Quick Hits Day 7

The Eugene 7 | The USATF issued a statement this morning regarding the Adam Goucher in the 10k situation. Media at the trials has recently picked up the story regarding 7 athletes who have higher qualifying times that Goucher, yet as of July 3, will not be included in Friday nights finals.

“Any athlete lacking a qualifying mark in any event is allowed, under USA Track & Field rules, to appeal their entry into the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. A two-person Entry Appeals Jury examines all such appeals and rules on them on an individual basis. Several appeals have been granted into this meet in events ranging from the javelin to long jump, decathlon to the 10,000 meters. Adam Goucher appealed his entry into the men’s 10,000 meters last week, prior to the men’s 5,000m final. He is a five-time USA champion on the track and in cross country, who was a finalist in the 5,000m at the 2007 World Outdoor Championships. It is not unusual for past national champions who lack qualifying standards to be granted entry into national championship events, and Mr. Goucher’s case is no exception.”

Youth Served | High School sensation Jordan Hasay took the lead for a while in Heat 1 of the Womens 1500 quarterfinals only to fade back into the pack and finish 7th. It was still a strong performance for Hasay who finished 20th overall out of 28 competing women. She finds her way to the Semifinals though as she was not one of the 6 women who were cut.

Christine Babcock also gained invaluable experience as she barely outkicked Hasay overall with a 4:18.32 in Heat 1. Babcock recently set two new national records in the 1500 and 1600 meters. She too will be seen again Friday night in the Womens 1500m semifinals.

Blue Soles | Shannon Rowbury won her heat in 4:16.13 to place 2nd overall through three Heats leading up to tomorrows Womens 1500m semifinals.

Richards Dazzles | There was never any doubt for Sanya Richards on Thursday evening. She dominated the Womens 400m Finals from start to finish (49.89). Richards will join Mary Wineberg and Dee Dee Trotter in Beijing.

Merritt Shines | LaShawn Merritt, (44:00) took home 1st place in the Mens 400m Finals just edging out Jeremy Wariner, (44.20). As the pair hit the homestretch, Merritt lead the entire final 100m and held off Wariner's late surge. LaShawn will join Wariner and David Neville (44:61) in China this August.

Wariner Skips Press | Jeremy Wariner, who finished 2nd in the Mens 400m Finals on Thursday night skipped the press conference entirely according to reporters. When he met with them on press row, he offered up a few comments.

"I'm not real disappointed, but I am disappointed in how I ran the race. I just didn't run how how I should have."

Jennings Focus | Gabe Jennings water-socked his way to winning H1 of the Mens 1500m Quarterfinals on Thursday night. Sitting back through 3 laps, Jennings zipped around the pack with 150 to go to glide to victory. He bypassed the media tent and left the stadium just as soon as had arrived. Earlier in the day Jennings found time to take a Q&A session at the Running Film Festival regarding a preview of his new movie. It was rumored he watched the Mens Steeple Semi's while water jogging in his pool in Eugene.

Webb Shows Tenacity | Alan Webb (3:41.27) grabbed Heat 3 of quaterfinals in the Mens 1500m easily on Thursday night. Webb has been surrounded by questions over the past few months on his injuries, fitness level and ability after a less than Alan Webb showing at Prefontaine. Doubters were put to rest as he used the extra week of training to show the crowd the American Record holder in the mile is ready to shine once again.

Fam Time | Fam has officially arrived and let the entire field of the Mens Steeple know about it. His 8:25.17 puts him into the finals. He'll his chance Saturday at 2:45PM PST to make the Olympic Team at Hayward.

Willards Flair | Anna Willard set a new American Record in style Thursday night with a blistering time of 9:27.59. She'll join Lindsay Anderson (9:30.75) and Jenny Barringer (9:33.11) as the first team of American Women to compete in the Steeplechase.