It’s Thursday morning at 7:24 am. As I sit in bed, all I can think about are all of the athletes that have made their way to Eugene, Oregon for the US. Olympic Trials this year. This is such a suspenseful time for everyone, with their goals and dreams on the line, they get ready to compete. Every championship year is important and exciting, but the OLYMPICS is what we all as athletes strive for.

I think about what I’d be doing right about now if I was competing this weekend. At this very moment, I’d be laying in bed trying to give Jon and his wife a little more time, before sending out that early morning text to see if they were ready to get up for breakfast. Every year, as per tradition, we eat at the Original House of Pancakes in Eugene. They have some of the best food … it’s so delicious that I have a hard time describing it. All I know is that it’s been a great way for me to start off my mornings in Oregon and it gives me the extra oomph I need to conquer the harsh demands ahead of me.

The Olympic trials has to be one of the toughest competition I’ve ever competed in, in my life. The intensity level is truly off the charts. The best athletes from all over the country compete for the top 3 spots in their designated events and everyone takes it very seriously. With no room for error, it’s all about who is ready on game day, at game time! This is what everyone has spent their lives dreaming of and working their butts off in training for. Ahhh, to be an OLYMPIAN. Is there any word as sweet? How can you NOT love this???? The history alone that has been made in Eugene makes it that much more exciting competing there time after time. Four years ago, I made my first team there, and I will never forget the feelings of excitement and fulfillment I felt that special day. All of the hard work had paid off!

I’m excited for everyone that is competing. I can literally feel the suspense right now in my bed even though I am not going to have the chance to compete this year. For days I debated flying out to Eugene to watch the trials and support my fellow track athletes, but I just couldn’t do it. The thought of being there and not competing literally made me feel sick. Although I won’t be there physically, I will be there is spirit, and I will definitely be tuned into NBC watching and cheering everyone on. Not being there this time is motivating me now more than ever. It’s true what they say, you don’t realize how much you miss something, until you can’t do it for a while. I joke with my coach all the time, about how I can’t wait to get back to doing my repeat 300′s and the intense sprint workouts, I want that burn so bad!! I know it sounds nutty but I am very serious. I definitely miss competing like crazy, but I’m thankful for the growth within me that is taking place during this down time. In the meantime, I continue to workout- training my mind and body to stay sharp and in shape for when it is time for me to get back out there and compete. I have a completely different outlook on life now and a different kind of love for my sport, as I’ve been given the opportunity to see just how precious of a gift from God it is. The best for me is most definitely still to come, and I’m excited about it!

The London Games will be a truly special experience, from the walking of the opening ceremonies, to the upsets, to the surprise outcomes, to the well deserved victories, and it all starts this weekend with THE USA Olympic Trials. Make sure to tune in starting this Friday to NBC and support USA TRACK AND FIELD!!! Good luck to all of my fellow athletes and God Speed! I will be praying, and cheering for everyone out there competing. Go Get It, it’s Your Time!!!

So, I began the next day and it was SO TOUGH at the beginning. I didn’t realize just how much I had made those two things such an important part of my life, until I took them away. Never the less, I was determined to stick to it and tough it out. I was just about finished with my fast when I had a talk with a friend of mine and shared with them the fast I had been doing. After explaining my purpose, they decided they wanted to take part in it with me as well. So, we agreed to start another fast once I completed mine, which carried me over to doing a double. It was amazing to me how short the first one felt, so whats another?? I was eager to jump right in and this time, it wasn’t just about the fast, but about being able to take part in it with someone else.

Instead of spending my morning surfing the web and catching up on social media now, I’ve gotten to focus on my relationship with GOD and in doing so, I’ve been able to share scriptures and testimonies with my friend as well. This whole experience has truly been a blessing and I feel like I have grown so much during this experience.

So I write this blog to let you all know, I haven’t dropped off the face of the earth. I am actually doing quite well.  I’ll be blogging a lot more from now on I promise. Thank you all so much for all of your support, kind words and prayers!!

As I get ready to head out to my first day of practice of the new season, I think back to this very day, four years ago, when I was preparing for my first Olympic team in Beijing. I had just made what felt like the biggest move of my life; I literally packed up my car and relocated from Austin to Dallas, to a new environment, completely out of my element and comfort zone. Although it was scary and overwhelming at first, I slowly learned that change is good and that great things, and people, were headed my way. I inherited a wonderful training environment, a determined Jon Drummond and Vickie Gates by my side, and a new attitude; not a day goes by where I don’t feel incredibly grateful that I made the leap.

