Newcomer of the Year - Best of 2009
Dec 22, 2009
Other than Hazel Clark, it would have been hard to name an American 800 meter running that could compete on the world stage at the beginning of 2009 but that all changed after the Pre Classic. A new runner burst on the scene, a bright spot in American women's middle distance running and we said "Welcome Maggie Vessey!" The 2004 Cal Poly Grad, who had battle injury after college, shocked many after taking down the field in Eugene. She showed potential after finishing 5th at the US Olympic Trials in 2008, but no one took notice. The 2009 US Champs wasn't much different as Vessey ended up fourth, with the top three qualifying for the World Championships. There was a small window of opportunity to make the team based on the time standards and we were fortunate enough to follow Maggie through her European journey and watch a new world class runner be born. Vessey shocked the world again winning Rome and then again at Monaco running what would be the #2 time in the World in 2009 at 1:57! Its safe to say that Maggie Vessey will be on everyone's radar in 2010....
