USA On Top Of The World In Track In 2009

LetsRun.com
June 8, 2009

The red, white, and blue had a rough go in the 2008 Olympics. But the 2009 Yanks, led by the women's team, are topping the world in events from the 100m to the discus. Though we're only in early June, judging by the star talent and the depth across the board, the 2009 US team heading to Berlin may go down as one of the greatest America has ever produced (see quick stats below).

Credit for the early-season success should be given to the athletes, coaches and meet organizers across the country. The US system isn't perfect but we're doing very well. It's not a stretch to say the US has - thanks to the NCAA, high school and professional meets - by far the most dynamic, exciting track scene in the world.

Furthermore, after a period of time where illegal performance enhancing drugs were rife in the US system, it is easier to believe that most of the US's world leaders now are doing it clean.

Trivia answer: Brown Univ. Alum Anna Willard is #2 in the world in the 800m and steeplechase and #4 in the 1500m.

Source:
IAAF Men's Stats
IAAF Women's Stats

Men In The World Top 5:

100m 1. Michael Rodgers 9.94

200m 1. Tyson Gay 2. Wallace Spearmon 3. LaShawn Merritt

400m 1. LaShawn Merritt 2. Jeremy Wariner

400m hurdles 2. Kerron Clement 3. Bershawn Jackson

110m hurdles 1. David Oliver 2. Terrence Trammel 3. Wilson 4. A. Hicks 5. A. Merritt

Shot Put 1. Reese Hoffa 2. Dan Taylor 3. Christian Cantwell

Long Jump 1. Dwight Phillips

High Jump 1. Andra Manson 2. Jesse Williams (tie)

Others to watch: Bryan Clay (decathlon), Walter Dix (100m and 200m), Bernard Lagat (1500m and 5000m), Angelo Taylor (400h), Pole Vault, 4x100m, 4x400m

Women In The World Top-5:

100m 2. Carmelita Jeter

200m 1. Lauryn Williams 2. Shalonda Solomon

400m 1. Sanya Richards 2. Allyson Felix

800m 2. Anna Willard

1500m 2. Jennifer Barringer 4. A. Willard 5. Christin Wurth-Thomas

Steeple 1. J. Barringer 2. A. Willard

Long Jump 1. Brittney Reese 2. Funmi Jimoh

Discus 1. Stephanie Brown-Trafton

Pole Vault 1. Jenn S.

High Jump 2. Chaunte Howard

100 hurdles 2. Damu Cherry 3. Carruthers

400 hurdles 1. Lashinda Demus 2. Sheena Tosta

Others to watch: Lolo Jones and Dawn Harper (100m hurdles), 4x100m and 4x400m