2008 U.S. Olympic Trials - Day 2 Report

On-site coverage from Hayward Field - Eugene, Oregon by Tom Borish / Trackshark.com

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Quick recap:

- Tyson Gay sets a new American Record of 9.77 seconds in the 100m.
- Jeff Demps sets a new High School Record of 10.01 seconds in the 100m.
- Travis Padgett of Clemson sets a new NCAA Record of 9.89 seconds in the 100m.
- Muna Lee takes women's 100m title, Torri Edwards, Lauryn Williams also make cut.
- Hyleas Fountain scores 6,667 points to capture Heptathlon.
- Hoffa, Cantwell, Nelson advance in shot put

Women's 100m FINAL: Lee, Edwards, Williams make the cut

100m winner Muna Lee is congratulated by Lauryn Williams (Kirby Lee)

Muna Lee charged her way to the line and grabbed the U.S. 100 meter title in 10.85 seconds. The race featured a true test for guts and glory as the battle proved to be tense from the start.

"I was coming in here just trying to make the team," said Lee after her win.  "I knew that all of these girls are good, but I knew I had a chance. It was like the NCAA Championships again, getting so nervous on the line with these girls."

Torri Edwards, who ran quick the previous rounds, took second with her time of 10.894. Lauryn Williams had to wait and watch the scoreboard to find out if she made the team. Jumping for joy, the former Miami standout made the final spot with her clocking of 10.897.

"I think the talent today was amazing," Williams explained after taking third.  "I am looking forward to Beijing, but I know Jamaica has some really strong sprinters. Really, I don't think the final at the Olympics is going to be as strong as the final was here. I think we are ready."

Marshevet Hooker just missed out on Beijing after a tremendous two days of sprinting. Her final time of 10.93 was not enough to make the team in the 100.

Allyson Felix, who will look now to the rounds of the 200, placed fifth in 10.96 and was the last woman to dip under 11 seconds in the final.

Men's 100m quarter-finals: Gay sets new AR at 9.77, Demps gets HS record in 10.01

Tyson Gay set a new American Record of 9.77 in the quarter-finals (Kirby Lee)

Heat one: Tyson Gay exploded to a new American Record of 9.77 to win the opening heat of the men's 100m quarter-finals. Gay, who broke Maurice Greene's old record of 9.79, got out of the blocks the quickest and powered his way to the tape.

On breaking the record, Gay said: "I eased up a little bit, but I'm not worried about the record. I thank God that I was able to run a PR, but that's what I want to do in the finals."

Gay almost didn't even qualify for this race after just making the 4th spot from the opening rounds earlier in the day. "After the first round, I was scared," said Gay.

"I almost started crying as soon as I crossed the line because I thought I didn't make it. I was pretty nervous, but this round I ran through the line. I eased up a little bit. I had my arms in here so I wasn't trying to exert too much energy."

Florida high school senior Jeffery Demps also set the track on fire with his clocking of 10.01 which set a new prep record, new American Junior record and tied the World Junior record which is also held by Darrel Brown of Trinidad & Tobago.

Walter Dix of Florida State also ran well with his third-place showing of 10.02 seconds.

Heat two: Travis Padgett also set the stage for what should be a very fast semi-final. Padgett, a collegiate athlete from Clemson, set a new all-time NCAA record of 9.89 seconds to win the second heat. Padgett's performance eclipsed the previous record of 9.90 set by Ato Boldon of UCLA in 1996.

"I think it went well and I didn't expect to run that fast," said Padgett after his sprint. "This is a fast track and the conditions are right today. I hope I can continue to run faster from here on out."

Rodney Martin clocked 9.95 for second while Mark Jelks went below 10 seconds at 9.99 for third.

Heat three: Darvis Patton set a new personal-best and joined the sub-9.9 club with his clocking of 9.89 seconds to take the third and final qualifying heat.

Patton sprinted past the group at 60 meters and drove his way to the win. Ivory Williams came in second at 9.94 seconds.

Combining all three heats, seven men ran under 9.99 seconds.

The men's semi-finals are scheduled for 2:30pm on Sunday, with the final at 4:49pm the same day.

Men's Shot Put FINAL: Hoffa, Cantwell, Nelson make the dream team complete

Reese Hoffa won the shot put with his sixth throw in the series at 72-06.25 (Kirby Lee)

There was not much drama in the men's shot put final as Reese Hoffa took home the title with his sixth and final throw at 72-06.25 (22.10m).

On throwing beyond 22 meters, Hoffa stated: "It's a goal of mine every time. Twenty-two (meters) is a gold standard, and to do that under the absolutely incredible pressure that we have here makes me very happy."

