Posted: July 22, 2005

Athletics: Americans impressive in London

Highlighted by a 1-4 finish in the men's shot put, 1-2 in finish in the men's 1,500m and wins in seven events - including an impressive performance by Justin Gatlin in the 100 meters and victories by Allyson Felix and Sanya Richards over key rivals - U.S. athletes took London by storm Friday at the Norwich Union British Grand Prix.

The 2005 U.S. outdoor champion, Christian Cantwell continued his winning ways in the shot with his third-best throw this season of 21.60 meters/70 feet, 10.50 inches, to win the men's shot put. 2004 Olympian Reese Hoffa was the runner-up (21.11m/69-3.25), with three-time world outdoor champion and 2005 indoor Visa Champion John Godina third (20.80m/68-3). Two-time Olympic silver medalist Adam Nelson was fourth (20.62m/67-8).

Americans also dominated the men's 1,500 meters with Bernard Lagat barely winning the race over countryman Alan Webb. Lagat crossed the line first in 3:33.12, with Webb right on his heels in 3:33.16. Also in the race, 2005 USA Outdoor Championships runner-up Chris Lukezic (8th-3:35.22) and third-place finisher Rob Myers (6th-3:34.89) easily surpassed the 2005 World Outdoor Championships "A" qualifying standard of 3:36.20. Webb, Myers and Lukezic will compete for Team USA at the 2005 World Outdoor Championships next month in Helsinki, Finland.

In sprint action, 2004 Olympic gold medalist Justin Gatlin blistered the track with his 9.89 winning performance in the men's 100 meters, posting the second-fastest wind-legal time of his career. (His personal best of 9.84 came in winning the 2004 Olympic gold medal.) 2005 USA Outdoor third-place finisher Leonard Scott was the runner-up in 9.94. The much anticipated match-up between Gatlin and world record holder Asafa Powell of Jamaica came to an end when Powell was unable to finish the race.

Elsewhere, 2004 Olympic silver medalist and reigning U.S. champion Allyson Felix won the women's 200 meters convincingly over reigning Olympic gold medalist Veronica Campbell of Jamaica. Felix finished in 22.16 seconds, with Campbell second in 22.29, and two-time Olympian LaTasha Colander third in 22.30.

In the men's 200m, 2005 USA Outdoor Championships fourth-place finisher Wallace Spearmon won in a world-leading, personal-best 19.89 seconds. Spearmon now owns three of the top four times in the world this year. Jamaica's Usain Bolt was the runner-up, with 2005 USA Outdoor second-placer Tyson Gay finishing third. Bolt and Gay were each timed in 19.99.

In the women's 400 meters, 2005 USA Outdoor champion and Visa Championship Series winner Sanya Richards scored her second consecutive win over reigning world champion Ana Guevara of Mexico. Richards finished in 50.35 seconds, with Guevara second in 50.68. In the women's long jump, Rose Richmond won the event with a wind-aided best of 6.62 meters/21-8.75, with 2005 USA outdoor champion Grace Upshaw third (6.56m/21-6.25).

Another U.S. winner in London was 2005 USA outdoor runner-up Bershawn Jackson, who won the men's 400 meter hurdles in 47.98 seconds, with two-time Olympic Games fourth-place finisher James Carter finishing third in 48.79.

Americans finishing second in London included 2004 Olympic gold medalist Jeremy Wariner in the men's 400 meters (44.86), 2004 Olympian Khadevis Robinson in the men's 800 meters (1:45.72) and 2004 Olympic Games fourth-place finisher Jamie Nieto in the men's high jump (2.27m/7-5.25).

History was made in the women's pole vault in London as 2004 Olympic gold medalist Yelena Isinabyeva of Russia became the first woman ever to surpass the 5-meter barrier in winning the event with a world-record clearance of 5 meters/16 feet, 4.75 inches.

Team USA roster announced for decathlon match with Germany

Team USA will look to increase its string to three consecutive victories at the 2005 USA vs. Germany Decathlon this weekend in Bernhausen, Germany.

Selected at last month's USA Outdoor Championships in Carson, Calif., Team USA will feature a young squad with two current collegians: Mustafa Abdur-Rahim of Dartmouth and Donovan Kilmartin of Texas. A pair of former NCAA champions - Stephen Harris/Tennessee (2003) and Ryan Harlan of Rice (2004) - are also on the U.S. roster, along with 2003 Pan American champion Stephen Moore, who'll participate in his fifth team match. Travis Geopfert and Chris Boyles complete the Team USA contingent.

Seven individuals will compete with the top five individual scores counting towards the team point total. Only Abdur-Rahim has not faced international competition. Geophart (3rd) and Harris (7th) are the only two returnees since Team USA's decisive victory in Bernhausen in 2003. Team USA leads the current series 8-3, and has a two meet winning streak. Azusa Pacific University coach Kevin Reid, will be the head coach for the U.S. squad.

The Team USA roster is available at:: USATF.org.