BEIJING - Reigning silver medalist Bryan Clay and compatriot Trey Hardee got off to strong starts in the decathlon, sitting first and third after three events during Thursday morning competition.
At times competing in near-downpour conditions almost identical to those he faced when he won the 2005 world title in Helsinki, Clay (Glendora, Calif.) led the decathlon after three events. He won the 100 meters (10.44 - 970 points), and the long jump (7.78m/25-6.25 - 1005), then threw a personal-best 16.27m/53-4.5 (868) for second in the shot put, totaling 2,862 points. He was 145 points ahead of Oleksiy Kasyanov of Ukraine (2717).
Collegiate record holder Hardee (Austin, Texas) was in third place with 2,657 points. Hardee was second to Clay in both the 100 (10.52 - 970 points) and long jump (7.72m/25-3.25 - 990) before throwing the shot 13.49m/44-3.25. 2003 world champion Tom Pappas (Manhattan, Kan.) ran 11.12 in the 100 (834) and took one long jump (7.41m/24-3.75 - 913) before withdrawing with a foot injury.
Dow makes Olympic debut
In the women's 20 km race walk, Team USA's 44-year-old, first-time Olympian Joanne Dow (Manchester, N.H.) walked the fastest time by an American woman ever in international competition. The mother of two placed 31st in 1:34:15, behind winner Olga Kaniskina of Russia (1:26:31), Kjersti Tysse Platzer of Norway (1:27:07) and Elisa Rigaudo of Italy (1:27:12) on the medal stand. Dow will depart on Thursday for the U.S., and on Tuesday morning she and her family drive from Manchester, N.H. to Philadelphia to take her oldest daughter, Hannah, to her first day of college at the University of Pennsylvania.
Field event qualifying
2005 World Outdoor silver medalist Chaunte Howard (Decatur, Ga.) was one of 15 women to clear 1.93m/6-4 in high jump qualifying to make Saturday's final. Four-time Olympian Amy Acuff (Isleton, Calif.) made 1.89m/6-2.25, and 2005 NCAA champion Sharon Day (Costa Mesa, Calif.) cleared 1.84m/6-0.50, but neither advanced.
Men's javelin qualifying produced three disappointed throwers as none made the final. Competing with an injured shoulder and freshly broken right hand, World Outdoor bronze medalist Breaux Greer (Scottsdale, Ariz.) took only one throw, 73.68m/241-9 and called it a day, placing 22nd in qualifying. Leigh Smith (Destrehen, La.) had a best mark of 76.55m/251-1 for 18th and Mike Hazle threw 72.75/238-8 for 25th.
For more information on Team USA at the Olympic Games, including athlete quotes, event schedule, TV schedule and complete results, visit www.usatf.org
Women's 20 km race walk final
Joanne Dow (Manchester, N.H.): "I did really well. That's the fastest an American woman has ever walked in international competition. It's the third-fastest time I've ever walked. I actually felt really great. It was wet. I felt pretty strong - I wonder how I would have done if it wasn't raining."
On competing in her first Olympics, at age 44: "What a dream to step on that line this morning. I felt really ready. From the beginning, I felt strong. I kept picking people off. My family is having a blast. They've waited just as long as I have for this. For them to be at an age when they can understand what this means is pretty special."
Women's high jump qualifying
Chaunte Howard (Snellville, Ga.): "It was good. It was my first time I had to jump in that much rain but it was easy. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be."
Amy Acuff (Isleton, Calif.): "Being a taller, faster jumper I found it really hard to fall back without slipping. It was really tough conditions. I guess I just feel inadequate right now. I don't regret anything. My preparation was fantastic. I think this will be my last one (Olympics). I don't think I'll miss being in pain every day like I have been for the past eight years."
Men's javelin qualifying
Leigh Smith (Destrehan, La.): "It was tough, rainy, but the weather cleared towards the end. The conditions were hard. I did the best I could. My last throw was my best. But I didn't throw nearly as far as I wanted to. I may end my season now and go back to work. I don't know yet. I'm looking forward to 2012.
On the rain: "It slows you down on the runway and loosens your grip. I just try to keep everything as dry as possible.
On the Olympic experience: "My first three or four days here were amazing. Being at the Opening Ceremony was amazing. The stadium is great. Being here is a dream come true."
Breaux Greer (Scottsdale, Ariz.): "I broke my right hand two weeks ago. It was hard to hang on to the javelin. At least it went straight. I'm not coming here just to compete, I'm coming here to win. I don't want to just make it to the final.
On taking only one throw: "I'm trying to be smart for a change. If I take a throw and it doesn't feel the way I want it to, why risk hurting something again and having another surgery? Of course I wish it went better. I'm really looking forward to Berlin (2009 World Outdoor Championships) because I've got some serious redemption to take care of. I'm gonna win the world championships next year. Write that down. "
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