Here is the wrap up of Day Seven, by Hannah Bonnie. Hannah is one of the track journalists in the program at the University of Oregon headed by Professoer Lori Shontz. This group of young journalist has been providing us highlights of each day for the Olympic Trials.
Hannah Carson, Javelin, photo by PhotoRun.net
U.S. Olympic Trials, Day 7 Wrap Up
by Hannah Bonnie
The skies were grey, and the track was flooded in parts on a rainy Day 8 of the U.S Track and Field Olympic Trials. The craziness in the weather was reflected by the craziness in the results. High school athletes shined, while some heavy favorites faced defeat.
Two high schoolers win their heats in the men’s 200:
Michael Norman and Noah Lyles won their 200-meter semifinals with times of 20.21 seconds and 20.26, respectively. Norman edged out Justin Gatlin, who was the bronze medalist in the event in the 2004 Olympics, by .02 seconds.
As if all of this weren’t exciting enough, LaShawn Merritt ran the race in 19.74, which is the fastest time in the world this year. Finishing in second overall was Ameer Webb, with a time of 19.97. Behind him was Gay, who finished in 20.16.
Two big upsets in women’s hurdles:
The heavy favorite in the 110-meter hurdles, American record holder Keni Harrison, placed sixth in a time of 12.62. Brianna Rollins won in 12.34 seconds, a time that was the second fastest of the trials ever. She outran the rest of the field by about .2 seconds; most of the remainder of the runners finished within .05 of each other.
And 400-meter hurdler Shamier Little, who had the fastest time in the world this year at 53.51, finished fifth in her semifinal, missing the finals by .08 second. The top four from each heat advanced to the final.
Crazy finish to men’s steeplechase final:
With 400 meters to go in the men’s steeplechase, Andrew Bayer of the Bowerman Track Club, was in good position to make the Olympics. Yet, when he attempted to jump over the final hurdle, he fell, though he said that he was pushed. Because of that, he placed fourth, with a time of 8 minutes, 28.59 seconds.
In first place was another Bowerman Track Club runner, Evan Jager, who finished in 8:22.48. He will be joined on the Olympic team by Hillary Bor and Donn Cabral, who finished in 8:24.10 and 8:26.37, respectively.
Three first-time Olympians in the men’s discus:
Mason Finley threw 208 feet, 1 inch to win the event. He was followed by Tavis Bailey and Andrew Evans, who both threw their best distance on their first attempt, throwing 202-0 and 200-10, respectively.
Jenn Suhr continues pole-vault dominance:
Olympic champion Jenn Suhr, the top pole vaulter in the United States for a couple of years, vaulting the automatic qualifying height of 14 feet 9 inches on her first jump, a height that no one else in the field attempted. The final for the event – which was delayed by heavy rains — will take place on Sunday.
Rain plays havoc with men’s high jump
In steady rain during men’s high jump qualifying, only four jumpers managed to make it over the height on their first attempt: Erik Kynard, Kyle Landon, Bryan McBride and Trey McRae. The 10 other qualifiers made the height on later attempts. Because so many of the athletes missed the first height, the bar was never moved.
Former world champion Jesse Williams was eliminated after failing on all three attempts to make the starting height of 7-0 ¼.
Allyson Felix advances to 200 semifinals
Allyson Felix, who is trying to double in the 200 and 400, won her 200-meter preliminary in 22.93. The top qualifier was Jenna Prandini (22.72), followed by Tori Bowie (22.74) and Gabrielle Thomas (22.91).
