The Past Week

The Past Week

Feb 6, 2008 by Dominic Ferraris
The Past Week
The United States has produced the most prestigious shot putters in the world. Adam Nelson a 2-time Olympic silver medalist, 3-time World Outdoor silver medalist and an amazing entertainer on and off the track. Nelson who competed at the 101st Millrose Games last weekend set a Madison Square Garden record in the shot put. Nelson started off throwing 69' 8" on his first throw. Nelsons second throw was well over the 70 feet mark but fouled. On his third throw Nelson was the first person over 70 feet throwing 70 feet 6 inches. But that wasn’t far enough for Nelson. Nelson set free an enormous final throw, 72 feet 5 inches and a new indoor PR. Nelson said afterwards "I used Reese's shot put. It helped me out a whole lot. Christian had opened with a big throw and I had to respond to that." Nelson was right on the mark when he said, "We have proved time and time again that when we have the crowd behind us that we can put on a real good show." (Quote from letsrun.com & USATF) The shot put was not the only exciting event at Millrose. The Men’s and Women’s mile was filled with amazing performances. Kara Goucher started her indoor season off with a big win in the women’s Millrose mile. In the final straight away of the women’s mile it came down to miler Sarah Hall and 10,000 meter runner Kara Goucher. Hall appeared strong entering the final straight away and looked like she had the win but decided to swing wide, letting Goucher sneak past her for the win. Kara Goucher won in 4 minutes 36.03 seconds, Hall finished second in 4:36.11. Sarah Hall said after her race "I was not sure where she was and I was trying to run her wide." Hall discussed some of her goals for the upcoming season. “I just want to build momentum in an Olympic year and be inspired by Kara." (Quote from letsrun.com) In the Wanamaker Mile, Bernard Lagat showed up hoping to defend his title. Craig Mottram who competed at the Reebok Boston Indoor Games last week was hoping to give Lagat a run for his money. But with 60 meters to go Mottram could not find another gear to pace Lagat for the win. Lagat finished in 3 minutes 57.51 seconds making this his sixth Wanamaker Mile, Mottram finished second in 3 minutes 57.51 seconds. At the University of Washington the Oregon track Club (OTC) was dominating almost every event. In the women’s 3000 meters Cack Ferrell of the OTC out kicked Amy Hastings for the win. Ferrell finished in 9 minutes 00.37 seconds, 8 people received the NCAA “A” standard in the women’s 3000 meters. In the Men’s 3000 meters Steve Slattery who recently moved to Mammoth Lakes, CA and changed coaches from Brad Hudson to Terence Mahon finished first. Slattery crossed the finish line in 7 minutes 52.79 seconds, UCLA standout Austin Ramos finished second in 7:55.60. The OTC finished 1st 2nd and 3rd in the Men’s 5000 meters. Bolota Asmerom who recently moved from California to Eugene to join Frank Galliano and the Oregon track Club finished first in 13 minutes 45.68 seconds followed by Sean Graham 13:46.70 and Lucas Meyer 13:50.44. To see the complete coverage of the UW Indoor Invitational please visit Recent Coverage located on Flotrack’s home page. (Photo from Image of Sport)