by Larry Eder
Chris Lukesic and Leonel Manzano can be seen here, early on in the men’s 1,500 meters, with Manzano running a world leader in 3:34.14! Women’s events reviewed
On Monday, we will post a review of all the Rbk GP women’s events!
Photo by Photorun.net.
Men’s Event by Event analysis
Men’s 100 meters
In this event, Asafa Powell was the focus of the race. Apparently, Michael Rodgers did not read the script. Mike Rodgers, Travis Padget, Steve Mullings, Darvis Patton Richard Thompson were all together, with Powell behind the entire race. Rodgers took the race in 9.93, Travis Padgett took second in 9.96, Steve Mullings took third in 9.98 and Doc Patton took fourth in 10.00. Richard Thompson, the Olympic medalist. was fifth in 10.01, Daniel Bailey in 10.02 in sixth and Asafa Powell in seventh in 10.10.
“It feels good.” noted Mike Rodgers, ” I have to stay humble and keep working hard. The Trials are in a couple of weeks. I had a lot to shoot for this year. Last year I raced about 45 races. This year I’ve raced a lot less and gotten stronger.”
In the second race, Yohan Blake won the second heat in 10.20.
Men’s 200 meters
The story of this race goes back to last year’s Olympic Trials, when Tyson Gay was hurt in the 200 meter heats. He spent the summer, trying to get into shape, and his race for fitness and Beijing did not fit. After a great 2007, Tyson had a nightmare 2008.
In 2009, Tyson Gay had some early injuries, but worked his way back into shape, running a 400 meters in 46.34, his personal best, and another, the following week (first week of May) in 45.34. His coach, Lance Brauman told this writer that, ” Tyson can break 45 seconds, he just does not know his way around 400 meters. ” When this writer asked Lance the night before Reebok Grand Prix, about where Tyson was, Lance looked at me, smiled, and said, ” I can not tell you how fast Tyson will run, but he will run very fast. He is fit, and he wants to race.”
Meet director Mark Wetmore went a bit farther, : ” Don’t be surprised if the performance of the meet is Tyson in the 200 meters. It is going to be fast.”
Tyson Gay is a student of his event. He runs with the control and precision of a master sprinter, which he is. Consider the field: Wallace Spearmon, Xavier Carter, Jeremy Wariner, Lionel Larry, Rod Martin, David Neville.
From the start, Tyson Gay took the race and owned the track. As Gay came off the turn, the entire crowd of eleven thousand was on their feet, screaming, imploring Gay to run faster, faster! Tyson Gay charged down the final straightaway, lifting, pumping his arms, finishing the race in 19.58, with a legal wind of 1.3 meters per seconds!
Wallace Spearmon broke twenty seconds, running 19.98, and was .4 behind. Xavier Carter ran 20.27, Jeremy Wariner ran 20.30 and Lionel Larry ran his personal best in 20.32 in fifth place.
The crowd of track fans was truly appreciative. Tyson Gay was elated! Tyson jogged on the field, and the crowd applauded.
What does this do for the sport? Well, a whole new ballgame this year for the 200 meters. Usain Bolt, the three time gold medalist, versus a healthy Tyson Gay over 200 meters should be one of the best moments in all of sports in 2009!
Men’s 400 meters
Two weeks ago, LaShawn Merritt ran 20.07 at the adidas Track Classic. This week, he won the 400 meter sin 44.75. LaShawn looked good for the first 300 meters, but had a little trouble with the wind, and perhaps, the distance.
“The wind really played a part on the backstretch. By the homestretch, I was tired. I wanted to get the win and that’s what I did. I felt good before the race. The wind was really strong in the backstretch.” noted Merritt. ” I feel stronger, training is going well. I plan on going to Berlin and doing something great.”
Renny Quow of Trinidad was second in 44.89 and Chris Brown of the Bahamas was third in 45.04. Tabarie Henry was fourth in 45.10, and Andrae Williams of the Bahamas was in fifth place. Olympic 400m hurlder silver medalist was sixth in 45.76.
With Merritt in good shape and Wariner training again with Clyde Hart, the men’s 400 meters in Berlin is shaping up to be another race of the titans.
Men’s 800 meters
Remember, it was a sunny and blustery day. Khadevius Robinson of the US took this race from Gary Reed of Canada and Boaz Lalang, running a fine for the conditions, 1:46.00, to Reed’s 1:46.22 and Lalang’s 1.46.48. Christian Smith (we call him Lazarus), took fourth in 1:46.69 and Nate Brannen ran 1:46.70 for fifth.
