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Michelle Perry won the women's 100-meter hurdles, while Bernard Lagat and Torri Edwards turned in runner-up performances in concluding action Sunday at the IAAF World Athletics Final in Stuttgart, Germany.
The reigning world champion, Perry won the 100-meter hurdles in 12.52 seconds, with Damu Cherry second (12.56), LoLo Lones sixth (12.76) and Danielle Carruthers seventh (12.89).
In an event stacked with Americans, the women's 100 meters featured second-through-sixth-place finishes by U.S. athletes. 2003 world champion Torri Edwards led the charge with a season's-best time of 11.06 to place second. World Athletics Final 200m champ Allyson Felix was third (11.07), Lisa Barber was fourth (11.10), LoLo Jones placed fifth (11.24PR) and Stephanie Durst was sixth (also 11.24).
U.S. champion Bernard Lagat finished second in the 1,500 meters in 3:32.93, and Jesse Williams finished eighth in the men's high jump with a clearance of 2.20m/7-2.5.
For complete results, visit IAAF.org.
Athlete Quotes - IAAF World Athletics Final Day 2
Courtesy of Paul Merca
Tyson Gay (winning time of 19.68 in the 200m ties him with Frank Fredericks as the third-fastest man in history and is a meet record): My start was OK, but I ran a real good curve. I stumbled a little bit coming out of the blocks, so that made me react even faster. My teammate was pushing me, and was coming up on me.
This is incredible. I am sooo happy about my season. Wow, this green track is really fast! And this fantastic Stuttgart crowd. I have never been cheered so much before in my life. This is thrilling!
To be honest, I want to be known as an all around sprinter, one that can run both the 100 and 200 well, like Frankie Fredericks (motions to him in the podium). He was one of the best combination sprinters of all time, and I want to do some of the same things that he did.
Wallace Spearmon (time of 19.88 in the 200m was a personal best and placed him 2nd to Gay)–I was chasing my teammate the whole way, and he pulled me through to a new PR. Tyson got out on me the first few steps, and I did everything I could to stay with him. He told me that if I wanted to run fast, that I had to beat him right here. He proved me right.
Sanya Richards (49.25-second win in the women's 400 was a championship record and kept her undefeated in 2006) –I felt really good. I wanted to go sub 49 today, as I felt like I didn't have any pressure on me, and I could run really fast. It seems to be harder to finish strong when I'm by myself. I wanted to run so fast really bad that I tightened up.
Michelle Perry (won 100H in 12.52) –I was coming up on the hurdles a little bit. I think it's just from running so many races this season, and it's getting close to the end of the year, and my legs are a little tired. Other than that, I ran OK. I had a good start but I didn't use it. The front and the end were good, but the middle portion needs work.
Bernard Lagat (2nd in 1500m) –I was in a good position (with 300 to go). I didn't want to be behind by a lot, so I started to move, but with 150 to I tried to go, but I ended up having to wait until the homestretch. If I had moved at 150, I would've had a chance (for the win). I just waited a little too long.
Torri Edwards (2nd in 100m in season best 11.06) –I felt pretty good. I've been battling a bit of an injury, with a quad problem. The start is finally getting better, and I'm getting into my rhythm, and my races are now getting faster. I'm pretty pleased; if I hadn't had this injury, I feel that I would be a bit further along. I'm pleased to start back with an 11.06.
Allyson Felix (3rd in 100m) –I felt ok; just a little sore–I'm trying to get back into racing mode, and I really can't complain. I'm just happy to be healthy. I'm always left out of the blocks (laughs)! I had no idea I was running the 100, so I've been working on 200 starts. I am just glad that I was able to make up a little bit.
Bershawn Jackson (3rd in men's 400H) –I took a month and a half off. I hurt myself, and had to go thru a month and a half of rehab, and I had a week of training. I knew I wasn't ready physically, but I was mentally ready. My whole goal was to go out hard and try to hold it. I'm done for the year–I've been fighting injuries all year, and it's been real rough.
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