Now don’t let me kid you, it hasn’t been easy by any stretch of the imagination. I’ve definitely had my ups and downs over the course of the last four years, enduring life events that I thought would break me and injuries that deterred me from competing at full strength. But, here I am, still standing and stronger than ever. I’ve learned so much about myself, my strength, my endurance, and my passion to be the best person, and best competitor that I can be. I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason, and now I know that I am strong enough to beat any obstacles that life throws my way. I am so thankful for a great, supportive family and a wonderful, close-knit group of friends that love me and support me in every endeavor I set out to accomplish.

I am very excited about this upcoming season, and can’t wait to start competing again. First things first though…I KNOW that these next few weeks are going to be pretty tough on my body, both mentally and physically. Although the start of each season is intimidating, I know that I will endure and fight through it, because establishing that fall base is crucial in preparing me for the long demanding season ahead. Despite the butt lock, and the extreme soreness that I will most definitely endure, I am more eager than ever to get back at it and put in day after day of hard work, reaching for my dreams. I do what I love for a living, and everyday is a blessing (even if it does physically HURT sometimes).

So, here’s to another day at the office, another season, and BIG aspirations. Some may think that my dreams are impossible; but not me; I will be fighting every step of the way, inching closer to the Olympics and that GOLD medal. Operation London 2012 is underway… HERE I GO!!!!

During the past year, my sister has literally been all over the world with her thriving volleyball career. We are usually reduced solely to communicating via Skype and blackberry messenger; which is sometimes easier said than done depending on internet availability in whatever continent she happens to be on. Another complication is our schedules; the few instances when she happens to be back in the states, I am usually abroad competing myself. So for our schedules to finally matchup is bittersweet. The anticipation feels oddly like Christmas to me for some reason; furthering my belief that our family gathering is long overdue.

I love Thanksgiving for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is because of all the food. There is nothing like waking up in the morning to the smell of turkey roasting in the oven, and the aroma of fresh pies lingering through the air. The other reason why I love the holiday so much is because I get to spend some much needed time with family. This time allows me to really sit down and reflect on the things that I am thankful for. Food + family time + quality football on TV = a match made in heaven.

So, Happy Thanksgiving to you all. May your travels be safe and may you too take some time to reflect on the people and things that you are thankful for.

Stay tuned for more from me after the holiday….I will try to be on my best behavior, otherwise, I will pay for it at practice on Friday.

Several world class athletes are listed, including five reigning individual World champions in Sanya Richards-Ross, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Kerron Clement, Melaine Walker and Ryan Brathwaite. However, most fans will be watching in anticipation the sprints events, where the Jamaicans face very stiff opposition.

Campbell-Brown headlines the women’s 200m field..

The women’s 200m event features two-time Olympic champion, Veronica Campbell Brown and World and Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce – who is the second fastest over the half lap event this season with 22.69secs – and they present Jamaica’s best chance of a sprint win.

Bahamian Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie, Americans Bianca Knight and Porscha Lucas, together with Cayman Islands’ Cydonie Mothersill, are also listed in the half lap event. Jamaicans Anneisha McLaughlin and Shericka Williams complete the field.

Campbell-Brown, who said it’s good to be back home, is looking to do her best for the local fans.

“I like competing at home where the home crowd and the energy is fantastic”, she said, “and as always, I expect to do my best.”

Knight predicts the times will be fast. “It’s a great field so I am looking forward to running fast. I am having a good year this season with a personal record in the 400m of 52.55.”

“I am very strong right now, and usually run fast at this meet, I also heard the new track is fast, so I am looking forward to running fast come Saturday.”

.. and Powell tops the men’s

The men’s 200m will see Jamaicans Asafa Powell, the former World 100m record holder, and Steve Mullings, the fastest man over 100m this season with 9.90, leading the charge against American Wallace Spearmon, the fastest by far in the field.

Powell said he is going to give his best, and hopefully in the end, “Break my personal best (of 19.90).”

Asked why he chose the 200m, Powell said: “It’s not my choice, it’s my coach’s decision, I guess he wants me to get stronger for the 100m.”

Mullings on the other hand said, “I am here to work on my 200m race towards the World Championships, that’s about it, I just want to see where I am.”

