Gary Reed Wins 800 metres in Seasonal Best

Burnaby B.C., Canada – In one of the most anticipated events of the 2009 Harry Jerome International Track and Field Classic, marquee athlete Gary Reed seized the victory in the men’s 800m with a time of 1:45.95. Reed, the 2007 World Championship silver medalist from Kamloops, B.C., went out aggressively and beat a fast-closing field led by Ryan Brown of the United States, (1:46.52) and Matt Scherer of Oregon (1:46.53).

Following his fourth-place finish at the Beijing Olympics, 27-year-old Reed spent the winter training in Arizona in what he calls “reset mode.” As for his winning time at Harry Jerome, he said, “It felt quicker than that but I’ll take it. It’s not too bad. It was great competition. Things are coming along slowly but surely.”

The meet, taking place just two weeks before the Canadian and U.S. national championships, served as a tune-up for many elite athletes on both sides of the border. The fields included 11 Olympians, two World Championship medalists and two 4th-place finishers from Beijing, and the competitions lived up to this pedigree.

Abdulai Sets New Meet Record in Long Jump

Canadian Olympian Ruky Abdulai broke the Harry Jerome meet record today with a leap of 6.60. The old mark of 6.45 was set by Carol Lewis in 1988. “I felt great,” she said, “I was reaching to do better at every jump.” The event was a battle between Abdulai and Canadian record holder Tabia Charles, who first broke the meet record with a 6.49 measure. Abdulai came back on her 5th jump to take the lead in the competition. Continuing on a high note, she took the microphone and sang the Canadian anthem in the opening ceremony.

Armstrong Puts 20.58

Kamloops native and Beijing 4th-place finisher Dylan Armstrong won his event easily with a heave of 20.58m, one centimeter further than he threw here last year. The six-foot-four, 310-pound behemoth would have won even with his fourth-best effort of 19.72m. His winning toss came on his second attempt to easily out-distance American Justin Rodhe’s best heave of 19.44.

Armstrong took his victory in stride, saying, “It was good. I’ve been maintaining my fitness level and now I just want to get ready for World’s.” Armstrong and Rodhe are training partners who were very pleased for each other’s performance. “Justin did a very big p.b. today,” noted Armstrong. Rodhe added, “I would not be surprised to see Dylan medal at World’s, he’s just waiting to hit that big throw. We have not seen the best of Dylan Armstrong.”

American Jumper Jesse Williams Ties Meet Record

With a leap of 2.31, reigning U.S. high jump champion Jesse Williams tied the 21-year-old meet record held by Brent Harken of the U.S. He was followed by two Americans, James Nieto (2.28) and Grant Lindsay (also 2.28). Mike Mason of UBC was fourth with 2.25. Williams was disappointed to fail at his attempts at his personal best of 2.36, but felt that this meet set him up well for the upcoming U.S. Championships. After a disappointing Olympic performance in Beijing where he didn’t qualify for the final, Williams is now ready to soar. “This year is a redemption year. I really feel like I can win a medal, so it’s just a matter of getting it down. I know in the back of my head that things are coming together.”

Lionel Larry Beats Hometown Favourite in 400 metres

Lionel Larry of Compton, Cal., took the win over Chilliwack native Tyler Christopher. The 2007 USA outdoor bronze medalist described his 45.29 performance as a “very technical” run that sets him up well for the national championships in two weeks where he will try for a spot on the American team for Berlin.

Christopher was upbeat after his second-place finish. The Edmonton resident and Canadian record holder ran 45.85 in just his second meet of the season. Afterwards Christopher reflected, “It’s an improvement, so I’m happy about that.” With a shortage of Canadian talent at his event, Christopher appreciated the international competition at the Harry Jerome meet. ”Unless there’s a dark horse out there, there really isn’t anyone in Canada to push me right now,” noted the 2007 Word Indoor Champion, adding, “I just want to stay healthy and finish off this year better than last,” referring to his disappointing early exit at the Beijing Olympics.

Dockendorf Jumps to New Heights at Home

Carly Dockendorf from Vancouver won the women’s pole vault with 4.35 over 2008 Olympian Kelsie Hendry of Saskatoon (4.25).  Dockendorf was happy to take the event in front of her hometown crowd. “I was consistent on my poles,” she noted. “I also relied on hard work. I usually don’t do well at home, but this time I did.”  She also took down her former University of Washington teammate (and 2005 NCAA champion) Kate Conwell, who says she is “turning over a new leaf.”  Dockendorf is looking forward to the nationals in Toronto on June 25-27.

Kipyego, Elmore battle in women’s 1500

Nine-time NCAA champion Sally Kipyego pulled away from 2004 Olympian Malindi Elmore over the final stretch to win in 4:07.68. Both runners went out aggressively, passing 800 in 2:10 and aiming for the World A standard of 4:06.00. “It was a good decent race,” said Kipyego. “The pace was a bit too fast at the beginning and I slowed down as it progressed but overall it was good.” Kipyego plans to return to her native Kenya to contest either the 1500 or the 5000 at the national trials on July 25.

Elmore, who finished in 4:09.22, was similarly upbeat. “I felt good racing. I ran out of a bit of steam in the last 200 but I figure if I’m in the hunt, eventually I’ll win.” 2007 World Championship bronze medalist Kara Goucher was third in a late-charging 4:09.77.