Khadevius Robinson recalled the race as: “Usually, I feel really good coming in. I had that extra confidence and get really amped up. Today I didn’t feel so good getting ready to run. I wanted to run a more strategic race. I have to really focus on the last 50 meters. I thought I had it, I was looking and not focusing. A win is a win and at my age, its time for me to start enjoying all this.”
Men’s 1,500 meters
This was supposed to be a fast race, and it was, even with the wind! Moise Joseph took the pack through 56.2, with Juan Van Deventer, Leonel Manzano, Chris Lukesic, South African Peter van de Westhuizen (third at adidas Track Classic two weeks ago), Rob Myers and Steve Sherer in tow. Joseph did his job, hitting the 800 meters in 1:54.12, with the same crew in tow, as Lukesic moved up from fifth to fourth. Moise Joseph took the pack through 1000 meters in 2:26 before he pulled off. Juan Van Deventer, Henok Legesse and Peter van der Westhuizen moved up with Leonel Manzano lurking dangerously in third. Chris Lukesic began to drop back after 1100 meters, which was hit in 2:40.
The last lap was furious. Van Deventer, Legesse and der Westuizen were fighting with each other and Manzano pulled into second, came up on the side of Legesse in the final straightaway. Manzano did not stop there, pulling the type of move that can win one a world championship medal, Leonal Manzano ran a personal best of 3:34.14 for first. Juan van Deventer of RSA was second in 3:34.30. Henok Legesse of Ethiopia was third in 3:34.42. Peter van der Westhuizen was fourth in 3:35.33. Rob Myers had made a huge charge over the last lap and ran his best of the season, 3:36.66 for sixth. Pablo Solares of Mexico ran 3:36.67, with Taylor Milne of Canada in 3:37.26, Andrew Bumbalough in 3:38.23, Steve Sherer in ninth in 3:39.98. Alan Webb, who had been near the back of the pack the entire race, ran 3:42.58 for tenth. Chris Lukesic was eleventh in 3:43.15.
Manzano noted, : “It was a great race. All the guys ran tough. I’m excited I got this race out of my system. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. I wanted to race, run and have fun. I think I’m in really good shape. My coaches have definitely prepared me well.”
For Manzano, it was redemption. He had a bad race at the adidas Track Classic, then ran a nifty 3:55.15 in St. Louis (the first sub four minute mile in Missouri since 1964!) over Memorial Day weekend. Well, alert, alert, Leonel Manzano is sure in shape. As one fan twittered us, ” Manzano is a beast down the final straight!” A truer statement has not been said about our new Beast over 1,500 meters.
Men’s 5,000 meters
The day before the meet, I interviewed Gebre Gebre-eziabher. I had interviewed Gebre several times, and he was always a strong interview. Gebre had won the World XC Championships this past March. Gebre told this writer that he was in good shape and he wanted to break thirteen minutes. ” I would like to run the 5,000 meters in Berlin.”
Haron Lagat and Josphat Boit were good rabbits, taking Bernard Lagat, Micah Kogo, Dejen Gebremeskei, Imane Merga and Gebremariam Gebre-egziabher in the top pack. Sahle Warga, Habtamu Fikadu, Samuel Chelanga and Nick McCormick were running in the next group.
The wind was taking its toll. The rabbits had a heck of a time over the last lap, and hit the 3k in 7:50 ( the goal was 7:45).
Now it was down to Micah Kogo, Bernard Lagat, Dejen Gebremeskei, Imane Merga and Gebre Gebre-egziabher.
As Kogo, Lagat and Gebremeskei were pushing with Merga barely holding on. Gebre started to have problems about 4k, and his form started to fall off, and he finished fifth in 13:13.20.
Micah Kogo is not known for his kick, but there he was, in the lead, pushing the pace. The top pack made up four seconds in the last kilometer, putting them right on pace for a 13:05. Hitting the last lap at 12:05 were Kogo, Lagat, Gebremeskei and Imane.
Lagat moved up from fourth to third on the backstraight, and he and Kogo were next to each other coming off the straightaway. Lagat would inch up the pace and Kogo would respond. The runners were all out, with Gebremeskei right on their backs, as the crowed stood up, and Lagat, Kogo and Gebremeskei fought for the win.
In the end, it was Micah Kogo in 13:02.90, with Bernard Lagat in second in 13:03.06, and Dejen Gebremeskei in third in 13:03.13 and Imane Merga in fourth in 13:04.68.
A great 5,000 meter, a meet record and the thirteen minute barrier there for another year! But, what a race!
Bernard told this writer after the race that he had a tough time with the wind, ” My stomach bothered me a little during the race, but I really wanted to break thirteen minutes!”