Commonwealth Games silver medalist Lanceford Spence, Canadian Jared Connaughton, Jamaican Marvin Anderson – who has not shown much this season – and young Nickel Ashmeade – who said he wants to run himself back into form – complete the line-up.

Jeter vs Stewart in women’s 100m

In the men’s 100m, Americans Trell Kimmons and Mike Rodgers – one of three men to run sub-10 this season – Darvis Patton, who won here in the past – Trinidad & Tobago’s Richard Thompson and Antigua’s Daniel Bailey, will all be trying to stop Jamaica’s Yohan Blake – who many believe has what it takes to win – and Michael Frater.

Thompson said with the top trio of Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay and Powell away from this event, “It’s now up to us the second group, to battle it out. “The goal is always to go in and cop the win,” he added.

American Carmelita Jeter and Jamaican Kerron Stewart, battled to the line last year, which means another exciting finish is in the making. But as Jeter seeks to defend her title, Stewart, Sherone Simpson and American Marshevet Myers may have other ideas.

Stewart said: “I expect the best from myself; I always go out there to give 100 per cent. I always run with my heart. I am going out there to compete, no matter who is in the race,” she said.

Trinidad & Tobago’s Kelly-Ann Baptiste, along with Jamaicans Aleen Bailey, Simone Facey and Carrie Russell, are also in the field.

Richards-Ross vs Ohuruogu on the 400m

American World champion Sanya Richards-Ross and Great Britain’s Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu will re-new rivalry in the women’s 400m.
Ohuruogu said she is, “Just looking to go run my own race and get a good time.”

The field is a high classed one and based on Richards-Ross anchor-leg performance for USA Red at Penn Relays last week, she is some ways from her best, which means Jamaicans Kaliese Spencer and Novlene Williams-Ross, along with DeeDee Trotter can very well garner a win.

Despite the unknown form of Jermaine Gonzales, who had knee surgery last year, the men’s 400m should also be competitive, with the likes of Chris Brown of The Bahamas, Calvin Smith of the USA and Trinidad & Tobago’s Renny Quow. Ricardo Chambers and Allodin Fothergill are also listed.

In the middle distances, Jamaica’s Kenia Sinclair in the 800m and Phillip Lagat in the men’s 1500m, are top contenders in their respective events.

Sinclair said: “Coming to this meet always produces great stuff. This would normally be my opener, but I opened in Australia at the beginning of March, and I opened with 1:59, so I am hoping to have a season best, or close to a personal best here.”

“My performance at Penn Relays showed that I’m in shape to run a sub 1:58, so the plan is, come to Jamaica, perform to the best of my ability and not get beaten in my home town.”

In the hurdles event, American Terrence Trammell, Jamaican Dwight Thomas and Ryan Brathwaite of Barbados, will battle in the men’s 110mH, while Jamaicans Vonnette Dixon and Delloreen Ennis are the top contenders in the women’s 100m equivalent.

The one lap obstacle, on the men’s side, should be competitive with world champion Kerron Clement, Jamaicans Isa Phillips and Danny McFarlane.
Phillips said: “I have not hurdled all season, so I’m just going out to see what I’ve got,” while adding, “the focus is National trials and World Championships.”

World and Olympic champion Melaine Walker, fellow Jamaican Shevon Stoddart, along with Americans Nicole Leach and Sheena Tosta are in the women’s one lap hurdling event.

On the infield, Americans Adam Nelson and Cory Martin, along with Jamaican Dorian Scott, will battle it out in the men’s Shot Put, while Brianna Glen, the second best in the world this year, Great Britain Shara Proctor and Jamaican Jovanne Jarrett will clash in the women’s long jump.

Sheree Francis and High School girl Kimberly Williamson, the second and fourth ranked jumpers this year, are in the women’s high jump.

Anthony Foster for the IAAF

The Sprinters are: Carmelita Jeter, United States of America (USA); Sherone Simpson, Jamaica; Kelly Ann Baptiste, Trinidad & Tobago; as well as Marshevet Myers and Shalonda Solomon of the USA.

According to Donald Quarrie, Athletes’ Liaison for the meet and Executive Member of the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA), the athletes listed were all in the top ten World Ranking List, last year.

Jeter is ranked as the number one, with a personal best of 10.64 seconds in the 100m. Meanwhile, Baptiste is ranked at number three with a personal record of 10.84. And, Myers is ranked at number four with a personal record of 10.93, followed by Simpson, who takes the number five spot with a personal record of 10.82. Solomon is, however, ranked at number nine with a personal record of 10.82.