Jamaican Beats Pair of Canadian Sprinters in Men’s 100m

Lerone Clarke has added yet another name to Jamaican sprinting lore by winning the 100m in a personal best time of 10.22. In the glamour event of the meet, Clarke was pushed to his impressive result by Albertan speed merchants Bryan Barnett of Edmonton, (seasonal best 10.29) and Calgarian Sam Effah (10.30). Effah’s time equaled his personal best and sets the stage for what should be a memorable 100m at the Canadian championships. With both Albertans believing that they can go faster with minor technical improvements, the ‘Battle of Alberta, Book Three’ could be playing itself out for years to come. “I was a little hesitant,” said Barnett.  “I don’t want to get injured before Nationals. I felt I was playing catch-up and I need to work on my start.” Effah felt he needed work on his finish but was “very satisfied” with his performance.

Canadian Record Holder Wins Women’s Hammer

Sultana Frizell won her event easily today at the Harry Jerome by throwing with her second attempt of 69.21. Richmond’s Jennifer Joyce was second with 67.55 and Eugene Oregon’s Loree Smith third with 67.21. “I felt pretty good,” noted Frizell, adding the sunny and warm conditions were excellent. “I love competing.” She says she is pumped to compete in the nationals on June 27 in Toronto.

Junior High Jumper Beats International Field

Last week’s B.C. High School champ Alyx Treasure extended her winning streak with a leap of 1.77 m, two centimetres better than Jenny Brogdon of Olympia. She didn’t get the leisurely start to the competition she is used to, as the bar was first set at 1.62. That was good preparation, she noted, for the IAAF World Youth Championships in Bressanone, Italy in July.

Close Finish in Men’s 1500m

It was a Made-In-America finish in the men’s 1500m as Will Leer and Stephen Pifer finished 1-2 for the United States, as pre-race favourite and last year’s champion Taylor Milne dropped out after three laps. Leer of California won the race in 3:39.76 with Pifer of Oregon finishing second in 3:40.28.  The top Canadian was Kyle Boorsma of Guelph in third with a personal-best of 3:40.55. It was Leer and Pifer’s first Harry Jerome meet and both runners thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “I felt really good, it was a very comfortable pace,” Leer explained. “I was content to sit in the top three or four for most of the race. I was just biding my time until the last 80m and then laid the hammer down.” Leer noted he was about two seconds off of his p.b., “…but the season is just starting. Today was about mental preparation and getting ready for (U.S.) Nationals.” Pifer was equally content, saying, “I got a small p.b. so I’m very pleased.”  Pifer will be running the 5000m at the US National Championships.

National Champion Wins Women’s 800

Bowen Island resident Rebecca Johnstone won as expected, in a relatively slow time of 2:05.40 in perfect conditions. Johnstone, with a personal best of 2:01.80, expected to be pushed by Cristina Guevara of Mexico but that didn’t happen, as Guevara faded to fourth place. Two other would-be competitors with impressive resumes, Melissa DeLeon of Trinidad and Sheena Godding of Barbados were no shows, leaving Johnstone an easy path to victory.

Nigerian National Wins 400mh

AK Ikwuakor currently of Long Beach, Cal. won in 50.96, pushed by Nigel Joseph of Calgary who finished in 51.06. The former University of Oregon star who competes on the Nigerian national team was disappointed to miss the standard he needs to compete in Berlin, but was happy with the win. “I was by myself after the second hurdle and I just relaxed too much from two to seven. Those guys came on me around the bend but I held them off. I’m not complaining, it’s a good atmosphere and getting a win you can’t be too disappointed.”

Calgarian takes Women’s 400

Nadjina Kalltouma of Calgary ran conservatively on the backstretch and then pulled away from the field on the corner to win in 51.81. “The 400 is always like that, you have to know how to run it. You fight in the wind and you have nothing left.” Kalltouma will compete at the World Athletics Championships for her native Chad in the 200m and 400m.

Asumnu Wins Women’s 100m

Gloria Asumnu (US) was the winner in 100m hurdles event with a time of 11.45 over second-place finisher and fellow American Jessica Onyepunka (11.63). This was Asumnu’s first time competing at the Harry Jerome. “I felt good,” she said. “It is a good buildup to my other races.” Multi-talented Ruky Abdulai, after her record-setting performance in the long jump, finished sixth in 11.91.

Two-Time Olympian Wins Javelin in First Throw

Kim Kreiner of the U.S. took the women’s javelin with a throw of 58.79 on her first attempt. As this was the first time the event was contested, her mark set a new Jerome record. She was followed by UBC star Liz Gleadle (53.29) and Canadian record-holder Krista Woodward (47.88). This was Kreiner’s first time competing at the Harry Jerome and she was impressed with the meet. “This is my first time in Canada, it is so green!” What’s next for her? “I am hoping to win the world championships.”

Nigerian National Takes Women’s 100m hurdles

No record was set. No personal best for Augustus either. To win the race here was the key to today’s performance as her family was here to watch. “My family doesn’t care about the times so much as winning the race. After getting off to a bad start, after the second hurdle I managed to finish clean.” Next for Augustus is a meet in France from July 8-10.

Article by: Marcie Good, Christine Blanchette & John Moe

Sunday June 14, 2009

Gary Reed Wins 800 metres in Season-Best 1:45.95

Burnaby B.C., Canada – In one of the most anticipated events of the 2009 Harry Jerome International Track and Field Classic, marquee athlete Gary Reed seized the victory in the men’s 800m with a time of 1:45.95. Reed, the 2007 World Championship silver medalist from Kamloops, B.C., went out aggressively and beat a fast-closing field led by Ryan Brown of the United States, (1:46.52) and Matt Scherer of Oregon (1:46.53).

