2008 U.S. Olympic Trials - Day 7 Report

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

Trackshark Coverage | Schedule/Results | Videos | Photos | 3,000 Miles to the Trials

Quick recap:

- Tyson Gay suffers severe cramp to left hamstring during 200 meter trials, is carted off the field.
- Anthony Famiglietti leads from start to finish to earn steeple title in 8:20.24.
- Jesse Williams clears 7-06.50 for high jump title. Andra Manson, Dusty Jonas make team after jump-off.
- Michelle Carter throws personal-best mark of 61-10.25 for shot put title.
- Jessica Cosby hits 232-00 for hammer throw title as Brittany Riley struggles.
- Shawn Crawford dominates his heat of the 200, Martin and Spearmon also look impressive.
- Bianca Knight and Allyson Felix look to be the favorites for the women's 200 title.
- David Oliver clocks 13.07 for top time in men's quarterfinal hurdles.
- Lolo Jones dips under 12.60 in women's quarterfinal hurdles.
- Allen Johnson and Jason Richardson do not finish 110 meter hurdle qualifying heats.

Men's 3,000m Steeplechase FINAL: Famiglietti takes it from start to finish
• Results

Famiglietti led from start to finish, claiming the steeplechase title in 8:20.24 (Kirby Lee)

Anthony Famiglietti seemed to be on a mission today, as he took down the field with no doubt while crossing the finish line first in 8:20.24.

Billy Nelson of Colorado and Josh McAdams made it interesting with one lap to go, eventually running out of space with their times of 8:21.47 and 8:21.99 to also punch their tickets to Beijing.

Famiglietti took out the race from the start and once held a 5-second lead with just over 3 laps remaining in the race.

"I got out and ran aggressively like I always do," said Famiglietti. "Whether that meant finishing dead last with dead legs or finishing first with dead legs. Luckily, it was first. You have to forget if you're going to die, because you know you're going to run the first mile in 4:20."

Nelson and McAdams gave an interesting push and heading into the final water pit, the crowd rose to their feet to see if the comeback could happen.

Famiglietti did not give in as Nelson and McAdams simply ran out of time.

"It was great," said Nelson. "It was my dream and I made it! The final played out exactly the way I wanted it to. Famiglietti took it out hard just like he always does and I just wanted to keep up with him, because I knew that would get me the "A" standard and the top three."

Men's High Jump FINAL: Williams clean on all four attempts, dramatic finish for third spot
• Results

Jesse Williams cleared his first four attempts for the high jump title (Kirby Lee)

If there was anything clear about the men's high jump final, it was Jesse Williams clearing 7-06.50 (2.30m) for the title. Williams passed on the opening height of 2.14m, then cleared his next four attempts at 2.19m, 2.24m, 2.27m and finally the winning height of 2.30m.

"I really couldn't sleep very well last night and woke up at 4 a.m. dreaming about winning the trials at that height," said Williams. "I really don't know how that happened, but it did. I couldn't get back to sleep because all I was thinking about was being clean through 2.30."

Andra Manson, who tied for second with Jamie Nieto at 2.27m, was the only athlete between them to have the Olympic A standard and punched his ticket to the Olympic Games.

"Oh man, it was great, I would have really loved to clear 2.30 meters and solidify myself as a second-place, but I'm just happy to make the team," said Manson.

The next highest-finishing jumper to have met the standard is Dusty Jonas, who tied for sixth at 2.24m, winning a jump-off against Scott Sellers to claim the third and final roster position.

On thinking he was out of the competition, Jonas said: "I was pretty disappointed. That would have been my lowest jump all year for me. I was glad for that second chance. God had something to say today I think. He gave me a second chance and I took advantage of it."

Women's Shot Put FINAL: Carter throws lifetime best for ticket to Beijing
• Results

Carter hit a personal-best mark of 61-10.25 to win the women's shot put (Kirby Lee)

Michelle Carter will join her father and high school record-holder, Michael Carter, as the only father-daughter shot put team to make the Olympics, with her lifetime and Olympic A standard best mark of 61-10.25 (18.85m).

