Unlike many other countries, and many other sports within this country, U.S. track and field selects its Olympians through trials and a fair, but occasionally cruel calculus: finish in the top three in your event or stay home.
There are legitimate criticisms of this selection process (I'll discuss a few of them in a moment), but it is probably the most objective process possible. And the athletes themselves don't seem to be lobbying for anything different. So what's the problem?
I ran across this particularly dumb answer to that question while searching for rsults on Yahoo's sports site: USA Track and Field Disqualifies Itself. The author, Roy Johnson, compares the trials selection process to the way U.S. gymnastics selects their team, and comes down in favor of gymnastics.
To me, his arguments are far unconvincing -- he points to Tyson Gay, Jeremy Wariner, and Allyson Felix, and says that everyone knows they should be on the team, so why should they have to prove themselves again in the trials? He asks why we should take the risk of denying a better athlete a spot because that athlete wakes up with a cold on race day, or slips, or has some other bit of bad luck?
So how do we know who is the better athlete without having them race in a big event, with all the risks and pressure that goes along with it? Does he think we should use time trials to determine the best athletes? Records? Results from earlier competition against lesser rivals? Johnson doesn't say, and that's why his column is so vapid.
However, there IS an argument against the American system and that is that because it allows for no exceptions to the top three rule, almost all athletes MUST plan their training to be at their best for the trials. One could argue that for some events this works against having athletes in the best shape for the Olympics themselves.
For this to work, you'd really want the exemption to come from the IOC itself, and be an exemption to the three athletes per country rule. In other words, the IOC could allow four entries from one country on the condition that the four included the defending world champion and three others who had met the qualifying standard. This would allow the U.S. to have its trials, select its top three, and still make a place for a Wariner or Lagat or Gay.
One risk would be that defending world champions skip the trials entirely, but the U.S. body could still require participation in the trials as a condition of selection, even for "exempt" athletes.
Anyway, I note that this morning's Boston Globe has a story on the same subject of the qualifying process (US Olympic trials qualify as stressful). The example cited is Dan O'Brien, a heavy favorite for a medal in the decathlon in Barcelona (1992), who failed to clear a height in the pole vault and did not make the team.
In the end, I don't think anything will change with the U.S. system -- mostly because the athletes themselves seem to accept it, stress and all. Ultimately, almost all athletes seem to prefer the process to be fair, and DON'T want the process to be in the hands a selection committee.
June 28, 2008
June 27, 2008
Two More All-State Videos
Boys 800m - Nick Wade holds off Liam Anastasia-Murphy
Girls 1M - Kristin Kasper runs away with it
Girls 1M - Kristin Kasper runs away with it
USATF Olympic Trials Begin Today in Eugene
The US Track and Field Olympic Trials begin today with first-day competition in the women's heptathlon, preliminary rounds in several events, and one final -- the women's 10000m. You can find the complete schedule and today's start lists at these links:
US Olympic Trials - Track and Field Schedule
Olympic Trials Start Lists - Friday June 27, 2008
Local competitors include:
Marblehead native Shalane Flanagan is competing in both the 10K and 5K, and is the odds-on favorite in the latter.
Former Brookline runner Jonathon Riley will be running in the 5000m semifinals tonight, trying to make his second Olympic team.
On Friday, Braintree's Sean Quigley will be competing in the 10000m final.
The meet is being hosted in Eugene, Oregon, which is itself a minor miracle.
Here's a great story from the Eugene Register-Guard describing how Vin Lananna helped bring the trials (and other championship events) back to Eugene.
US Olympic Trials - Track and Field Schedule
Olympic Trials Start Lists - Friday June 27, 2008
Local competitors include:
Marblehead native Shalane Flanagan is competing in both the 10K and 5K, and is the odds-on favorite in the latter.
Former Brookline runner Jonathon Riley will be running in the 5000m semifinals tonight, trying to make his second Olympic team.
On Friday, Braintree's Sean Quigley will be competing in the 10000m final.
The meet is being hosted in Eugene, Oregon, which is itself a minor miracle.
Here's a great story from the Eugene Register-Guard describing how Vin Lananna helped bring the trials (and other championship events) back to Eugene.
June 25, 2008
Energy from an Unlikely Source
Have you ever had the idea that there must be a way to harness the kinetic energy of running (or cycling) to do something more useful, like power your the lights in your house, or charge batteries?
Slate has published an article that looks at the possibility of designing a bra that would convert the kinetic energy of um... well... upper torso motion into enough electrical power to run an iPod.