Following his fourth-place finish at the Beijing Olympics, 27-year-old Reed spent the winter training in Arizona in what he calls “reset mode.” As for his winning time at Harry Jerome, he said, “It felt quicker than that but I’ll take it. It’s not too bad. It was great competition. Things are coming along slowly but surely.”

The meet, taking place just two weeks before the Canadian and U.S. national championships, served as a tune-up for many elite athletes on both sides of the border. The fields included 11 Olympians, two World Championship medalists and two 4th-place finishers from Beijing.

Armstrong Puts 20.58

Reed shares both his hometown (Kamloops) and his finish in Beijing (fourth) with shot-putter Dylan Armstrong. He won his event easily with a heave of 20.58m, one centimeter further than he threw here last year. The six-foot-four, 310-pound behemoth would have won even with his fourth-best effort of 19.72m. His winning toss came on his second attempt to easily out-distance American Justin Rodhe’s best heave of 19.44.
Armstrong took his victory in stride, saying, “It was good. I’ve been maintaining my fitness level and now I just want to get ready for World’s.” Armstrong and Rodhe are training partners who were very pleased for each other’s performance. “Justin did a very big p.b. today,” noted Armstrong. Rodhe added, “I would not be surprised to see Dylan medal at World’s, he’s just waiting to hit that big throw. We have not seen the best of Dylan Armstrong.”

Lionel Larry Beats Hometown Favorite in 400 metres

Lionel Larry of Compton, Cal., took the win over Chilliwack native Tyler Christopher. The 2007 USA outdoor bronze medalist described his 45.29 performance as a “very technical” run that sets him up well for the national championships in two weeks where he will try for a spot on the American team.

Christopher was upbeat after his second-place finish. The Edmonton resident and Canadian record holder ran 45.85 in just his second meet of the season. Afterwards Christopher reflected, “It’s an improvement, so I’m happy about that.”

American Jesse Williams Ties Meet Record

With a leap of 2.31, reigning U.S. high jump champion Jesse Williams tied the 21-year-old meet record held by Brent Harken of the U.S. He was followed by two Americans, James Nieto (2.28) and Grant Lindsay (also 2.28). Williams was disappointed to fail at his attempts at his personal best of 2.36, but felt that this meet set him up well for the upcoming U.S. Championships. After a disappointing Olympic performance in Beijing where he didn’t qualify for the final, Williams is now ready to soar. “This year is a redemption year. I really feel like I can win a medal, so it’s just a matter of getting it down. I know in the back of my head that things are coming together.”

Abdulai Sets New Meet Record in Long Jump

Canadian Olympian Ruky Abdulai broke the Harry Jerome meet record today with a leap of 6.60. The old mark of 6.45 was set by Carol Lewis in 1988. “I felt great,” she said, “I was reaching to do better at every jump.” The event was a battle between Abdulai and Canadian record holder Tabia Charles, who first broke the meet record with a 6.49 measure. Abdulai came back on her 5th jump to take the lead in the competition. Continuing on a high note, she took the microphone and sang the Canadian anthem in the opening ceremony.

Kipyego, Elmore battle in women’s 1500

Nine-time NCAA champion Sally Kipyego pulled away from Kelowna B.C.’s Malindi Elmore over the final stretch to win in 4:07.68. Both runners went out aggressively, passing 800 in 2:10 and aiming for the World A standard of 4:06.00. “It was a good decent race,” said Kipyego. “The pace was a bit too fast at the beginning and I slowed down as it progressed but overall it was good.” Kipyego plans to return to her native Kenya to contest either the 1500 or the 5000 at the national trials on July 25.

