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Last Saturday on April 21 was the Day of the Races as Olympic hopefuls came out in different meets to prepare for the Olympic Trials.
American Record Holder Sanya Richards-Ross was at the Michael Johnson Classic in Waco Texas and competed in her first 400 Meters of the year blazed the race in an outstanding 50.18. Ross took to Twitter stating this was the first time she “opened-up” in the quarter so fast.
2004 Olympic Champion in the 100 Meters Hurdles Joanna Hayes at the prime age of 35 years old came out of retirement to compete at the Mt. Sac Relays in California and ran a blistering 12.70 for second place.
Allyson Felix, arguably the USA’s most decorated athlete in the 200 & 400 Meters, ran the 4×100 Meter Relay at the Mt. Sac Relays. Felix, a southern California native, returned to the track she has run on since being a teenager. She made a brief cameo as she anchored the Kersee All-Stars team of Ginnie Crawford, Jeneba Tarmoh and Dawn Harperto a win in the 400 relay in a time of 42.87.
Also at the Relays, four-time long jump world champion Brittney Reese broke the meet mark with a jump of 23 feet, 4.5 inches. Carol Lewis had set the record of 22-10.5 in 1984.
Jeremy Wariner has won four Olympic medals (three gold, one silver) and six World Championships medals. He is the third fastest competitor in the history of the 400 Meter event with a personal best of 43.45 seconds, after Butch Reynolds, and Michael Johnson. Injured last year, Wariner is looking to be among the best again. However, after running at Mt. Sac Relays, he had to settle for second place in a time of 44.96 behind Britain’s Martyn Rooney who ran 44.92.
After settling for bronze medals in both the 100 and 200 in Beijing, Walter Dix is gearing up for repeat performances in London. He put together a good effort in his race. The former Florida State star shrugged off a slow start to win the 100 in 9.85. The wind-aided time is the world’s fastest mark this year.
Other noteworthy results:
Jason Richardson, the reigning 110 hurdles world champ, ran 13.20 to break the meet mark of 13.22 set by Larry Wade in 1999.
Four-time long jump world champion Brittney Reese broke the meet mark with a jump of 23 feet, 4.5 inches. Carol Lewis had set the record of 22-10.5 in 1984.
At the Kansas Relays, Bershawn (Batman) Jackson ran the fastest time in the world this year to win his seventh 400-meter hurdles title. His time of 48.20 seconds was also a Kansas Relays record, breaking his own mark set in 2008.
Two-time Olympian DeeDee Trotter won the women’s 400-meter dash in 50.94 seconds, also the second fastest time in the world this year behind Richards-Ross.
ScholarshipTidbits
Thaddeus Hall is going to be a Gamecock. The Thomas Jefferson senior basketball star made his decision Thursday night, saying that South Carolina worked hard to recruit him. “They were pushing hard to get me and I respect that,” Hall told a reporter. “They said they’re going to put the ball in my hands.”
Sports Tidbits
Look for our Olympic Trials coverage leading up to the London Olympics exclusives and for my exclusive blog for the London 2012 Independent newspaper.
Exercise/Healthy Tidbits
Every week I will be adding to my healthy tidbits:
Work up a sweat.
Vigorous work-outs – when you’re breathing hard and sweating – help your heart pump better, give you more energy and help you look and feel best. Start with a warm-up that stretches your muscles. Include 20 minutes of aerobic activity, such as running, jogging, or dancing. Follow-up with activities that help make you stronger such as push-ups or lifting weights. Then cool-down with more stretching and deep breathing.
Get fit with friends or family.
Being active is much more fun with friends or family. Encourage others to join you and plan one special physical activity event, like a bike ride or hiking, with a group each week.
Eating & Exercising! It’s MY LIFEStyle LifeFITNESS
For more information or questions, please contact dd@dianedixonfoundation.org.