Christian Cantwell powered his way to second with his heave of 71-02.75 (21.71m).  The humble Cantwell explained: "Probably eight of the people out there today could have done something to upset the form chart. (Adam) Nelson got really lucky; usually that mark wouldn't get you through. He's fortunate to be going to his third Olympics."

Two-time Olympic silver medalist Adam Nelson moved from fourth to third in the fourth round by passing Dan Taylor, who earned fourth, with his mark of 68-06.50 (20.89m).

"When Reese (Hoffa) and Christian (Cantwell) and Dan (Taylor) started throwing well, I felt that weight on my back. I knew I just had to power through," Nelson said.

Women's Heptathlon: Hyleas Fountain soars to new heights

Hyleas Fountain, Jacquelyn Johnson and Diana Pickler all punched their tickets to Beijing in the heptathlon (Kirby Lee)

Hyleas Fountain scored a personal-best tally of 6,667 to win the heptathlon on Saturday. After scoring 5 personal-best marks after the first 6 events, all Fountain had to do was put the rest of the events in criuse control.

"This has been a dream come true. I am just overwhelmed by it," said Fountain on her victory.  "This was the meet of my life. I'd never have guessed to have the highest score in the world. It's amazing."

Fountain's personal-best marks on the final day included a leap of 22-07 in the long jump and 158-00 in the javelin. In the process, she the became the #3 American of all time.

Joining Fountain on the Olympic Team are Jacquelyn Johnson, who placed second with 6,347 points, and Diana Pickler, third with 6,257.

"It means a lot to qualify for the Olympics. I am honored and it is a dream come true." said Johnson, the 4-time NCAA Champion formerly of Arizona State.

Men's 800m semi-finals: Wheating continues to amaze Hayward Field

Wheating heading home to catch the leaders once again (Spencer Allen)

Heat one: Khadevis Robinson took the early lead at 24.7 through the first 200 meters. Robinson then came throug the first 400 in 51.8 with Jonathan Johnson on his shoulder.

However, in classic fashion, Andrew Wheating of Oregon waited and waited for the final 100 meters to appear as he came in with a vengance to take second at 1:46.23. Robinson claimed the race in 1:46.13.

After the race, Wheating exclaimed, "It felt pretty good. Before the race, I was feeling terrible, but right now I feel pumped. That last 100 really got me going. I am ready for Monday."

Jonathan Johnson and Jebreh Harris were the final two athletes to advance to the final.

Heat two: Duane Solomon of USC took out the first 200 hard in 24.4 and led with 400 to go with a 51.5 split. It was Solomon, Lopez Lomong and Jacob Hernandez with 200 meters to go.

Entering the final 100 meters, Nicholas Symmonds made his move to the inside and passed Solomon for the victory in 1:45.61. On waiting until the last 100 to make a move, being boxed in, Symmonds said: "I just like to make it exciting for the fans. I feel like as long as I'm within a few meters of the leaders with 100 to go, then no one can out-kick me."

Solomon recorded 1:45.82 for second as Christian Smith (1:46.02) and Lopez Lomong (1:46.02) earned the final qualifying spots. Hernandez placed fifth in 1:46.16 and could not advance to the final.

The final will be contested at 8:25pm on Monday.

Women's 800m semi-finals: Fall takes out Horn, Thomas and Teter

Nicole Teter, Becky Horn and Latavia Thomas seen here shortly after their fall at the 250 meter mark (Errol Anderson)

Heat one: It was an unfortunate accident that dropped several athletes to the ground during heat one of the women's 800 meter semi-finals.

At the 250 meter mark, Becky Horn of Western Michigan was sitting in second before getting tripped and starting an avalanche which included Kameisha Bennett, Latavia Thomas of LSU and Nicole Teter.

All four were never able to make up the ground during the race. A protest was put in as all four were still able to earn a lane in the final.

Alice Schmidt led from start to finish with her time of 2:03.27. "I heard people go down and I heard the crowd go oh, but I was luckily out of the mess," said Schmidt after her win.

"It was kind of weird running alone, being a spectator on the Jumbotron. I was kind of like what happened back there? Should I be concerned? Do I need to back off? Is this an advantage? But then you just need to make sure you are in the top four and going to the next round. A lot was entering my mind after I heard that, like people are going to appeal and this is going to be a huge final. A waterfall and that didn't go so well last time."

Maggie Vessey, Nikeya Green and Laura Hermanson rounded out the rest of the qualifiers.