Elmore, who finished in 4:09.22, was similarly upbeat. “I felt good racing. I ran out of a bit of steam in the last 200 but I figure if I’m in the hunt, eventually I’ll win.” 2007 World Championship bronze medalist Kara Goucher was third in a late-charging 4:09.77.
COMPLETE 2009 RESULTS
INVITATIONAL EVENTS-MEN
100m Wind: +0.1 m/sec
1 Clarke, Lerone Jamaica 10.22
2 Barnett, Bryan Edmonton 10.29
3 Effah, Sam Calgary 10.30
4 Durant, Adrian U S Virgin 10.55
5 Browne, Pierre Toronto 10.57
6 Heard, Jason US 10.60
7 Kim, Kuk Young Korea 10.77
400m
1 Larry, Lionel US 45.29
2 Christopher, Tyler Edmonton 45.85
3 Barret, Dwayne Jamaica 46.38
4 Ayer, Sanja Jamaica 46.46
5 Vadeboncouer,NathanWinnipeg 46.93
6 Dargie, Andrew Calgary 47.42
800m
1 Reed, Gary Victoria 1:45.95
2 Brown, Ryan US 1:46.52
3 Scherer, Matt Oregon 1:46.53
4 St Clair, Darren U K 1:46.56
5 Hicks, Kevin US 1:46.97
6 Mumba, Prince US 1:47.22
7 Sappleton, Aldwyn Jamaica 1:48.57
8 Young, Kang Suk Korea 1:51.81
9 Wells, Graeme Richmond 1:53.14
— Mazzei, Darren Victoria DNF
— Senick, Joel Saskatoon DNF
1500m
1 Leer, Will US 3:39.76
2 Pifer, Stephen US 3:40.28
3 Boorsma, Kyle Guelph 3:40.55
4 Konoval, Tim Guelph 3:41.48
5 Martinson, Geoff Pr George 3:41.56
6 Jefferson, John US 3:43.46
7 Borrego, Diego Mexico 3:44.66
8 Esparza, Juan Jose Mexico 3:45.60
9 Garner, Eric US 3:45.64
— Milne,Taylor Guelph DNF
Keino,Joshephat Kenya DNF
400m Hurdles
1 Ikwuakor, Ak Nigeria 50.96
2 Joseph, Nigel Calgary 51.06
3 Lurias, Eugene Haiti 51.17
4 Findlay, Adrian Jamaica 51.65
5 Woytkowiak,PaulWest Van 55.56
High Jump
1 Williams, Jesse US 2.31m equals meet record
2 Nieto, James US 2.28m
2 Lindsay, Grant US 2.28m
4 Mason, Mike Vancouver 2.25m
5 Dilling, Jim US 2.20m
6 Lovett, Djanjo Abbotsford 2.15m New Canadian Youth Record
6 Watkins, Derek Ottawa 2.15m
Shot Put
1 Armstrong, Dylan Kamloops 20.58m
2 Rodhe, Justin US 19.44m
3 Nikfar, Amin Iran 19.30m
4 Williams, Rhuben US 18.94m
5 Conwell, Will US 15.04m
Javelin
1 Smith, Bobby US 75.40m
2 Moss, Curtis Vancouver 75.26m
3 St Clair, Justin US 68.00m
4 Nielsen, Kyle New West 67.49m
5 Murray, Shae US 67.30m
6 Nyland, David US 62.80m

IINVITATIONAL EVENTS- WOMEN
100m Wind: -0.1 m/sec
1 Asumnu, Gloria US 11.45
2 Onyepunuka, Jessica US 11.63
3 Ismaila, Halimat Nigeria 11.64
4 Kalltouma, Nadjina Chad 11.76
5 Bayley, Krysha Edmonton 11.81
6 Abdulal, Ruky Coquitlam 11.91
7 Davis, Shai-anne Richmond 12.02
8 Grant, Chantel Winnipeg 12.08
400m
1 Kalltouma, Nadjina Chad 51.81
2 Brown, Valerie US 52.20
3 Wood, Shareese US 52.44
4 Akinsulie, Esther Ottawa 52.70
5 Muir, Carline Edmonton 53.04
6 Reid, Kate Vancouver56.17
800m
1 Johnstone, Rebecca Bowen Island 2:05.40
2 Smith, Jessica West Vancouver 2:07.04
3 Kemp, Jennifer Edmonton 2:07.06
4 Guevara, Cristina Mexico 2:07.57
5 Crofts, Helen West Vancouver 2:08.51
6 Bishop, Melissa Windsor 2:08.72
7 McMahon, Emily US 2:12.28
8 Hunter, Raeleen Windsor 2:13.25
— Osborne, Tanya US DNF
1500m
1 Kipyego, Sally Kenya 4:07.68
2 Elmore, Malindi Calgary 4:09.22
3 Goucher, Kara US 4:09.77
4 Stellingwerff, Hilary Ontario 4:13.63
5 Howard, Julia NFLD 4:14.59
6 Schaaf, Kendra Regina 4:21.62
7 Galaviz, Lisa US 4:22.59
8 McGown, Amber S K 4:22.92
9 Maludzinski, Laura Victoria 4:23.44
10 Navarro, Anayelli Mexico 4:23.56
11 Hinther, Ashley S K 4:24.65
— Rhetta, Sherron US DNF
100m Hurdles-Wind: 0.8 m/sec
1 Augustus, Toyin Nigeria 13.25
2 Islam, Samailyah US 13.51
3 Lodree, Ashley US 13.61
4 Smith, Lauren US 13.77
5 Jae-Hee, Ahn Korea 14.51
6 Stoffman, Zaria Vancouver 14.88
Pole Vault
1 Dockendorf, Carly Vancouver 4.35m
2 Hendry, Kelsie Saskatoon 4.25m
3 Conwell, Kate US 3.90m
3 Vause, Leah Saskatoon 3.90m
5 Irvine, Stacey Smithers 3.75m
High Jump
1 Treasure, Alyx Prince George 1.77m
2 Brogdon, Jenny Olympia 1.75m
3 Vertees, Melanie US 1.73m
4 Kimoto, Emma Richmond 1.66m
4 Parent, Holly Victoria 1.66m
6 Stoffman, Zaria Vancouver 1.62m
— Barnett, Rachelle Surrey NH
Long Jump
1 Abdulal, Ruky Coquitlam 6.60m (+1.2 ) New Meet Record
2 Charlie, Tabia Toronto 6.49m (-0.2 )
3 Baiyey, Krysha Edmonton 6.35m (-0.1)
4 Falaiye, Alice Brampton 6.31m (-0.2)
5 Coleman, Natasha US 5.88m (0.0 )
6 Augustus, Seun US 5.62m (+1.0 )
Hammer
1 Frizell, Sultana Ottawa 69.21m
2 Joyce, Jennifer Richmond 67.55m
3 Smith, Loree Eugene 67.21m
4 Smith, Crystal Creston 62.33m
5 VanderVliet,Megann Oakville 60.25m
Javelin
1 Kreiner, Kim US 58.79m
2 Gleadle, Liz Vancouver 53.29m
3 Woodward, Krista New West 47.88m
4 Pighin, Brooke Port Alberni 47.00m
5 Zelinka, Deanna London 45.26m
6 MacAuley, Laura Port Alberni 45.24m

OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENTAL EVENTS- MEN
800m
1 Ostapowich, Jaden Edmonton 1:49.71
2 Fisher, Jeffrey US 1:50.06
3 Roppelt, Brian Edmonton 1:50.97
4 Jackson, Bruce Edmonton 1:51.19
5 Tome, Mitch Windsor 1:51.60
6 McCormick, Iain Saskatoon 1:51.97
7 Wilkie, Mark Vancouver 1:52.86
8 Hole, Nigel Surrey 1:54.64
9 Yun-Ho, Jo Korea 1:55.12
10 Mazzei, Darren Victoria 1:59.35
1500m
1 Corrigan, Peter Victoria 3:46.63
2 Arnald, Scott Guelph 3:46.82
3 Kellar, Adam Windsor 3:47.35
4 Kerr, Geoff Calgary 3:49.19
5 Bruchet, Luc Surrey 3:50.10
6 Burke, Logan Victoria 3:50.37
7 Mireles, Jose Mexico 3:50.93
8 Ahl, Chris US 3:54.83
9 Carlos, Shane Yukon 3:56.32
10 Childs, Cliff Victoria 3:57.15
11 Smith, Jordan Vancouver 4:00.24
12 Yedra, Misahel Mexico 4:05.36
— Russel, Ryan Calgary DNF
Pole Vault
1 Gauthier, Rene Saskatoon 4.60m
2 Filipek, Nathan Unattached 4.15m
2 McKay, David Victoria 4.15m
— Vaesen, Gavin Victoria NH
— Petrucha, Taylor Saskatoon NH

OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENTAL EVENTS- WOMEN
800m
1 Hardy, Melanie US 2:07.48
2 Osborne, Tanya US 2:10.42
3 Friesen, Julene Saskatoon 2:11.25
4 Degaust, Haley Edmonton 2:11.48
5 Smith, Jordyn US 2:11.57
6 Kane, Bianna Burnaby 2:11.73
7 Soderberg, Nicole Edmonton 2:12.90
8 Smith, Kailey Moose Jaw 2:15.42
— McDonald, Christol US DNF
1500m
1 MacGregor,Meredith Burnaby 4:24.76
2 Wyman, Jillian Hamilton 4:26.12
3 Walker, Darolyn Winnipeg 4:26.49
4 Mancell, Heather Burnaby 4:27.03
5 Anderson-Gregg, Brianna US 4:31.22
6 Curl, Sophie US 4:32.59
7 Rodriquez, Alejandra Mexico 4:34.74
8 Bautista, Julieta Mexico 4:35.09
9 Friday, Rebecca US 4:35.61
10 Souter, Jodi Regina 4:35.74
11 Tschanz, Julia Victoria 4:36.29
12 McIvor, Laura Coquitlam 4:36.95
13 Souter, Jennifer Regina 4:37.34
14 Soderberg, Alana Edmonton 4:39.48
15 Richard, Marcia Saskatoon 4:43.03
16 Diaz, Karla Mexico 4:43.22
17 Sillis, Alejandra Mexico 4:43.30
18 Therrien, Brittany Victoria 4:44.60
19 Butterworth, Lindsay North Van 4:47.41
20 Anderson, Evelyn Calgary 4:50.10
21 Rodriquez, Lizbeth Mexico 4:58.95
— Gildersleeve, Kimberley US DNF
NATIONAL LEVEL-MEN
1 Russel, Ryan Calgary 1:53.37
2 Forseth, Rowen Combs 1:53.39
3 Vugeteveen, Travis Chilliwack 1:53.50
4 Simair, Chris Prince Albert 1:54.26
5 Homer, Jeff Calgary 1:55.05
6 Washylyshyn, AdamNorth Van 1:55.71
7 Nishiyama, Mike Leduc 1:56.52
8 Castro, Edwardo Mexico 1:58.76
9 Martinez, Diego Mexico 2:00.03
10 Fraser, Chad Burnaby 2:00.78
— Carroll, Rory Edmonton DNF
HIGH SCHOOL -MEN
1 Kornelson, Isaak Edmonton 3:58.03
2 Clerke, Connor Kelowna 4:01.81
3 Kent, Justin Kwantlen Park 4:02.35
4 Haight, Dylan Oak Bay 4:03.50
5 Dhaliwal, Manpreet Rick Hansen 4:05.09
6 Bill, Simon Carson Graham 4:05.80
7 Keane, Seane White Rock Christian 4:06.03
8 Hille, Miles Redmond 4:06.54
9 Clifford, Deon Earl Marriot 4:06.65
10 Clouthier, Josh Dover Bay 4:07.14
11 Gravel, Christian St. Georges 4:07.77
12 Johnston, Carl White Rock Christian 4:08.05
13 Oxland, Doug Dover Bay 4:13.87
14 Bruchet, Jake Elgin Park 4:15.04
15 Keffrei, Neil Surrey 4:16.41
16 Young, James Surrey 4:18.18
17 Slade, David Burnsview 4:23.91
18 Bal, Gurjot Prince Margaret 4:33.62
HIGH SCHOOL-WOMEN
1 Westaway, Jenna Calgary 2:16.30
2 Vogt, Abby Burnaby South 2:19.90
3 Williams, Allison Semiahmoo 2:20.55
4 Deacon, Chantelle Vernon Sec 2:21.33
4 Walkow, Sam Semiahmoo 2:21.33
6 McKenzie, Kansas Calgary 2:21.44
7 Draper, Laurel Oak Bay 2:22.66
8 Tunti, Cheyanne Surrey 2:23.38
10 Posthumus, Kiya Rick Hansen 2:25.75

