Carson, Calif. – The U.S. track and field scene is buzzing because of an extraordinary influx of talented newcomers who will be on display the next four days at the U.S. Outdoor Championships.
“These athletes I’ve seen over the last two years are probably the best group of young American talent that I’ve seen in quite some time, maybe since the era I came up in,” retired sprinting great Michael Johnson said. “It’s exciting. I only hope USA Track & Field can harness the excitement and do something good with it.”
That talent is well dispersed throughout the sprints, but the men’s 400 meters (preliminary heats today and Friday, final Saturday) could generate the most excitement. Texan Jeremy Wariner won the gold medal in Athens when he was 20. His training partner, Baylor’s Darold Williamson, has run the two fastest 400-meter times in the world this year and holds a winning record against Wariner.
Both are coached by Clyde Hart, who coached Johnson to world records and Olympic medals in the 400 and 200.
A newcomer in the 400 could upstage Wariner and Williamson. In February, East Carolina freshman LaShawn Merritt became the first man other than Johnson to break 45 seconds indoors.
Other exciting youngsters include:
“We are seeing a new generation of incredible athletes,” said Bob Hersh, the U.S. representative on the IAAF Council, the sport’s international ruling body. “It’s a very, very exciting time for U.S. track and field because of the emergence of this next generation.”
Man struck by shot put
A man was rushed to a hospital after he was struck in the head by a shot put during warm-ups. His condition was not immediately known, according to Jill Geer, director of communications for USA Track & Field.
A photographer at the track said the man collapsed about 20 feet from the shot put ring. Geer said a doctor was on site and immediately began treatment. Emergency medical technicians arrived within about five minutes and took the injured man away.
Geer said the man’s identity was being withheld pending an evaluation of his condition and contact with his family.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
