Runner's & Triathlete's Web Athletics: Stuczynski named USATF Athlete of the Week

INDIANAPOLIS - Jenn Stuczynski has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after setting an American Record in winning the women's pole vault Sunday at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials - Track & Field at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

The only vaulter to clear 4.65 meters/15 feet 3.75 inches during the competition, Stuczynski had the bar raised to 4.76m/15-7.5 in an attempt to break Stacy Dragila's 2004 Olympic Trials record of 4.75m/15-7. She easily soared over it on her first attempt, then raised the bar to 4.92m/16-1.75, 1 cm better than her own American record of 4.91m/16-1.5 set May 18 at the adidas Track Classic. After a close miss on her first attempt and an even closer miss on her second, she easily cleared the bar on her third try. Stuczynski now owns the top three clearances in the world this outdoor season.

Also in the last week, Anna Willard broke the American record and Olympic Trials record in the women's steeplechase, running 9:27.59 to break the AR of 9:28.75 run by Lisa Galaviz last year.

In the first week of the Olympic Trials, Tyson Gay broke the American record in quarterfinals the men's 100m (9.77) and Hyleas Fountain set an American heptathlon event record for the 100m hurdles (12.65).

Now in its seventh year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.

2008 USATF Athlete of the Week Winners: January 8, Cheryl Foody; January 16, Nick Vena; January 22, Chanelle Price; January 29, Antwon Hicks; February 5, Adam Nelson; February 12, Lolo Jones; February 19, Adam Nelson; February 27, Michael Rodgers; March 3, Thomas Morgan; March 11, Bryan Clay; March 18, Bianca Knight; March 25, Phil Raschker; April 1, Orville Rogers; April 8, Lisa Koll; April 15, Ryan Hall, April 22, Deena Kastor; April 29, Leo Manzano; May 6, Shalane Flanagan; May 13, Bonnie Richardson; May 20, Jenn Stuczynski; May 27, Chanelle Price; June 3, German Fernandez; June 10, Brad Walker; June 18; Jenny Barringer; July 11, Jenn Stuczynski.