Victoria's Circuit: Harnessing the Untapped Power of Breast Motion
Slate has published an article that looks at the possibility of designing a bra that would convert the kinetic energy of um... well... upper torso motion into enough electrical power to run an iPod.
Victoria's Circuit: Harnessing the Untapped Power of Breast Motion
High Maintenance
Last year, our nine-year-old car was having some issues and Ann suggested that maybe it was time to let it go to Honda heaven. I disagreed, arguing that even though it had become a "high-maintenance" vehicle, requiring thousands of dollars a year in parts and repairs, it still had a lot of good miles left in it. After all, the car still gets us where we need to go -- albeit, with a few more creaks and groans along the way.
Am I being sentimental? Probably. After all, I have more sympathy for the condition of my car since I, too, have become something of a high-maintenance vehicle. The days of care-free transportation to wherever I wanted to go are over. Now, every time I think about venturing forth, I have to check all the instruments, listen to and evaluate a number of strange sounds and sensations, and consider whether I want to be stuck miles from home standing by the side of the road waiting for AAA.
It's too bad, because I've always taken pride in keeping the old machine humming along through my own preventative care, without needing to make frequent visits to the mechanic. Now, I'm all too ready to seek advice and presumptive remedies from anyone who'll listen. If there were a "Car Talk" for runners, I'd be calling Click and Clack every week, trying to describe the latest idiosyncrasies afflicting my running.
I used to be the guy with the new car in the driveway; now I'm the annoying neighbor who has a worn-out junker on blocks in the backyard, surrounded by engine parts. How did this happen?
And yet, just like the guy who comes home after work to spend another couple of hours trying to get his old Pontiac to run again, I am not without hope. In my mind, I still imagine harnessing a powerful internal combustion engine to cruise up and down the boulevards with a kind of controlled fury, inspiring admiration and envy. All I need is a new carburetor and spark plugs, adjust the timing, save up for some new wheels...
The male mid-life crisis often expresses itself as a desire for a hotter car (or a younger mate). For me, those temptations have little hold on my imagination. But that far-away look in my eyes, that distracted mood that strikes from time to time, that's me thinking about running really fast again, without having to wonder about worrisome new noises, odd smells, and unhealthy vibrations every time I pull out of the driveway.
In the mean time, I'll keep tinkering.
Being "high-maintenance" is still better than being scrap metal.
Am I being sentimental? Probably. After all, I have more sympathy for the condition of my car since I, too, have become something of a high-maintenance vehicle. The days of care-free transportation to wherever I wanted to go are over. Now, every time I think about venturing forth, I have to check all the instruments, listen to and evaluate a number of strange sounds and sensations, and consider whether I want to be stuck miles from home standing by the side of the road waiting for AAA.
It's too bad, because I've always taken pride in keeping the old machine humming along through my own preventative care, without needing to make frequent visits to the mechanic. Now, I'm all too ready to seek advice and presumptive remedies from anyone who'll listen. If there were a "Car Talk" for runners, I'd be calling Click and Clack every week, trying to describe the latest idiosyncrasies afflicting my running.
I used to be the guy with the new car in the driveway; now I'm the annoying neighbor who has a worn-out junker on blocks in the backyard, surrounded by engine parts. How did this happen?
And yet, just like the guy who comes home after work to spend another couple of hours trying to get his old Pontiac to run again, I am not without hope. In my mind, I still imagine harnessing a powerful internal combustion engine to cruise up and down the boulevards with a kind of controlled fury, inspiring admiration and envy. All I need is a new carburetor and spark plugs, adjust the timing, save up for some new wheels...
The male mid-life crisis often expresses itself as a desire for a hotter car (or a younger mate). For me, those temptations have little hold on my imagination. But that far-away look in my eyes, that distracted mood that strikes from time to time, that's me thinking about running really fast again, without having to wonder about worrisome new noises, odd smells, and unhealthy vibrations every time I pull out of the driveway.
In the mean time, I'll keep tinkering.
Being "high-maintenance" is still better than being scrap metal.
June 23, 2008
No Group Run Tonight - Monday, June 23
Radar shows heavy thunderstorms for the next hour or two, so no organized run from Cold Springs, Cutler Park, or anywhere else tonight.