In addition, Donald Quarrie pointed out that Kerron Stewart of Jamaica, who was ranked fifth fastest last year; but, due to injury, was unable to compete for most of the 2010 season, will also compete in 100m. And, there is the possibility that two-time Olympic 200m gold medallist and 2007 World 100m champion, Veronica Campbell Brown could participate in this race.

The 200m will also be an interesting race, as World and Olympic Champion Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce will compete in this event along with compatriot Shericka Williams; as well as, Bianca Knight of the USA and Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie of The Bahamas.

Donald Quarrie expressed satisfaction about the caliber and performance of the athletes confirmed so far for the Meet. “The list of athletes for 2011 is fantastic. The events will be more competitive than last year, and the possibilities of world leading performances are great,” he said.

Leon Mitchell, JN Group Marketing and Promotions Executive said that last year some 25,000 fans were in the National Stadium to witness the meet; and, it is anticipated that a larger audience would be in attendance this year. He also noted that the event was upgraded to an International Amateur Athletic Foundation (IAAF) Challenge Meet.

sknvibes.com

Jeter to chase her own meet record

In the women’s 100m, world leader Carmelita Jeter of the USA, the second fastest woman in history and the winner of the inaugural Samsung Diamond Race Trophy in the event, will be chasing her own meeting record of 10.83 set in 2009. She’ll be taking on compatriots Lashaunte Moore and Marshevet Myers, the winners in the Rome and London legs, respectively, of the 2010 Samsung Diamond League series.

In the men’s 100m field, Olympic bronze medallist Walter Dix will be taking centre stage while in the women’s 200m, three-time World champion Allyson Felix will head the field in her favourite event where she’ll meet Russia’s Contintental Cup champion Aleksandra Fedoriva.

Oliver taking centre stage

Among the most anticipated races will the men’s 110m Hurdles, where US record holder David Oliver will put his win streak, which currently at 17, on the line. He’ll take on compatriot David Payne, the reigning Olympic silver medallist and two-time World bronze medallist, along with Jamaican record holder Dwight Thomas.

The women’s sprint hurdles promises a fierce battle, with 2008 Olympic champion Dawn Harper taking on fellow American Kellie Wells whose indoor season momentum continues outdoors this spring.

Over the full lap barriers, it’ll be Bershawn Jackson, the 2005 World champion and reigning Olympic bronze medallist, and twice Olympic champion Angelo Taylor taking the spotlight.

Kamel vs Lalang at 800m

The middle distances will not be lacking star power. In the men’s 800m, Bahrain’s Yusuf Saad Kamel, the world 1500m champion and bronze medallist over two laps from Berlin 2009, will take on Kenyan ace Boaz Lalang. In the women’s 1500m, the young Ethiopian talents – World indoor champion Kalkidan Gezahegne and Tizita Bogale, the World junior champion – will tangle for early season domestic bragging rights.

Women’s IAAF Hammer Throw Challenge to kick off

The Daegu meeting will also signal the start of the women’s portion of the IAAF Hammer Throw Challenge. Among the favourites will be Russia’s former World record holder Tatyana Lysenko and Zhang Wenxiu of Chania, the Asian Games champion and World bronze medallist in 2009.

The women’s Pole Vault will feature European indoor and outdoor silver medallist Silke Spiegelburg of Germany and Russian standout Yuliya Golubchikova.

In the men’s Triple Jump, the focus will be on Alexis Copello of Cuba, the 2009 World bronze medallist, and Bahamian Leevan Sands, the Beijing Olympic bronze medallist.

Latvia’s Ainārs Kovals, the reigning Olympic silver medallist, and Yukifumi Murakami of Japan, the 2009 surprise World bronze medallist, will headline the field in the men’s Javelin Throw.

IAAF.org

The U.S. women made clear their intent to bring a world title back to America in the Visa Women’s 4x100m relay. Lauryn Williams, Allyson Felix, Marshevet Myers and Carmelita Jeter posted a dominant performance, winning in a Penn Relays record time of 42.28, a 2011 world leader as well. They broke the Penn Relays record held since 2000 by Chryste Gaines, Torri Edwards, Inger Miller, and Marion Jones, set at the first edition of USA vs. The World. The USA Blue team of Gloria Asumnu, Miki Barber, Biana Knight and Alex Anderson moved from third to second on Knight’s third leg, finishing in 42.64. That left the Jamaican team of Kerron Stewart, Vanda Sherone Simpson, Aleen Bailey and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price third in 42.74.

