I am convinced Martinez would have gotten at least second. It is entirely conceivable that she would lose out to someone on her inside, who simply had to run less with 120m to go. However, regardless of order, Martinez/Wilson/Grace strikes me as the right (and ideal) combination. Though I also will concede the interesting points that Ludlow may have made it over Wilson.
I know plenty of people have expressed their frustrations, but it really needs to be said again: this is an appalling result to what should have been a thrilling final. I am myself a Yalie, and a big Kate Grace fan, but what happened to Brenda Martinez--a former WC medalist in the 800m--is utterly egregious.
USATF, ever the emblem of incompetence, needs a system in place to deal with situations of this nature. I am sure Williams is a wonderful person and an excellent runner, but there is no doubt in my mind that 1) she would not have made the team had Martinez not gotten clipped by Montano; and 2) Martinez would be on the team right now.