Blackburn, McChesney - Coaches of the Year
I was away for a few days and returned last night to find that the Boston Globe had published their 2008 All-Scholastics for the spring season. Frequently, I have mixed feelings about the Boston Globe's selections because they have been known to leave out deserving athletes (e.g., Jess Barton 2007, Emily Mepham, Robert Gibson 2008). But I have come to realize that they should not be viewed as the be-all, end-all validation of athletic accomplishments. instead, they are a nice addition to other honors and opportunities to shine.
Having said that, I couldn't agree more with the selections of Jim Blackburn and Steve McChesney as the Div I Boys and Girls Coaches of the year. The Newton South girls team won the state championship and had an overall amazing season. The Newton North boys came within 2 points of the state championship and set a high standard of excellence all year, through dual meets, the state relays, and the end-of-season championships.
Although Steve and Jim coach in very different ways, each brings a vast reservoir of experience, knowledge, and caring to the task of inspiring and guiding high school track and field athletes. Congratulations to both of them!
(By the way, it seems odd that both coaches have been forced to use the same beat up track at Newton South H.S. this year.)
Many congratulations as well to Bay State athletes making the All-Scholastic honor roll: Milton's Paul Connor in the 400, Brookline's David Wilson in the 2-Mile, Newton North's Adam Bao in the Triple Jump, and Newton North's Carolyn Ranti in the 800.
Having said that, I couldn't agree more with the selections of Jim Blackburn and Steve McChesney as the Div I Boys and Girls Coaches of the year. The Newton South girls team won the state championship and had an overall amazing season. The Newton North boys came within 2 points of the state championship and set a high standard of excellence all year, through dual meets, the state relays, and the end-of-season championships.
Although Steve and Jim coach in very different ways, each brings a vast reservoir of experience, knowledge, and caring to the task of inspiring and guiding high school track and field athletes. Congratulations to both of them!
(By the way, it seems odd that both coaches have been forced to use the same beat up track at Newton South H.S. this year.)
Many congratulations as well to Bay State athletes making the All-Scholastic honor roll: Milton's Paul Connor in the 400, Brookline's David Wilson in the 2-Mile, Newton North's Adam Bao in the Triple Jump, and Newton North's Carolyn Ranti in the 800.
June 19, 2008
Chris Derrick is a Damn Good Writer, Too
The Nike Outdoor Nationals H.S. meet is this weekend, and that typically spells the end of the H.S. season (this year, the Olympic trials will have some high schoolers, too, so it's not exactly the end). Anyway, NON is the closest thing to a national championships to conclude the spring T&F season.
Always, anticipated, the two-mile races are especially interesting this year. The boys race will have German Fernandez (8:34 3200), Rob Finnerty (4:01 1M), Luke Puskedra (8:46 3200), Colby Lowe (8:50 2-mile), and others. The hope is for a fast time, a historic time, but the heat of Greensboro, North Carolina might preclude a shot at Jeff Nelson's 30-year old H.S. record in the deuce.
Chris Derrick, Gatorade National H.A. runner of the year and owner of a 13:55 5K time from earlier this spring, has written a brilliant preview of the race for DyeStat. Seriously, it is one of the best previews of an individual H.S. race I have ever read.
It's unfortunate that there isn't a similar preview of the girls race. Massachusetts multi-state champion Emily Jones is considered one of the favorites, and is one of three runners "profiled" in a kind of ridiculous "tale of the tape" on DyeStat.
I mean, isn't there something wrong when the the boys preview focuses on accomplishments and on the strategy and drama of the race itself, and the girls preview tells us what flavor ice cream the competitors like? Please. Even though Jordan Hasay is bypassing NON for the USATF Jr. Olympics, there are 13 girls with PRs of 10:33 or better for 3200. Give them more respect.
Always, anticipated, the two-mile races are especially interesting this year. The boys race will have German Fernandez (8:34 3200), Rob Finnerty (4:01 1M), Luke Puskedra (8:46 3200), Colby Lowe (8:50 2-mile), and others. The hope is for a fast time, a historic time, but the heat of Greensboro, North Carolina might preclude a shot at Jeff Nelson's 30-year old H.S. record in the deuce.
Chris Derrick, Gatorade National H.A. runner of the year and owner of a 13:55 5K time from earlier this spring, has written a brilliant preview of the race for DyeStat. Seriously, it is one of the best previews of an individual H.S. race I have ever read.
It's unfortunate that there isn't a similar preview of the girls race. Massachusetts multi-state champion Emily Jones is considered one of the favorites, and is one of three runners "profiled" in a kind of ridiculous "tale of the tape" on DyeStat.