Jamaica reigned in the BMW Men’s 4x100m yet again in what was a closely contested race through the first two legs. Jamaica, USA Red and USA Blue were even after lead-off legs by Asafa Powell, Walter Dix and Justin Gatlin, respectively. Second legs by Michael Frater, Wallace Spearmon and Doc Patton kept the field even, but Nesta Carter’s third leg put Jamaica in the lead. USA Blue had a rough handoff from Patton to Crawford, while Trell Kimmons handled third leg for USA Red. In the homestretch, Steve Mullins brought Jamaica home first in 38.33 with Mike Rodgers second for USA Red in 38.33 and Ivory Willams third for USA Blue in 38.66.

The Nike Men’s DMR looked to live up to its world-record potential through three legs. Bernard Lagat narrowly led Morocco’s Mohammed Moustaoui after the initial, 1200m leg in 2:48.30. Michael Tinsley opened up a big lead in the first half of the second, 400m leg, but Morocco’s Marouan Maadadi closed late, and Australia’s Sean Wroe surged to second, just a step behind Tinsley’s 46.13 split.

Duana Solomon ran the 800m third leg in 1:46.31, and Australia’s Lachlan Renshaw was nearly even with him going into the final leg. USA Red’s Russell Brown and Australia’s Jeff Riseley were alone in the lead for the final 1,600m leg, but a slowing pace enabled Morocco’s Amine Laalou and USA Blue’s Leo Manzano to close the gap 1,000m in. On the final lap, Manzano made a bid for the lead but fell back, leaving Brown, Laalou and Risely to battle it out. In the last 60 meters, Laalou prevailed, winning in 9:17.48, with Riseley finishing second for Australia in 9:17.56 and Brown third in 9:18.09. Laalou split 3:53.08, with Riseley posting 3:56.66 and Brown 3:57.36.

The USA women put on a show in the Nike Women’s 4x400m finishing 1-2 with Jamaica in third. Debbie Dunn and Dee Dee Trotter ran the lead legs to put USA Red in the lead, followed closely by USA Blue and Shericka Williams of Jamaica in third. Second legs Allyson Felix and Francena McCoroy pushed each other to extend the USA’s lead over Jamaica. McCorory turned in the fastest split of the field in 49.8 and gave USA Blue a slight lead over USA Red. McCorory gave the stick to Keisha Baker, while Felix passed to Natasha Hastings, and the two ran shoulder to shoulder. Sanya Richards-Ross anchored the red team, running just a stride ahead of Monica Hargrove of USA Blue. While anchor Kaliese Spencer of Jamaica was able to close the gap with 200m to go, Richards-Ross and Hastings found another gear for the final straight to maintain the U.S.’s 1-2 lead. USA Red won in 3:22.92, followed by USA Blue in 3:23.17.

Team USA won for the sixth consecutive year in the Visa Men’s 4x400m relay. In his Penn Relays debut, Quentin Summers led the first leg, followed closely by Ramon Miller of the Bahamas in second and David Neville of USA Blue in third. Jamal Torrence ran a quick second leg for USA Red in 44.9 to further extend the USA’s lead, Bershawn Jackson maintained it over the third leg, and Angelo Taylor sailed to the win for USA Red 3:02.40. The Bahamas took the runner-up spot, while USA Blue faded to fourth after a shaky hand-off between Kerron Clement and Justin Gaymon.

Jamaica broke their 3-3 tie with the United States in the women’s sprint medley relay, the first USA vs. The World event to hit the track. Porscha Lucas put USA Red firmly in the lead after the first 200m leg, and La’Shauntea Moore held a roughly 3-meter lead for the Americans after the second 200. But on the third leg, Olympic and world champion 400m hurdler Melaine Walker immediately caught USA Red’s Olympic silver medalist hurdler Sheena Tosta, then proceeded to gap the field by at least three meters.

At the handoff to the 800m anchor leg, Kenia Sinclair of Jamaica led USA Blue’s Latavia Thomas, with USA Red’s Phoebe Wright in third, at least five meters back. But Sinclair, who has run splits of 1:57 and change the last two years, gave Jamaica its fourth win by running her fastest USA vs. The World split of 1:57.06 to bring Jamaica home in 3:34.64. Wright, a six-time Championship of America winner at Penn while at the University of Tennessee, split 1:59.25 to move USA Red up to second in 3:37.81, and USA Blue was third in 3:43.17.

