Hooker runs breezy 10.76; Flanagan takes 10,000m at U.S. trials
Friday June 27, 2008

Marshevet Hooker ran a breezy 10.76 to be the fastest qualifier heading in the semi-finals of the women's 100m dash at the U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon on Friday.

Hooker, one of the favourites to book an individual 100m slot on the American team to the Beijing Olympic Games this summer, was aided with a heavy +3.4 m/s wind.

"I wasn't thinking, I was just running. I got out and I saw I was a little behind so I just aligned my body and got after it," Hooker said afterwards.

"I'm happy with [my time], but that wasn't the final. I proved that I made it through the first round, that's it."

In that heat, former world champion Lauryn Williams, who had the lead before Hooker blew past her, ran 10.86 for second, while Mechelle Lewis clocked 10.95 for third and Alexandria Anderson (10.98) for third.

Torri Edwards was also fast as a +2.3 tail wind pushed her 10.85 to win the third heat ahead of Muna Lee, who ran 10.89.

Two athletes broke 11-seconds legally, Carmelita Jeter ran 10.97 and Allyson Felix (10.98) finished fast also from heat two - running in a legal 0.7 m/s wind.

"My start was a little shaky, but I have really good closing speed so I was able to get it going," Jeter said.

"I expect to make this team and that is my focus right now. The only lane that matters is mine."

In the men's 400m hurdles, Jeshua Anderson returned the fastest time of 49.05 to be the fastest competitor from the first round.

Kerron Clement (49.13) and Bershawn Jackson (49.63) also moved on to the next round.

It was a superb finish in women's 10,000 metres as Shalane Flanagan powered her way to a commanding victory over a strong.

Staying off the pace for the majority of the race, Flanagan timed her run perfectly to move  past Kara Goucher with 300m to go before finishing with a killer kick on the final straight to win in a stadium record of 31:34.81.

"I always say fortune favors the break and I am glad I held my own to gain a spot to Beijing," Flanagan said. "I can't wait to get to Beijing."

Goucher finished second in 31:37.72 with Amy Begley taking the final spot on the Olympic team with 31:43.60