I mean, isn't there something wrong when the the boys preview focuses on accomplishments and on the strategy and drama of the race itself, and the girls preview tells us what flavor ice cream the competitors like? Please. Even though Jordan Hasay is bypassing NON for the USATF Jr. Olympics, there are 13 girls with PRs of 10:33 or better for 3200. Give them more respect.
June 17, 2008
Bay State Athletes at New Englands
Catching up on some old business...
I want to congratulate the following athletes who competed at the New England championships last Saturday in Saco, Maine.
Highest finish for any Bay-Stater was Craig Bennett's 3rd place in the 400, running 49.56. His teammate, Mass. State Champion Paul Connor was DQ'd -- I don't know why. Connor returned to help Milton's 4x400 team (Connor, Max Opava, Imar Iyamui, and Bennett) win a medal, as the Wildcats ran 3:25.56 for 5th.
Framingham's Camille Murphy earned a medal in the 1600, running 5:05.12 for 6th. Murphy had a great season and returns next year as one of the top distance runners in the BSC.
Rebecca White got DQ'd in the 3200... again, I have no idea why. How often do you see anyone DQ'd in a 3200?
Brookline's Robert Gibson ran 4:17.64 in a very deep 1600 race to finish 8th. Good luck, Robert as you take a well-earned rest and head off to Texas next year.
Norwood freshman Cory Ryan finished 9th in the 200, as she ran 26.32.
I saved one of the best performances for next to last. The Weymouth girls 4x800 ran their fastest race of the outdoor season to place 4th, only 7 seconds behind New England champions Newton South. The quartet of Erica Donnally (sp?), Jill Corcoran , Carolyn Connolly, and Sam Bennett ran 9:26.04.
Bennett doubled back, along with Felicia Hopkins, Kayla Sullivan, and Jen Bell to place 10th in the 4x400 in 4:00.94.
I want to congratulate the following athletes who competed at the New England championships last Saturday in Saco, Maine.
Highest finish for any Bay-Stater was Craig Bennett's 3rd place in the 400, running 49.56. His teammate, Mass. State Champion Paul Connor was DQ'd -- I don't know why. Connor returned to help Milton's 4x400 team (Connor, Max Opava, Imar Iyamui, and Bennett) win a medal, as the Wildcats ran 3:25.56 for 5th.
Framingham's Camille Murphy earned a medal in the 1600, running 5:05.12 for 6th. Murphy had a great season and returns next year as one of the top distance runners in the BSC.
Rebecca White got DQ'd in the 3200... again, I have no idea why. How often do you see anyone DQ'd in a 3200?
Brookline's Robert Gibson ran 4:17.64 in a very deep 1600 race to finish 8th. Good luck, Robert as you take a well-earned rest and head off to Texas next year.
Norwood freshman Cory Ryan finished 9th in the 200, as she ran 26.32.
I saved one of the best performances for next to last. The Weymouth girls 4x800 ran their fastest race of the outdoor season to place 4th, only 7 seconds behind New England champions Newton South. The quartet of Erica Donnally (sp?), Jill Corcoran , Carolyn Connolly, and Sam Bennett ran 9:26.04.
Bennett doubled back, along with Felicia Hopkins, Kayla Sullivan, and Jen Bell to place 10th in the 4x400 in 4:00.94.
June 11, 2008
Running on the Husks of Rice
Today's New York Times has a fascinating story about Hitoshi Mimura, a "master craftsman" who designs running shoes for ASICS, and the development of racing shoes that incorporate ground rice husks for water absorption and better traction.
Can Rice lead to Gold? Marathon Will Offer Test
Can Rice lead to Gold? Marathon Will Offer Test
June 10, 2008
Run with Friends This Summer
Back by popular demand, the Newton Summer Running Project offers enthusiastic, if informal, support for building a nice aerobic base over the summer months.
The NSRP is nothing more or less than an opportunity to meet for group runs. Last summer we met at Cold Spring Park at 6:15 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesday every week from June to mid-August. After a brief, disorganized discussion about who wanted to run how far, we got started at about 6:30. Some people ran long and pretty fast (we had one group that typically did 12 miles). Other people ran short and slow (I typically ran anywhere from 4-7 miles very slowly). Others were in-between. The only way this works is that we have a really great group of people and we are flexible.
Our first run of 2008 will be Wednesday, June 11. Let's meet at 6:15 and get going right away.
I will be doing a VERY short run and won't be able to stick around long, but the important thing is that we get started. We can also decide whether to continue last year's Monday-Wednesday routine from Cold Spring, or be more adventurous and try new venues.