Heat two: Hazel Clark got out well over the first 400 and was edged at the tape by Morgan Uceny. Katie Waits and Geena Gall also advanced to the final, which will be held on Monday at 8:15pm

Women's 400m semi-finals: No problems for Tosta and Ross-Williams

Heat one: Sheena Tosta rocked out of the gates with her 54.95 performance to take the first heat.

"I've been trying to work on a different strategy for saving myself towards the end of the season for the Olympics," said Tosta after the race. "In the past years I have kind of been peaking at Nationals. This year I am trying something a little different. It's all coming together great."

Miriam Barnes (55.35), Queen Harrison of Virginia Tech (56.04) and Latosha Wallace (56.17) each earned their spots to the final as well.

Heat two: Tiffany Ross-Williams took the second heat and looked strong in the homestretch with her time of 54.75.

"It felt really good and I got out strong," said Ross-Williams after her victory. "I was just trying to make sure that I didn't get too far out of the race and relax."

Lashinda Demus (55.70), Christine Spence (55.82) and Angel Perkins (56.08) advance to the final as well.

The women's final is set to go on Sunday at 4:02pm.

Men's 400m hurdles semi-finals: Clement smooth as silk, Jackson cruises

Bershawn Jackson won his heat to advance to the 400 hurdle final (Spencer Allen)

Heat one: Kerron Clement looked the smoothest around the hurdles while recording a winning time in heat one at 48.20.

"It is very important to win your semifinals because it gets you a good lane in the finals, lane four or five," said Clement after his victory.

Auburn's Reuben McCoy provided a slight challenge to Clement off the last hurdle, but still managed to get second at 48.37.

Angelo Taylor, who will also compete in the open 400 meters, took third in 48.59 and Brandon Johnson recorded 48.68 for fourth. Washington State freshman and NCAA, USA Junior Champion Jeshua Anderson took fifth in 48.92 and did not advance.

Heat two: Bershawn Jackson lead the entire way to take heat two in 48.63. "It was easy, but it felt hard," said Jackson after the run. "It was tough running through the wind. I'm from Miami, Florida, so the heat is good, but the wind is killing me right now."

Johnny Dutch of South Carolina ran well to take second in 48.71. Georgia's Justin Gaymon placed third (48.77) and LaRon Bennett (49.25) also advanced to the final.

James Carter did not qualify for the final after finishing 6th.

The final is scheduled for 4:17pm on Sunday.

Women's 100m semi-finals: It will be a showdown between Hooker and Edwards

Heat one: Angela Williams was out of the gate the quickest, as Marshevet Hooker came through in the end to take the win in 10.89. Williams was the 4th qualifier (10.913) along with Muna Lee at second (10.91) and Lauryn Willams third (10.912) who also automatically advanced to today's final.

Heat two: Torri Edwards clocked 10.78 to jet out of the blocks and take the win at the second heat, which also set a new Hayward Field record. That also makes Edwards the 8th fastest performer all-time in history. More impressive, Edwards had a false start which was then charged to the entire field. Mechelle Lewis (10.97), Allyson Felix (11.00) and LaShaunte'a Moore (11.03) rounded out the next three women to advance to the final.

The final is set for 5:48pm later today.

Men's 100m qualifying: Gay almost gets left out, Demps sets high school record

During the opening round of the men's 100 meters, Florida high school star Jeffery Demps clocked the second-fastest time in prep history at 10.12 seconds.

The real suspense of the event came from Tyson Gay who led comfortably at 60 meters then decided to shut it down -- nearly to a jog -- before three other men outleaned him at the tape. It was a close call for Gay who nearly got left out of the rounds due to his lapse of judgment.

Florida State's Walter Dix clocked the fastest time of the day at 9.96 as it appeared his hamstring was not an issue during the race at all. "It was a good race and I came out strong out of the blocks," said the NCAA Champion at 200 meters. "I just need to come back later tonight and qualify for tomorrow."

The quarter-finals are set for 5:01pm later today.

Women's Javelin: Pounds sets out throw of 187-10

Dana Pounds came away with the top mark of 187-10 in the women's javelin qualifying (Spencer Allen)

In the women's javelin qualifying, former Air Force standout Dana Pounds had the top throw of the day with her mark of 187-10. American record holder Kim Kreiner's elbow still appears to be bothered by her shoulder even with her top throw of 177-05.

"It is the first time I have ever walked out there and automatically qualified," said Pounds after her first and only throw of the day.

"Honestly I am a little disgruntled because I was feeling good today and I only got one shot at the A standard. It was almost like taking a meet away from me. Every attempt counts when you don't have the A standard."

All of the usual suspects were able to move on to Monday's final.