For complete results from USA vs. The World at the Penn Relays, visit www.thepennrelays.com

ATHLETE QUOTES – USA vs. the World at the Penn Relays

Kenia Sinclair, JAM, women’s sprint medley anchor leg (800m): My teammates did well. They made it so much easier for me. The last 3 years I’ve been getting the baton in second place and third place. So this was much easier. I executed my race and hung on and decided we would get the victory. I knew I was in shape, so I was not surprised to run 1:57 today.

Melaine Walker, JAM, women’s sprint medley 3rd leg (400m): I believe this is a big race for me this year. I remember last year when I came here I wasn’t in tip-top shape and I ran an extremely bad race. This year I wanted to do a lot better than that. For some reason I believe I trained hard. All I needed to do is what. I ran the turn as hard as I can, I relaxed on the back straight away. I was able to come around strong, given my teammate a very good lead.

Lauryn Williams, USA women’s 4×100 lead-off: I’m just really excited to be out here again in my home state of Pensylvania. I think I handled it well. I THINK IS my 9th or 10th Penn relays. The crowd gets you revved up, but I got out of the blocks to get the crowd quieted down.

Marshevet Myers, USA women’s 4×100 third leg: I hadn’t competed at Penn in a few years, and it was just as I remembered it. Great meet, great crowd, great races. I brought it in and gave it to her (Carmelita Jeter), pretty much ran the last 100 with her. We were really focused on trusting one another. It was evident today as we came out today. I think the new relay project is working very well.

Carmelita Jeter, USA women’s 4×100 anchor: I’m always excited to be here. The crowd is so great. I was very excited to run. I’m definitely glad that we made it to the finish line first and broke the (Penn Relays) record. The most important thing is everybody came out of it healthy. It doesn’t matter how many fast people you have on a relay, if you can’t get that stick around, you’re not going to break any records. For running this race for the first time together (as a lineup), it shows what we can do. I knew if we could get the stick around, we’d do something special.

Asafa Powell, JAM men’s 4x100m first leg: It was a good race. I think what motivated me is because I heard BMW sponsored it, I hoped it was getting a car. But it was only a watch. I did my best. (On running lead-off) I’ve always been running the anchor leg and just wanted to try something new.

Michael Frater, JAM men’s 4x100m second leg: I think I ran pretty well. We were just out there having fun. The guys from all the different teams were out there talking. This is a world championship year, and the first big meet. We wanted to show we are ready to compete.

Nesta Carter, JAM men’s 4x100m third leg: I think I did pretty well and I was very confident with the lead after Asafa and Frater.

Ivory Williams, USA Blue 4x100m anchor: I think we did pretty good, but one day doesn’t prove anything. But I think we all need to stick together to work the relays.

Shawn Crawford, USA Blue 4x100m third leg: I was tired, but it was time to get ready and came out and I felt pretty good. But I felt the stick, then I didn’t feel the stick, then I felt it . My stick with Doc wasn’t clean. I don’t like losing, my handoff could have been smoother, and I kind of have to take the blame. If our handoffs had been smoother and cleaner, we would have been up there.

Every time I come here, the fans come and want to see a show. This is one of the most exciting places to run in the United States. They are going to be clapping and cheering to win, and they’ll be booing and whoop, whooping if you’re in last.

Mike Rodgers, USA Red, 4x100m,anchor: I felt like my leg was good, we didn’t have it in the passes and that was the race.

Russell Brown, USA Red DMR anchor leg: I got the baton in the lead. There are two options you have in that position. You can push the pace or you can stay in the race and keep feeling good. I chose the latter. I had been kicking well in my races. It didn’t quite work out. Laalou of Morocco came up on me. I came up on that short, short Penn Relays homestretch. I thought all you have to do is hold him off another 40 meters. I just didn’t have that last gear. I think I ran smart race and did the things I should have done. I just didn’t quite have it. I’m disappointed in my ability today a little bit. It’s a long season and will be fuel for the fire.

Bernard Lagat, USA Red DMR lead-off leg: My 1200 leg started really well. Before the line, the Kenyan guy told me I’m used to pacing the 1200m, so I said OK, I’m going to follow you. I followed him and I felt really good. Coming into the 800m, I was thinking to myself, 1 to go. I’m feeling so good. I wanted to run at least 2:50. I was thinking about the Kenyans all the time. We need to beat them.