Men’s 110m hurdles
Terrance Trammel is at the top of his game. He took this race over early and owned it, winning in 13.12. Aries Merritt took second in 13.28. Ryan Brathwaite was third in 13.30. Antwon Hicks was fourth in 13.35. David Payne was fifth in 13.37. Richard Phillips was sixth in 13.42. Ladji Doucoure of France ran 13.56 in seventh place.
In the second heat, Jerome Miller won in 13.28.
After the race, Terrance observed ” Today was better. I wanted to make sure I attacked the first part of my race. I should have stayed more aggressive. I feel good how things turned out. On the last two hurdles I didn’t get my lead leg down like I wanted. It’s still a month until USA Nationals. By then, everything will be okay.”
Men’s 400 meter hurdles
The 400 meter hurdles has been hot this season, with Felix Sanchez, Angelo Taylor, James Carter and Kerron Clement duking it out at the adidas Track Classic. This weekend, Bershawn Jackson, Angelo Taylor, James Carter were all in the Rbk Grand Prix.
In the second heat, Bershawn Jackson used the last meters, after the last hurdle to take the win here, running 48.52. Javier Culson was second, with the same time. Danny McFarlane, the grand old man of the 400m hurdles, was third in 48.89. Michael Tinsley ran 49.37. Angelo Taylor of U.S., the 2000 and 2008 Olympic gold medalist was fifth in 49.67. James Carter was sixth in 49.76.
Bershawn’s comments in the mixed zone were ” My coach had a strategy and all I did was stick to the game plan. It feels great to come here and be victorious in New York. I’m upset that I got a bronze medal in Beijing. It’s time to redeem myself and show that I’m the best hurdler in the world.”
Men’s Javelin
Adam Montague threw 76.81 to win the javelin. Bobby Smith was second in 71.53m. Joshua Kaehler was third in 70.59m.
30/05/2009
Reebok Grand Prix
New York City, NY, 30/05/2009
Men’ results
100 Metres – Men (Summary)
Pts
1 Rodgers , Michael USA 9.93 10
2 Padgett , Travis USA 9.96 8
3 Mullings , Steve JAM 9.98 7
4 Patton , Darvis USA 10.00 6
5 Thompson , Richard TRI 10.01 5
6 Bailey , Daniel ANT 10.02 4
7 Powell , Asafa JAM 10.10 3
8 Frater , Michael JAM 10.15 2
100 Metres – Men Race 1 Wind: +3.1 m/s
Pts
1 Rodgers , Michael USA 9.93 10
2 Padgett , Travis USA 9.96 8
3 Mullings , Steve JAM 9.98 7
4 Patton , Darvis USA 10.00 6
5 Thompson , Richard TRI 10.01 5
6 Bailey , Daniel ANT 10.02 4
7 Powell , Asafa JAM 10.10 3
8 Frater , Michael JAM 10.15 2
9 Carter , Nesta JAM 10.16
100 Metres – Men Race 2 Wind: +0.0 m/s
1 Blake , Yohan JAM 10.20
2 Edward , Alonso PAN 10.22
3 Atkins , Derrick BAH 10.23
4 Williams , Ivory USA 10.23
5 Kimmons , Trell USA 10.30
6 Armstrong , Aaron TRI 10.31
7 Dixon , Leroy USA 10.32
8 Barnes , Winston JAM 10.37
9 Bledman , Keston TRI 10.52
200 Metres – Men Wind: +1.3 m/s
Pts
1 Gay , Tyson USA 19.58 10
2 Spearmon , Wallace USA 19.98 8
3 Carter , Xavier USA 20.27 7
4 Wariner , Jeremy USA 20.30 6
5 Larry , Lionel USA 20.32 5
6 Martin , Rodney USA 20.56 4
7 Neville , David USA 20.66 3
8 Callander , Emmanuel TRI 20.98 2
400 Metres – Men
Pts
1 Merritt , LaShawn USA 44.75 10
2 Quow , Renny TRI 44.89 8
3 Brown , Chris BAH 45.04 7
4 Henry , Tabarie ISV 45.10 6