I hope to see some of you there.
The NSRP is nothing more or less than an opportunity to meet for group runs. Last summer we met at Cold Spring Park at 6:15 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesday every week from June to mid-August. After a brief, disorganized discussion about who wanted to run how far, we got started at about 6:30. Some people ran long and pretty fast (we had one group that typically did 12 miles). Other people ran short and slow (I typically ran anywhere from 4-7 miles very slowly). Others were in-between. The only way this works is that we have a really great group of people and we are flexible.
Our first run of 2008 will be Wednesday, June 11. Let's meet at 6:15 and get going right away.
I will be doing a VERY short run and won't be able to stick around long, but the important thing is that we get started. We can also decide whether to continue last year's Monday-Wednesday routine from Cold Spring, or be more adventurous and try new venues.
I hope to see some of you there.
June 09, 2008
All-State Videos Available
As promised, the "JamCast" team was at the All-State meet at Durfee H.S. on Saturday. Thanks to all of you who wrote in to suggest events for us to videotape!
Before I list the videos and provide links, I want to thank Noah and Sam for joining me and for providing commentary. Noah did a ton of research to prepare to be our "play-by-play" announcer, and Sam added a lot of information from his knowledge of the DCL and the H.S. scene in general. We had a lot of fun, and all three of us apologize for our occasional mix-ups.
These videos are available on YouTube:
Girls 800
Boys 300H
Boys 400
Boys 1 Mile
Boys 2 Mile
The following videos are available if you ask me really nicely, and only leave positive comments on the blog:
Girls 1M - in which I announce that Kristin Kasper has "no chance"
Girls 4x800 - exceeds YouTube length limits (they should have run faster!)
Girls 400 (not offloaded from tape yet)
Boys 800 (not offloaded from tape yet)
Boys 100H (not offloaded from tape yet)
Boys 4x800 (not offloaded from tape yet)
Boys 4x400 (not offloaded from tape yet)
Before I list the videos and provide links, I want to thank Noah and Sam for joining me and for providing commentary. Noah did a ton of research to prepare to be our "play-by-play" announcer, and Sam added a lot of information from his knowledge of the DCL and the H.S. scene in general. We had a lot of fun, and all three of us apologize for our occasional mix-ups.
These videos are available on YouTube:
Girls 800
Boys 300H
Boys 400
Boys 1 Mile
Boys 2 Mile
The following videos are available if you ask me really nicely, and only leave positive comments on the blog:
Girls 1M - in which I announce that Kristin Kasper has "no chance"
Girls 4x800 - exceeds YouTube length limits (they should have run faster!)
Girls 400 (not offloaded from tape yet)
Boys 800 (not offloaded from tape yet)
Boys 100H (not offloaded from tape yet)
Boys 4x800 (not offloaded from tape yet)
Boys 4x400 (not offloaded from tape yet)
June 08, 2008
NN Boys Are 2nd at 2008 All-State Meet
Newton North came oh-so-close to earning another State Championship trophy, but in the end fell just two points shy of Charlestown in a day-long battle that wasn't over until North's 4x400 relay team crossed the line in fourth.
Still, North could be proud of several outstanding performances that earned the team the runner-up trophy, just a point ahead of Mansfield. Sam Arsenault had another outstanding day on a big stage, running a personal best 39.52 in the 300 hurdles to place second (he was seeded 7th). (Video below)
Sam also added a 3rd in the high jump, and ran a 51 lead off leg in the 4x400 relay. Adam Bao bounced back from a sixth-place in the D1 triple jump, leaping 44-6 to take 2nd, only an inch and a half behind the winner.
Seb Putzeys placed fifth in the 800m, and both the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams placed 4th, giving the team 36 points.
2008 State Meet Results
Congratulations to the North boys on a fine season -- undefeated in dual meets, 2nd at the State Relays, 2nd at Div I, and 2nd at the All-State meet.
Still, North could be proud of several outstanding performances that earned the team the runner-up trophy, just a point ahead of Mansfield. Sam Arsenault had another outstanding day on a big stage, running a personal best 39.52 in the 300 hurdles to place second (he was seeded 7th). (Video below)
Sam also added a 3rd in the high jump, and ran a 51 lead off leg in the 4x400 relay. Adam Bao bounced back from a sixth-place in the D1 triple jump, leaping 44-6 to take 2nd, only an inch and a half behind the winner.