Debbie Dunn, USA Red 4x400m 1st leg: It was a good day. I just wanted to give the team a good lead. It was my first race of the season. It was a rough start, but I held on.

Allyson Felix, USA Red 4x100m second leg and 4x400m I had the second leg: Rough also. But it’s fun to come and be part of this team. The 4×100 was a fun race. I love to sprint. When I get the chance, I go all for it. I wanted to be part of that team and you always want to have a performance that can put you in consideration for that final team (at the World Outdoor Championships).

Natasha Hastings, USA Red third leg: Everybody came out to run. I ran my entire leg in the second lane and was glad to bring it home for Sanya.

Sanya Richards-Ross, USA Red 4x400m anchor leg: The Penn Relays is a great place to open your season. It was exciting. The most exciting part is we had eight ladies who showed up on the track and ran really, really well.

Quentin Summers, USA Red men’s 4x400m first leg: This was my first Penn Relays, so I definitely loved it. I really enjoyed the fans. The international athletes here made it very exciting.

Jamaal Torrence, USA Red men’s 4×400 second leg: It’s always a pleasure to run at the Penn Relays. This is my third time here. My leg went pretty good. I didn’t run as fast as I thought I was running.

Bershawn Jackson, USA Red men’s 4×400 third leg: As we all know, Penn Relays is always a phenomenal meet. Coming into the race, I felt really prepared. On my leg I just wanted to give a great performance. I felt really great on my leg.

Angelo Taylor, USA Red men’s 4×400 anchor leg: Everybody ran a real strong leg. Batman ran a phenomenal leg and gave me a good lead. I knew the crowd would let me know when Chris Brown was coming up.

Katie Landry
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
USA Track & Field
317.713.4672

USA vs. the World serves as the first event of the 2011 Outdoor Visa Championship Series, and will be televised on Saturday, April 30, from 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time on ESPN2. Tickets are still available for this year’s event at www.ThePennRelays.com.

Settling the score in the Women’s Sprint Medley Relay

The first event of Saturday’s USA vs. the World line-up will bring out the best of the women’s USA/Jamaica rivalry. Team USA claimed victories the first three years of the sprint medley; however, Team Jamaica has answered with three wins in-a-row. Both teams are bringing their bests to break the series tie.

Team USA newest 2-lap star is likely to anchor, as Phoebe Wright return to Franklin Field for the first time as a professional. The Tennessee native recently won her first USA Indoor Championship and ran on six winning Penn Relays teams during her college career at the University of Tennessee. Team Jamaica is bringing its best anchor as well, with Kenia Sinclair in the relay pool, it is likely she will run the 800m leg for the 4th year in a row. Her past two year’s splits have been 1:57.4 and 1:57.5.

With the depth of talent on the women’s side for both Team USA and Jamaica, there are many options for the 200/400m legs. Teams from the relay line-ups will not be finalized until Friday night’s technical meeting. Teams from Russian, Canada and Nigeria will also bring their best to the track.

World’s best in Visa Women’s 4×100

Team USA looks to extend it’s six-year winning streak in the Visa Women’s 4x100m, bringing squads with years of experience both in the collegiate portion of the Penn Relays and the USA vs. the World competition. Allyson Felix has run on the last four winning USA vs. The World 4×100 relay teams, and her teammate of the past two years, Carmelita Jeter returns as well. Jeter has been ranked t#1 in the 100m by Track & Field News for the past two years, and is the current world leader (10.99) as the only female athlete to run under 11-seconds this year. While Felix is better known for her talent in the 200/400m, and ended the 2010 season ranked #1 in the world in both events, she also won the USA Outdoor Championships for 100m, and ended the year as the #6 short sprinter in the U.S.

Lauryn Williams, Bianca Knight and Marshevet Myers are also in the pool, and the trio has already joined together this year running a world leader in the 4x100m at the Texas Relays in 42.45. Potential relay members also include 2008 USA 100m Champion Muna Lee and 2011 USA Indoor 60m Champion Alexandria Anderson.

Team Jamaica’s roster may include the reigning Olympic and World Champion,Shelly-Ann Fraser and Olympic medalists Kerron Stewart and Sherone Simpson. Teams from Germany, Brazil, the Bahamas and a Caribbean All-Stars quartet will also be on hand to attempt their first win of the series.