"Most of the time I start out bad," said Carter. "Today I started good. Mentally it usually takes me a minute to get going. I need to get moving from the start."

On father/daughter Olympic team members, Carter stated: "It's a great feeling. There are not too many combos like this."

Kristin Heaston heaved the shot 60-02 (18.34m) for second and Jillian Camarena, who did not compete this outdoor season after surgery earlier in the year, took third with her throw of 59-05.50 (18.12m).

Today didn't feel as good as qualifying but making the team is so amazing after all I've been through with my surgeries and the setbacks," said Camarena. "Almost every day I didn't think I could do this, but my family and support system really pulled me through. The next three weeks are all about training and getting repetitions."

Two collegians who did not throw particularly well due to such a long season were Sarah Stevens of Arizona State and Patience Knight of Texas Tech, who placed 11th and 12th.

Women's Hammer FINAL: Cosby over 230 feet for title as Riley struggles
• Results

Cosby was able to throw 232-00 to take the hammer title (Kirby Lee)

Jessica Cosby established herself as the best hammer thrower in the nation, hitting 232-00 (70.72m) to take the title. Cosby was the only female to throw over 230 feet during the competition.

"This is what my coach and I have been training for," said Cosby. "I felt like if I came here and just kind of focused on myself, anything would be possible. The field was loaded with talent with so many girls having the A standard."

Amber Campbell placed second with her throw of 227-02 (69.24m) and Sarah Veress was third with her mark of 225-01 (68.60m).

"There is definitely no chasing and stuff like that going on this year, so I am definitely blessed to be able to enjoy it now," said Campbell. "There is no stress of having to try to track down meets and compete on my own. I am really fortunate to be able to go to Beijing with no worries."

Brittany Riley of Southern Illinois, who had a fantastic indoor season, seemed to run out of gas the past month, taking 11th overall with her throw of 211-05 (64.44m).

Men's 200m Semi-Finals: Crawford steps in as the favorite for the title?
• Results

Tyson Gay suffered a cramp to his left hamstring and did not finish his quarterfinal race earlier in the day (Kirby Lee)

Heat one: With Tyson Gay out do to an injury suffered during the quarterfinals earlier in the day, the door is now wide open for others to take charge.

Rodney Martin looked solid, speeding to the top time of the day in 20.04, thanks to a tailwind reading of 2.2.

"It was a good race and it went pretty cool and comfortable," said Martin. "I'm just trying to get a good lane for the finals."

Wallace Spearmon took second, running with ease, clocking 20.05 just behind Martin for second. The final two spots for the final went to Florida State teammates Charles Clark and Walter Dix.

"I just wanted to get out and run a hard turn," said Spearmon. "I think I did ok doing that. It's a lot easier to run two 200's than two 100's. People may not think that, but I'm having fun doing this. The 200 is my playground.

Heat two: Shawn Crawford exploded off the turn and did not run hard the last 50 meters to clock 20.21 seconds.

"The main thing is that I am in the final and I just need to rest these dirty old legs and do what I do," said Carter.

No one was close to Crawford in this heat, as Xavier Carter placed second in 20.55, Rubin Williams of Tennessee was third in 20.56 and Bernard Williams took the final spot in 20.60.

The final is set for 4:40pm on Sunday.

Women's 200m Semi-Finals: Knight and Felix cruise with the showdown set for Sunday
• Results

Knight clocked 22.53 to draw lane 4 for the final on Sunday (Kirby Lee)

Heat one: Bianca Knight got out like a rocket in lane 5, speeding through the first turn with the lead into a slight headwind to take the win in 22.53. Knight, who left Texas after the NCAA Indoor Championships to turn professional, looks to be in solid shape for the final tomorrow.

"Today, I got out hard and held on," said Knight. "I had to run a little harder than the other rounds, but I get stronger as the rounds go on. I'm really anxious to see what happens tomorrow."

Marshevet Hooker, who just missed making the 100 meter team earlier in the week, clocked 22.55 for second.

"I'm feeling good," said Hooker. "I am glad I got that round out of the way. I felt like it might be a little rough because I was coming off a previous round, but I held it strong and I was able to hold it strong and finish in the end."