• 12 Jun 2009
• IAIN MacINTYRE
• VANCOUVER SUN imacintyre@vancouversun.com

A shot-putter’s perfect landing

LEADING THE PACK NOT AS EASY AS IT SEEM

LUC BRUCHET: Pursuit of middle distances leads straight to UBC

There was a point in Luc Bruchet’s life, when he was running so free and so fast, that the thought of a crooked mile never crossed his mind.

Thirteen months ago, late in his Grade 11 year, the student at Surrey’s Elgin Park Secondary was sporting a shaved head while frequently shaving seconds off his personal-best times.

There was no better proof of that than the 4:10 mile he ran in May 2008, a time good enough to rank among the 10 best high-school milers in North America.

Judging by his results at last weekend’s Subway B.C. high school track and field championships, Bruchet has regained his stature as B.C.’s best prep middle-distance runner with gold medal performances in the 3,000-and 1,500-metre races.

But along the path from 10th grade obscurity to a highly-recruited college prospect — who ultimately dropped all of his NCAA suitors to choose the UBC Thunderbirds — fate has proven to be the most fickle of training partners.

“Last year, after I ran the 4:10 mile [1,609 metres] and went to the provincials, there were only three or four guys who had run under 4:10 in the 1,500 metres,” Bruchet says. “I felt like I was the guy to beat. I was ready to rip it up. But I knew I was injured.”

Somewhere along his training path, a crack had begun in his right tibia.

“I was running on it for two and a half weeks,” Bruchet says. “I knew it was a stress fracture, but I wasn’t going to put all of that work in and then not run B.C.’s. I could take time off after.”

Somehow, at that 2008 provincial prep meet, Bruchet managed to win the 3,000 metres and finished second in a photofinish 1,500. There were still provincial and national meets to run that summer, but there was also a little down time and Bruchet’s cache was already heavy, including a B.C. cross-country gold medal from the fall season.

Just as he was ready to step up his workouts after three weeks of relative rest, he suffered another injury that he puts down to bad luck, plain and simple.

“I was walking home from my friend’s house one night and I just rolled my ankle,” Bruchet says. “The tendon on the outside seemed to just snap up and pull the bone in my foot apart. It was just tough luck.”

That injury kept Bruchet off his feet until last October and contributed to uneven times throughout the 2008 crosscountry season and the early part of the current outdoor track season.

“He has just clicked in the last two to three weeks,” says UBC track coach Marek Jedrzejek, who nabbed Bruchet away from NCAA Div. 1 heavyweights like Arizona, Villanova and Oregon.

“Last year, when he ran the 4:10 mile, that right away put him on the other side of the fence. You knew right then this was a guy that had some will.”

Jedrzejek says he doesn’t like to make comparisons, but he does bring up one fabled name in conversation.

“It’s maybe too soon to compare him to Jeff Schiebler,” Jedrzejek says of the former UBC standout and two-time Olympian he coached in the 1990s and who still owns Canadian outdoor records at 5,000 (13.13.96) and 10,000 metres (27.36.01).

“But let’s hope he can follow in his footsteps because Jeff had a lot of offers to go to any school in the States, but chose to stay here, and that worked out pretty good. I don’t want to put too much pressure on Luc because the comparisons are premature. But I can tell you one thing, Luc is a talented athlete.”

Jedrzejek sees a future for Bruchet in 5,000-and even 10,000-metre races. But Bruchet is tempering his coach’s plans.

“That seems kind of long,” Bruchet says. “Maybe the 5,000 metres, but even that is a long way down the road.”

htsumura@theprovince.com

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It is the glamour event of every summer Olympic Games. It takes years of relentless dedication of body and mind to prepare, yet it is over in the blink of an eye. And to the winner goes the title of “World’s Fastest Man.” The event, of course, is the 100 meters. Ever since Don Lippincott of the United States ran the first official world record, a hand-timed 10.6 on July 6, 1912 in Sweden, humankind has had a fascination with the short sprint.

The current World’s Fastest Man, Jamaica’s Usain Bolt, will be putting his immense talent on display against a select field including Canada’s own Jared Connaughton on Thursday June 11 at the Festival of Excellence Meet in Toronto. But the Harry Jerome Track Classic will host its own battle between a couple of Albertans who have captured lightning in a bottle, namely Sam Effah and Bryan Barnett.

When it was suggested to 22-year-old Barnett, who was born and raised in Edmonton, that a new “Battle of Alberta” rivalry could be looming between him and 20-year-old Effah, who hails from Calgary, he wouldn’t take the bait. “I’ve only raced him twice, once in the 100m and once in the 200m,” noted Barnett.

