Posted: July 26, 2005

Athletics: News & Notes, Volume 6, Number 58

Americans win in Helsinki

U.S. stars Dwight Phillips, Derek Miles, Reese Hoffa, DeeDee Trotter and Sandra Glover each won their respective events Monday at the 2005 GE Money Grand Prix at the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki, Finland.

In an event billed as a dress-rehearsal for the 2005 World Outdoor Championships August 6-14 in Helsinki, Phillips won the men's long jump on his first attempt. The 2004 Olympic gold medalist soared 8.44 meters/27 feet, 8.25 inches in his only fair jump of the competition to take the win. Phillips, who owns the farthest jump in the world this year with his leap of 8.47m/27-9.50 in Madrid, equaled the second best jump globally this season with his performance.

Americans dominated the men's pole vault with 2004 Olympic finalist Derek Miles winning the event with a clearance of 5.70m/18-8.25, with Olympic silver medalist Toby Stevenson placing second with a best of 5.60m/18-4.50.

Elsewhere, there was a terrific battle in the men's shot put, where 2004 Olympian Reese Hoffa won the event by a mere three centimeters over Ralf Bartels of Germany. Hoffa threw 20.93m/68-8 to win the event, with fellow American Jamie Beyer placing seventh with a best of 19.47m/63-10.50.

In women's action, 2004 Olympic 4x400m relay gold medalist DeeDee Trotter was victorious in the 400 meters in 50.39 seconds, and Sandra Glover, who ended the 2004 season ranked #1 in the world, led from beginning to end to win the 400m hurdles in 54.27 seconds.

Americans finishing in second place in Helsinki included Khadevis Robinson in the men's 800 meters (1:44.90), Muna Lee in the women's 100 meters (11.39) and Virginia Powell in the women's 100m hurdles (13.06).

In relay action, Team USA's women's "Red" squad comprised of Angela Daigle, Muna Lee, Lauryn Williams and LaTasha Colander won the 4x100m in 42.65 seconds, with Team USA "Blue" (Rachelle Boone-Smith, Virginia Powell, LaShauntea Moore, Moushaumi Robinson) finishing as the runners-up in 42.97.

The men's 4x100m relay was won by Trinidad and Tobago in 38.38 seconds, with Team USA "Red" (Rae Edwards, Wallace Spearmon, Tyson Gay, Mark Jelks) finishing second in 38.50 and Team USA "Blue" (Mardy Scales, Brian Johnson, DaBryan Blanton, Anthony Buchanan) placing third in 39.06.

For more information on the 2005 GE Money Grand Prix, including the complete results, visit Athletics: News & Notes, Volume 6, Number 58 IAAF.org

Team USA victorious against Germany

Team USA defeated Germany over the weekend at the 2005 USA vs. Germany Decathlon dual meet in Bernhausen, Germany. Team USA totaled 38,548 points for the win, while Germany amassed 37,144 points in the competition.

Ryan Harlan led the way for the U.S. with his total of 7,919 points, which won the individual competition. Other U.S. scorers at the event included Donovan Kilmartin (7,794), Stephen Harris (7,715), Chris Boyles (7,595) and Travis Geopfert (7,525).

Pascal Berhrnbruch led the German team with his total of 7,842 points, the second best individual score of the meet. Team USA has now run its string to three consecutive victories in this event, and owns a commanding 9-3 lead in the series.

For more information on the 2005 USA vs. Germany Decathlon meet, visit USATF.org.

Media credential formsavailable for World Athletics Final

Credential forms are now available for members of the media interested in covering the 2005 World Athletics Final September 9-10 in Monaco. Interested parties should contact USATF Media Information Manager Tom Surber to receive the credential forms. Completed forms must be received by the local organizing committee in Monaco by Monday, August 29.