Lauryn Williams and Torri Edwards, who finished third and second in the 100 meter final, will race once again in the 200 meter final tomorrow with their times of 22.59 and 22.66.

Heat two: Allyson Felix, starting out of lane 6, looked amazing clocking 22.22 -- the fastest time by an American this year. Felix eased up with about 30 meters remaining in the race, as she looks to break 22 seconds in the final tomorrow.

"It was good," said Felix. "I came out strong in the first 150 meters, so I could see where I was. I felt comfortable at that point and knew I had to maintain."

Muna Lee also looked good from her outside, clocking 22.33 for second. Shalonda Solomon and Carmelita Jeter automatically qualified for the final as well.

The final is scheduled for 4:25pm on Sunday.

Women's 100m hurdle Quarterfinals: Wells, Jones and Hayes look strong
• Results

Jones came away with the fastest time of the day for the 100m hurdles in 12.58 (Kirby Lee)

Heat one: Kellie Wells, running in lane 4, did not hit one hurdle on her way to win in 12.82.

"It felt great. I love the track," said Wells. "I just wanted to execute a few things today. Me and my coach talked about things I need to execute so I went out there and did that today. I just have to carry that into tomorrow."

Damu Cherry ran a very nice time in 12.86 for second as Yvette Lewis clocked 12.97 for third.

Heat two: Virginia Powell got out very well in lane 3. Lolo Jones came back to take the victory in 12.58.

"(The race) was ok," said Jones. "I had a little goof up in the middle of the race, but I recovered. Hurdlers can't do what sprinters do and ease up during the race, because hurdles is a rhythm event. When you get lazy you hit the hurdles. You can only slow down after the final hurdle.

Dawn Harper was second in 12.75, NCAA Champion from Michigan Tiffany Ofili placed third in 12.84, while Powell earned fourth at 12.87.

Heat three: Joanna Hayes, the defending Olympic Champion, clocked 12.65 for the win and led the entire race.

"I wasn't totally comfortable from three to eight, but it was fine and pretty clean," said Hayes. "It's now time to go home and get some treatment and some rest."

Nichole Denby ran right along the side of Hayes, crossing the line second in 12.74 Candice Davis was third in 12.87 and Michelle Perry took fourth in 12.92.

The semi-finals are set for 3:35pm on Sunday, with the final scheduled for 5:40pm later in the day.

Men's 110m hurdle Quarterfinals: Oliver looks to be the favorite, Arnold false starts
• Results

Oliver dominated the entire race with the fastest time of the day over 110m hurdles at 13.07 (Kirby Lee)

Heat one: Anwar Moore led off the afternoon session with his first-place time of 13.17 while not missing a beat the entire race. David Payne was the only other competitor to dip under 13.40, with his time of 13.22.

Heat two: Antwon Hicks, running with his head up the entire race, looked smooth over each hurdle to win in 12.28.

"We had a slight tail wind out there and that pushed us a little bit, but the weather was perfect," said Hicks. "I'll know if I'm ready when I wake up and tomorrow should be interesting."

Former Tennessee standout and NCAA Champion Aries Merritt was right behind Hicks for second in 13.38. Michael Mitchum and Ryan Wilson both clocked 13.50.

Heat three: David Oliver dominated the entire race with the fastest time of the day at 13.07 (+2.0w).

"I'm going to have a nice dinner, go to sleep, wake up and do it all over again," said Oliver. "I just came out and ran a decent race."

Terrence Trammell tried to catch Oliver, but managing second place in 13.38. Florida State's Drew Brunson placed third in 13.40 while Joel Brown clocked 13.49 for fourth.

Dominique Arnold false-started out of lane 8 and is out of the competition. David Oliver was asked about the number of false starts during the quarterfinals and stated: "Every hard race somebody is going to false start. I wish they would go to the NCAA system -- one false start and you're out. I never false start."

Jason Richardson, the NCAA Outdoor Champion from South Carolina, and Allen Johnson did not finish their races from the qualifying rounds earlier in the day.

The semifinals are scheduled for 3:15pm on Sunday, with the final set to go at 5:30pm later in the day.