meters, ran a seasonal best here of 20.25 to take the last position in the Olympic 200 meter final.

My picks? Bolt, Dix, Spearmon, 19.45 for the time.

After the 200 meter heats, Usain Bolt said that in the final, " I am going to run my heart out." That, sport fans is just scary!

Men's 400 meters semifinals

Heat 1

Jeremy Wariner got out of his blocks well, made up the stagger before 200 meters on the entire field and ran a controlled 44.15 for the win. Christopher Brown of the Bahamas ran 44.59 for second. Kevin Borlee ran 44.88, a national record for Belgium, but will not move on. Nery Brenes of Costa Rica ran a national record of 44.94 in fourth and did not move on.

Heat 2

Leslie Djhone of France won here in 44.79, a seasonal best for first. in second, David Neville of the US ran 44.91 as the final qualifier for the finals from this semi.

Heat 3

La Shawn Merritt of the USA ran 44.12 and looked in total control! Martyn Rooney of Great Britian ran 44.60, a personal best for second. Johan Wiseman of Sweden ran 44.64, a seasonal best for third. Renny Quow of Trinidad ran 44.82 in fourth, a seasonal best, he will be the last qualifier.

Wariner had this to say afterwards: " Coach Ford wanted me to work on the first 200 meters, I was able to shut it down. I am excited for the finals. I knew where I was at. I did everything I wanted to. "

My pick for the 400 final, : Wariner, Merritt, Rooney of Great Britian, with Neville to spoil. It will take 44. 4 to medal in final. Winning time--two guys gutting it out, both under 44 seconds, winning time of 43.4. We shall see!

For more on the sport, please check out http://www.american-trackandfield.com

Take a moment and look at Osaka champions, many of them have fallen here. The Olympic stage is unforgiving....

Bekele will double

BEIJING: Today it was confirmed from Ethiopian camp that Kenenisa Bekele will try the double at 5000 m after his 10 000 m olympic record win. He can be the first to do so since 1980 by his countrymate Miruts Yifter who was the flagbearer for Ethiopia at the opening ceremony here in Beijing.

Isinbayeva plans until London

BEIJING: Yelena Isinbayeva after her great win with world record said about the future: "My goal is to win at Olympic Games 2012 in London with another world record. I carefully counting them. Then I will leave the track with satisfied." She also said that she has a boy-friend Artyom who lives in Ukraine. "No, I will not move to Ukraine, I will take him to Russia," she said.

TRACK ACTION

200m heats

USA's Muna Lee recorded the best performance, clocking 22.71. Muriel Hurtis-Houairi was the leading European finishing second to Lee (22.72). The two other Americans world champion Allyson Felix (23.02) and Marshevet Hooker (23.07) also won their heats, as well as defending Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica (23.04). Belgium's Kim Gevaert was a non-starter, preferring to spare her Achilles before the 4x100m relay. All favorites advanced.

Javelin qualification

World champion Barbora Spotakova of the Czech Republic and German Christina Obergföll showed great promises throwing 67.69m and 67.52m respectively. This are the best results ever in qualification. Defending champion Osleidys Menendez of Cuba struggled, qualifying as next to last with 60.51m. The field in the final will be all European but for Menendez and Chinese Li Zhang.

Long jump qualification

The great shock of the day was the early exit of world leader Naide Gomes. The Portuguese couldn't get her act together after two 7meters fouls, and landed at 6.29m in her third attempt. American Brittney Reese had the best result, 6.87m as only three athletes reached the automatic qualifier of 6.75m, Brazil Maurren Higa Maggi (6.79m) and heptathlon silver medallist Lyudmila Blonska of Ukraine (6.76m). Sweden's Carolina Klüft and defending champion Tatyana Lebedeva of Russia secured their place with a performance of 6.70m. 2004 bronze medallist Russian Tatyana Kotova (6.57m) and South African born Turkish Karin Mey Melis (6.42m) failed to advance.

OTHER NEWS

BEIJING: Jamaica's annual Invitational Track and Field Meet held in May, could be upgraded to a full IAAF Grand Prix by next year. Sports Minister Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, told journalists and track and field enthusiasts gathered at the Puma/Jamaica Lounge in Beijing yesterday, that high level discussions were taking place to have Jamaica host the region's first premier athletics event. She was guest speaker at the launch of the new edition of Judge Patrick Robinson's informational publication, 'Jamaican Athletics, a Model for the World.' Minister Grange said the Grand Prix would form part of a package of sports tourism initiatives, which will seek to bring the world's best athletes to Jamaica regularly.