Team USA seeks gold in Nike Women’s 4x400m

The Nike Women’s 4x400m is Team USA’s most dominant event of the series. The Americans have won all but one of the 11 contests, and looks to extend the streak. Felix and Sanya Richards-Ross have both run on the winning team four times. Felix has four world or Olympic relay titles to her name, and Richards-Ross boasts five, as well as the 2009 world 400m title.. Felix opened her 2011 season with winning relays at the Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational and the Mt. SAC Relays, while Richards-Ross returned to the track after her injury-plagued 2010 season with marks of 52.00 for 400m and 23.06 for 200m.

2011 USA Indoor Champion Natasha Hastings has an impressive relay resume of gold-medal wins of the Olympic, World Indoor, World Outdoor and World Junior 4x400m teams. In 2009 she proved that barefoot or not, she could deliver a winning performance after she lost a spike in the exchange zone.

Other available relay members include the current world leader for 400m, Francena McCorory, who set an early-season PR at the Florida Relays in 50.50, and Debbie Dunn, the 2010 World Indoor and USA Outdoor champion.

Team Jamaica is bringing a stellar line-up to Franklin Field. The reigning Olympic and World-Champion 400m hurdler Melaine Walker will be joined by fellow hurdler Kaliese Spencer who ended 2010 ranked #2 in the world.

Relay line-ups will be decided at Friday night’s technical meeting and posted on www.VisaChampionshipSeries.com.

Katie Landry
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
USA Track & Field
317.713.4672

The Invitational Meet started in 2004 as a regional competition. After last year’s event it was upgraded to World Challenge status, which is just below the Diamond League level in the International Amateur Athletic Foundation (IAAF) rankings. The result is a competition which will be even more compelling for athletes and audiences.

“2010 was the most successful staging of this athletic Meet”, Mr. Jarrett said. “More than 25,000 fans were in the National Stadium to witness the display of athletic talent described by one publication as a ‘Spectator’s Dream’.”

He noted that this success occurred in the first year of a three-year partnership agreement with the JAAA, and said it reaffirmed that the decision to become title sponsor of the athletic Meet was a good one.

Major Desmond Brown, General Manager of the Sports Development Foundation (SDF), who spoke on behalf of Minister of Youth, Sport & Culture, the Hon. Olivia Grange, said the evolution of the JN Jamaica Invitational Meet demonstrated the expertise which now exists in Jamaica and saluted the volunteers, coaches, officials and marshals who continue to give of their time.

He also applauded Jamaica National and the other sponsors for supporting the event. “We believe you are investing in Jamaica’s future,” he affirmed.

The JN Jamaica Invitational will benefit from worldwide exposure through local and international broadcast on Television Jamaica (TVJ) and IEC on Sports, an international media firm with television rights globally to more than 25 countries, with an estimated viewership of 160 million households.

Howard Aris, JAAA President indicated that the event will also be streamed on the Association’s website, for a fee. He thanked Jamaica National for its support and said he looked forward the 2012 Olympics in London.

Donald Quarrie, Executive Member, JAAA, said that fans can expect to see some of the world’s finest athletic talent including Veronica Campbell-Brown, Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce, Sherone Simpson, Kerron Stewart, Novelene Williams-Mills, Shericka Williams, Melaine Walker, Kenia Sinclair, Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake, Nesta Carter, Jermaine Gonzales, Michael Frater, Dwight Thomas and Ricardo Chambers among others.

International participants include Wallace Spearmon, Darvis Patton, Kerron Clement, Terrence Trammell, Ryan Brathwaite, Antwon Hicks, Peter Van Der Wasthuizen, Carmelita Jeter, Sanya Richards, Kelly Ann Baptiste, Bianca Knight, Christine Ohuruogu, Debbie Ferguson, Marshevet Myers, Natasha Hastings and more.

Mr. Leon Mitchell, JN Group Marketing and Promotions Executive, who chaired the function, said, “We can easily consider the next twelve to fifteen months as being the season of Track and Field, as our athletes, coaches and officials, as well as the Jamaica Olympic Association, prepare for the 2012 Olympics.”

He also noted that, in terms of the track and the facilities at the National Stadium, “we have been assured that they continue to meet international standards… and we will certainly ensure that both athletes and fans have the best context in which they can enjoy an evening of World Class athletics.”