Both athletes bring an impressive list of accomplishments to the Harry Jerome meet and will certainly be aware of one another’s presence. Barnett, who is coached by Quin Sekulich at Edmonton’s Capital City Track Club, has personal best times of 10.24 for 100m, 20.31 for 200m, and demonstrates his versatility as an athlete with an impressive 400m personal best of 46.17. He captured a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the 2007 Pan American Games, along with teammates Richard Adu-Bobie, Anson Henry and Connaughton. Barnett, who set his 200m p.b. at the 2007 World Championships, is looking forward to a good performance at the Harry Jerome meet. “This will be my third Harry Jerome,” noted Barnett, adding, “This is a very important tune-up for the national championships on June 25th (in Toronto).  This will definitely be my last meet before nationals.” Barnett is hoping to lower his 100m p.b. this year, as his 10.24 has stood since 2007.

Effah’s emergence into world-calibre track is similar to another famous Canadian sprinter, former world-record holder and Olympic champion Donovan Bailey. Both only took up track and field seriously after their high school days were over. While Bailey’s rise to world prominence is legendary, Effah’s impressive career just began two years ago. He credits his coach Brenda Van Tighem for his development not only as an athlete but as a person.  “Brenda takes great care of her athletes,” Effah said. ”She’s been my coach since I started.”

Effah started getting interested in sprinting at the ripe old age of 18. A curious outsider asked him what prompted his decision to see how fast he could run. His answer revealed more about Effah the man than the athlete. “One of my best friends, who has since died, believed that I could make the Olympics if I joined a track club and trained. At the end of Grade 12 the Dinos gave me an invitation to train with them and I’ve been there ever since. I was more focused on football and rugby,” revealed the multi-sport talent. He added, “The London 2012 Olympics are now a serious goal for me.”

Effah, who is trying to secure a corporate sponsor to alleviate the pressures of day-to-day living so that all of his energies may go into training, still finds the time to be an instructor and coach at both his local elementary and high school. Like his fellow Albertan Barnett, Effah is looking forward to Harry Jerome. “This is a really good competition. I’m excited because these are the types of meets that I need because of the international competition,” explained Effah.

Born on December 29 1988, the Calgarian has personal bests of 10.30 (100 m) and 20.68 (200m.) While also achieving indoor p.b.s of 6.60 for 60m and 33.90 for 300m, Effah is the CIS Track Athlete of the Year for 2009 and Canada West Track Athlete of the Year. Ranked number one in Canada for 60m in 2009, Effah also ran for Canada at the Penn Relays, picking up a silver medal in the USA versus the World 4x100m relay. Effah is the 60m national champion and Alberta senior record holder and is in the National 4x100m relay pool.

Not bad for a fellow who just two years ago was thinking about rugby and football. Now what if Sam were recruited by the Stamps and Brian hooked up with the Esks? Nah. Just kidding!

By: John Moe

• CLEVE DHEENSAW
• Times Colonist

2012 or bust for Canadian track stars

Harry Jerome Individual Event Previews

800m Men
2007 World Championship silver medalist Gary Reed (1:43.68) will headline the men’s 800. Kevin Hicks of the U.S. who has run 1:44.94 and fellow American Ryan Brown (1:46.29) will try to challenge Reed. B.C.’s own Graeme Wells (1:47.64) will look to place in the top 3.

400m Men
2007 World Indoor Champion and Canadian Record Holder Tyler Christopher (44.44) will run in a very strong field which includes former USC Trojan Lionel Larry. Larry ran 44.63 last year at the NCAA championships. American James Davis (45.21) and UBC freshman star Rohan Stewart (21.67) will also be fun to watch in this great field.

Shot Put Men
British Columbia’s Dylan Armstrong (21.04, 4th place at last summer’s Beijing Olympics) is having a great start to his season. He will lead the field followed by Americans Rhuben Williams (20.07) and Justin Rode (18.96.)

1500m Men
Ontario’s Taylor Milne (3:36.00) will be back to defend his title in the metric mile. Juan Luis Barrios (3:37.87) of Mexico and Will Leer of the U.S. will look to challenge Milne.

Long Jump Women
This year’s women’s long jump will be a great event with a tremendous field led by Canadian Olympian Ruky Abdulai who recently won the Reebok Games long jump in New York with a jump of 6:74. She will face several outstanding competitors including fellow Canadian Tabia Charles who finished 3rd at the Reebok Games with a jump of 6.66. Other elite jumpers include Alice Falaiye from Brampton Ontario (6.63) and Ola Sesay from Sierra Leone.

High Jump Men
U.S. high jump stars Jesse Williams (2.36) and James Nieto (2.34) will challenge former World Junior Champion and Canadian Olympian Mike Mason (2.30) in the high jump. Elite American Grant Lindsay 2.27 will also try to win.

400m Women
Nadjina Kaltouma from Chad who trains in Calgary (50.38) will run against Canadian and fellow Olympian Carline Muir of Edmonton (51.55) and Shareese Wood of the U.S. (51.60) in the women’s 400.

100m Men
Canadian Pierre Browne (10.12) will battle it out with American Tyree Gailes (10.11) and fellow Canadians Bryan Barnett (10.24) and Sam Effah (10.31) for this year’s 100 meter crown.

100m Women
American Gloria Asumnu (11.03) and Jamaican Schillonie Calvert (11.19) will be challenged by Chad’s Nadjina Kalltouma (11.54) and Canadian stars Krysha Bailey (11.25) and Ruky Abdulai (11.81.)

800m Women
British Columbia’s own Rebecca Johnston (2:01.80) will be this year’s favorite in the two-lapper. She will be chased by Melissa DeLeon of Trinidad (2:02.36) and Sheena Godding of Barbados (2:03.59.)