--
EME News is proudly sponsored by IEC in Sports, the number one TV distributor of Athletics in the world. For more information, please click on www.iec.se or contact Magnus Tegel (head of Athletics) on magnus.tegel@iec.se

EME NEWS is proudly sponsored by Shooting Star Media, Inc., publishers of American Track & Field, Athletes Only, California Track & Running News, Coaching Athletics Quarterly, Missouri Runner & Triathlete, Latinos Corriendo and Fast Forward. For more information, please click on www.shootingstarmediainc.com or www.runblogrun.com

EME NEWS is news service relating to the sport of athletics. It is published on daily basis with additional updates, as required. Copyright is held by Alfons Juck, Perinvest SK, a.s., Krikova 10, 82107 Bratislava, Slovakia. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The redistribution and/or direct reproduction of material from EME NEWS is prohibited unless permission is given by c Perinvest SK (such as being included in a subscription agreement).

The men's steeplechase pace was strong, but not insane, which has happened in past, so that is part of reason why the unknown French steepler was in the game, but hats are off, as he broke up the top Kenyan runners in a race owned by Kenya for the past five Olympics.

By Bob Ramsak
(c) 2008 TRACK PROFILE Report, all rights reserved

BEIJING -- Continuing one of the most spectacular rises from obscurity that the sport has witnessed in recent years, Kenyan teenager Pamela Jelimo ran away with the Olympic 800m title tonight at Beijing's National Stadium.

With the year’s five fastest performances and with eight victories in as many races this season, Jelimo was the overwhelming favourite to take the gold, and she hardly disappointed, clocking 1:54.87, her fourth World junior record of the summer. Notably, the 18-year-old claimed the first ever Olympic gold medal for Kenya in an event she first contested on the 19th of April this year.

“It makes me very happy to be the first for Kenya,” said Jelimo. “I’m still young and I’m looking forward to doing better. Maybe I can be the best again.”

In Olympic lore, she made an immediate impact. She succeeded 1968 champion Madeline Manning as the youngest-ever champion and her performance has only been bettered by two women in Olympic competition, Nadezhda Olizarenko and Olga Mineyeva of the Soviet Union, who ran 1:53.43 (then a World record) and 1:54.81, respectively, at the 1980 Games in Moscow.

Her Kenyan teammate Janeth Jepkosgei, the reigning World champion, took the lead from the outset, and held on for second, in 1:56.07, with Hasna Benhassi (1:56.73) of Morocco closing fast to follow up her Athens silver with Beijing bronze.

In her fifth consecutive Olympic final, 2000 gold medallist Maria Mutola settled for fifth, with a season’s best 1:57.68.

“I’m pleased,” said Mutola, “but it would have been better if I could have finished on the podium. But you know, I did my best.”

TAYLOR LEADS US 400m HURDLES SWEEP

Eight years ago in Sydney, Angelo Taylor made history with his gold medal-winning run in the 400m hurdles from lane 1. Tonight, he made history again, returning to take another gold and leading a U.S. podium sweep in the process.

"It means the world to me,” said Taylor, whose quick 47.25 performance was a career best. “I think I could have run faster though. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me."

Blazing from the gun, his was a power that simply couldn’t be matched, with Kerron Clement, the 2007 world champion, and Bershawn Jackson, the world champion in 2005, beating back a series of crashed barriers and stutter steps to carry through to take silver and bronze in 47.98 and 48.06, respectively.

“We are the best three hurdlers in the world,” Clement said. “We proved that today.”

Their’s was the fifth podium sweep for the U.S., but the first in 48 years.

KENYAN 1-3 IN MEN’S STEEPLECHASE, BUT THE FOCUS IS ON SILVER MEDALLIST

That Kenyans would dominate the men’s 3000m steeplechase was never in doubt. But that a relatively unknown newcomer, a European no less, would threaten their and in the end spoil their medal sweep ambitions was not on anyone’s radar.

Indeed, so surprising was the undaunted challenge by the unheralded Frenchman, Mahledine Mekhissi-Benabbad, that it will be his relentless homestretch charge that will be perhaps more memorable than world champion Brimin Kipruto’s 8:10.34 victory.

Timing his late race surge perfectly, Mekhissi-Benabbad forced his way through Kipruto and Richard Mateelong with less than 50 meters to go to take unexpected silver in 8:10.49.

The slate for tomorrow’s day 5 action on the track includes the finals in the men’s 1500m, the women’s 400m and 100m hurdles. Also, 10,000m champion Tirunesh Dibaba will compete in the first round of the 5000m while 100m champion Usain Bolt continues his double dash quest in the semi-finals of the 200m.

ENDS

used with permission of Bob Ramsak, http://www.trackprofile.com