Seb Putzeys placed fifth in the 800m, and both the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams placed 4th, giving the team 36 points.
2008 State Meet Results
Congratulations to the North boys on a fine season -- undefeated in dual meets, 2nd at the State Relays, 2nd at Div I, and 2nd at the All-State meet.
June 07, 2008
Ranti Wins State 800m Championship
Meg Looney, the 2007 runner-up in the girls 800m, must have felt out of place in the barrel of the seeded heat. She bolted to the front at the gun, and flew through the first 200m in just under 30 seconds. Emily Mepham decided to follow, expending precious energy to bridge the gap up to Looney.
Meanwhile, Carolyn Ranti was back in 4th, 10 meters behind and running her own race.
As the pace at the front slowed, Ranti reeled in the leaders. Looney and Mepham hit 400m in 64, with Ranti a second back. Around the turn, she established contact, but found herself on the inside. No problem. As Looney drifted out from the rail to hold off Mepham, who was on her outside, Ranti saw daylight and passed on the inside. Once she had the lead, her last 200 was a thing of beauty. She won going away, running a personal best 2:13.06, which is also the fastest girls time in Mass this year.
After dropping back to fourth, Looney rallied for second, with Alex Neville in third, and Mepham in fourth.
Meanwhile, Carolyn Ranti was back in 4th, 10 meters behind and running her own race.
As the pace at the front slowed, Ranti reeled in the leaders. Looney and Mepham hit 400m in 64, with Ranti a second back. Around the turn, she established contact, but found herself on the inside. No problem. As Looney drifted out from the rail to hold off Mepham, who was on her outside, Ranti saw daylight and passed on the inside. Once she had the lead, her last 200 was a thing of beauty. She won going away, running a personal best 2:13.06, which is also the fastest girls time in Mass this year.
After dropping back to fourth, Looney rallied for second, with Alex Neville in third, and Mepham in fourth.
June 03, 2008
June 02, 2008
Now Taking Requests...
So Noah, Sam, and I are planning to go to the All-State meet at Durfee with video camera in hand. If you haven't heard Noah's outstanding commentary, here's a representative sample:
2007 Boys All-State Mile
Since you never know how long our camera battery will hold out, we'll be somewhat selective in what we try to capture. So I'm opening up the request line. What events would you most like to see (and hear)?
2007 Boys All-State Mile
Since you never know how long our camera battery will hold out, we'll be somewhat selective in what we try to capture. So I'm opening up the request line. What events would you most like to see (and hear)?
June 01, 2008
Fernandez Runs Historic Double at CA State Meet
Usain Bolt, a 21-year-old Jamaican running in only his fifth competitive 100m (how is that possible?) set a world record of 9.72 last night at the New York Grand Prix meet, but that might not be the most remarkable story of the weekend.
German Fernandez of Riverbank H.S. pulled off the greatest H.S. distance double ever, running 4:00.29 for 1600m and then coming back two hours later to run 8:34.29 for 3200m. Fernandez time in the 3200 is a national H.S record, although it is a shade slower than the conversion of Jeff Nelson's legendary 8:37 2-Mile time from 1979.
Either way, the performance defies belief. Fernandez ran splits of 4:18.7 / 4:15.5... He passed 3000m in 8:03-8:04. And he led the whole race, while having to pass lapped runners. The runner in second ran 8:58 and finished almost half a lap behind!
Watch 3200
The girls distance events were also pretty special, with Christine Babcock running a national record 4:33.82 in the 1600 to win by a straightaway, and Jordan Hasay and Laurynne Chetelat running 9:52.13 and 9:52.51, respectively in the 3200.
California State Meet Results
German Fernandez of Riverbank H.S. pulled off the greatest H.S. distance double ever, running 4:00.29 for 1600m and then coming back two hours later to run 8:34.29 for 3200m. Fernandez time in the 3200 is a national H.S record, although it is a shade slower than the conversion of Jeff Nelson's legendary 8:37 2-Mile time from 1979.
Either way, the performance defies belief. Fernandez ran splits of 4:18.7 / 4:15.5... He passed 3000m in 8:03-8:04. And he led the whole race, while having to pass lapped runners. The runner in second ran 8:58 and finished almost half a lap behind!
Watch 3200
The girls distance events were also pretty special, with Christine Babcock running a national record 4:33.82 in the 1600 to win by a straightaway, and Jordan Hasay and Laurynne Chetelat running 9:52.13 and 9:52.51, respectively in the 3200.
California State Meet Results
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