1500m Women
Defening champion and olympic bronze medalist, Kara Goucher will face Kelowna B.C.’s Malindi Elmore (4:02.64) who recently placed second at the Reebok Games in New York City with a time of 4:06. Fellow Canuck Hilary Stelligwerf (4:05.69) and Kenya’s Sally Kipyego will also contend for the title.

Pole Vault Women
Saskatoon’s Kelsie Hendry (4.55) will be this year’s favorite but she will face stiff competition from fellow Canadian Carly Dockendorf (4.55) and Seattle’s Kate Conwell (4.37).

Hammer Women
Canadian Record Holder Sultanna Frizell (72.07) broke her previous record of (71.64) on Sunday June 7th at the Prefontaine Classic. She will lead this year’s throwers into the hammer cage. Fellow Canadian Jennifer Joyce (68.73) and American Loree Smith will look to challenge her for the title.

Javelin Women
UBC star Liz Gleadle (55.85) will battle it out with fellow Canadian Krista Woodward and American Kim Kreiner (64.19) for this year’s win.

400m Hurdles Men
Jamaica’s Adrian Findlay (48.93) and American Adrian Mann (49.68) will try to win this year’s event but they will face a tough competitor in Canadian Nigel Joseph (51.55.)

High Jump Women
This year’s high jump will be a very competitive event with Prince George’s Alyx Treasure (1.82) and fellow Canuck Holly Parent at 1.80. They will be challenged by American Melanie Vertees (1.78.)

100m Hurdles Women
This year’s race will feature American Kellie Wells (12.58) and she will be racing fellow American Ashley Lordee (12.99) and Nigeria’s Toyin Augustus (12.89.)

• 11 Jun 2009
• The Province
• BY TERRY BELL SPORTS REPORTER

Between a rock and a dinner plate

Kelsie Hendry and Carly Dockendorf are two seasoned pole vaulters who will be competing at the upcoming Harry Jerome Track Classic.

While Hendry is the current Canadian record holder (4.55 m) and two-time national champion, Dockendorf is looking to break into the country’s top ranks. So far this year, Hendry has recorded a vault of 4.40, while Dockendorf has jumped 4.36.
Like many other women pole vaulters, they both come from a gymnastics background. Dockendorf, from Port Moody B.C., has 20 years of gymnastics. She completed her gymnastics career at the University of Washington with 48 event titles and was named an All-American. She began pole vaulting in 2002, and is already fifth-ranked in Canadian history.
Dockendorf has been steadily improving in her sport. In 2008, at the Osaka Grand Prix, she placed third with a vault of 4.0. Her coaches are Pat Licari and Dan Pfaff.

Hendry also competed in gymnastics.  She dreamed of the Olympics since she was 10 years old but realized she didn’t have the body type for the sport.  During her first year in university she tried pole vaulting, which became her sport.  Her Olympic dream came true at the Beijing Olympics.  She jumped a 4.3 and narrowly missed the final, finishing 10th.
Hendry is from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and is with Riverside Athletics club. Hendry’s other career highlights include gold at the 2007 Canadian Championships. Among other impressive accomplishments, she placed 4th at the 2007 World University Games and in 2008 set a Canadian record at the Saskatchewan provincial championships with her vault
of 4.55 m. She is coached by American Greg Hull and her Canadian coaches are Rick and Suzanne Petrucha.
Both intend to fly high at the Jerome. Hendry says she is looking forward to a high level performance. “I hope to get a personal best at the meet (maybe a Canadian record along with the pb).”

Dockendorf  hopes to vault technically well and focus on the things that she has been working on in practice. Dockendorf added, “I never seem to vault very well at home so I wouldn’t mind changing that pattern!”
Pole vaulting is a relatively new sport for women and it made its debut in the Sydney 2000 Olympics. The world record is broken almost every year.  According to Dockendorf, the sport is continuing to grow thanks to world-record setter Yelena Isinbayeva (5.05m at the Beijing Olympics in 2008).

Dockendorf notes, “she creates so much drama and excitement at every meet because it seems like she is always attempting to jump a world record.  This has helped the women’s pole vault be in so many more big meets than the men’s.”
Setting the bar high is what these two athletes have always done and so we can expect to see some great performances from them at this year’s Harry Jerome Track Classic.

Aritcle by: Christine Blanchette

Kara Goucher of Portland,Oregon will defend her 1500m title at the Jerome Classic on Sunday.  This bronze medalist in the 2007 World Championships has remarkable credentials ranging from the 1500m to the marathon.  This Olympian who took third in the NY Marathon last fall in 2h25:53, has bests of 30:55.16 in the 10km, 14:55.02 at 5km and 4:05.14 at 1500m.  She is coached by the famed Alberto Salazar who wants to peak her speed before the US Championships.  Last year she won the Jerome to 4:06.17. This 30 year old Colorado graduate will face a tremendously strong field this year lead by our Canadian Olympian, Malindi Elmore.  She has a personal best of 4:02.64 and after several season marred by injury,this Kelowna native opened the 2009  season with a sparkling 4:06.54 in New York last month. This Stanford graduate will be joined by Kenyan, Sally Kipyego who with both track and cross country NCAA crowns to her credit will be a threat with her personal best of 4:06.67.

Joining the mix will be past Jerome winner, Hilary Stellingwerff of Guelph who owns a best of 4:05.69 and SFU graduate and Julia Howard who has won NAIA titles at  800m and just set a personal record of 4:11.78