5 Williams , Andrae BAH 45.31 5
6 Clement , Kerron USA 45.76 4
7 Chambers , Ricardo JAM 46.02 3
8 Curry , Randy USA 46.86 2
800 Metres – Men
Pts
1 Robinson , Khadevis USA 1:46.00 10
2 Reed , Gary CAN 1:46.22 8
3 Lalang , Boaz Kiplagat KEN 1:46.48 7
4 Smith , Christian USA 1:46.69 6
5 Brannen , Nathan CAN 1:46.70 5
6 Shaw , Brandon USA 1:47.33 4
7 Lomong , Lopez USA 1:47.42 3
8 Johnson , Jonathan USA 1:47.68 2
9 Emrani , Dustin USA 1:48.97
10 Krummenacker , David USA 1:49.83
Bascom , Deon GUY DNF
1500 Metres – Men
Pts
1 Manzano , Leonel USA 3:34.14 10
2 van Deventer , Juan RSA 3:34.30 8
3 Legesse , Henok ETH 3:34.42 7
4 van der Westhuizen , Peter RSA 3:35.33 6
5 Myers , Rob USA 3:36.66 5
6 Solares , Pablo MEX 3:36.67 4
7 Milne , Taylor CAN 3:37.26 3
8 Bumbalough , Andrew USA 3:38.23 2
9 Sherer , Steve USA 3:39.98 1
10 Webb , Alan USA 3:42.58 1
11 Lukezic , Christopher USA 3:43.15 1
12 Summerside , Seth USA 3:44.04 1
Joseph , Moise HAI DNF
5000 Metres – Men
Pts
1 Kogo , Micah KEN 13:02.90 10
2 Lagat , Bernard USA 13:03.06 8
3 Gebremeskel , Dejen ETH 13:03.13 7
4 Merga , Imane ETH 13:04.68 6
5 Gebremariam , Gebre-egziabher ETH 13:13.20 5
6 Warga , Sahle ETH 13:29.78 4
7 Fikadu , Habtamu ETH 13:30.29 3
8 Chelanga , Samuel KEN 13:30.77 2
9 McCormick , Nick GBR 13:31.12 1
10 Pilkington , Seth USA 13:53.01 1
11 Rono , Aron KEN 13:59.82 1
Barrios , Juan Luis MEX DNF
Boit , Josphat KEN DNF
Lagat , Haron KEN DNF
110 Metres Hurdles – Men (Summary)
Pts
1 Trammell , Terrence USA 13.12 10
2 Merritt , Aries USA 13.28 7.50
2 Miller , Jerome USA 13.28 7.50
4 Brathwaite , Ryan BAR 13.30 6
5 Sands , Shamar BAH 13.32 5
6 Hicks , Antwon USA 13.35 4
7 Payne , David USA 13.37 3
8 Phillips , Richard JAM 13.42 2
110 Metres Hurdles – Men Race 1 Wind: +0.1 m/s
Pts
1 Trammell , Terrence USA 13.12 10
2 Merritt , Aries USA 13.28 7.50
3 Brathwaite , Ryan BAR 13.30 6
4 Hicks , Antwon USA 13.35 4
5 Payne , David USA 13.37 3
6 Phillips , Richard JAM 13.42 2
7 Doucouré , Ladji FRA 13.56
110 Metres Hurdles – Men Race 2 Wind: +2.1 m/s
Pts
1 Miller , Jerome USA 13.28 7.50
2 Sands , Shamar BAH 13.32 5
3 Mitchum , Eric USA 13.50
4 Aina , Colin USA 14.13
400 Metres Hurdles – Men (Summary)
Pts
1 Jackson , Bershawn USA 48.52 10
2 Culson , Javier PUR 48.52 8
3 McFarlane , Danny JAM 48.89 7
4 Tinsley , Micheal USA 49.37 6
5 Taylor , Angelo USA 49.67 5
6 Carter , James USA 49.76 4
7 Williams , Derrick USA 49.77 3
8 Johnson , Brandon USA 50.12 2
400 Metres Hurdles – Men Race 1
Pts
1 Williams , Derrick USA 49.77 3
2 Johnson , Brandon USA 50.12 2
3 Griffiths , Dean JAM 50.53
4 McCoy , Reuben USA 50.96
5 Tard , Marqueth USA 51.48
Ferguson , Kenneth USA DQ
Rucker , Reggie USA DNS
400 Metres Hurdles – Men Race 2
Pts
1 Jackson , Bershawn USA 48.52 10
2 Culson , Javier PUR 48.52 8
3 McFarlane , Danny JAM 48.89 7
4 Tinsley , Micheal USA 49.37 6
5 Taylor , Angelo USA 49.67 5
6 Carter , James USA 49.76 4
7 Buckley , Markino JAM 50.75
Javelin Throw – Men
Pts
1 Montague , Adam USA 76.81 10
2 Smith , Bobby USA 71.53 8
3 Kaehler , Joshua USA 70.59 7
4 Krammes , Barry USA 69.77 6
5 St.Clair , Justin USA 68.43 5
6 Gale , Dan USA 64.35 4
Furey , Sean USA DNS
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