The last day of the USA Championships in Des Moines did not disappoint. From Clermont trainee Tyson Gay's double to hometown girl Jenny Simpson's win in the 5000 meters, the Sunshine State showed why we are so talent rich from the high school level to today's top athletes.
She's Still Jenny From The Block - Is Another World Championship On The Horizon?
Jenny Barringer, AKA Jenny Simpson, grew up in Central Florida and attended Oviedo High School. Then, Jenny Barringer she competed in the flrunners.com Invitational and has come along way since being a high school star shining at the University of Colorado and now as a professional for New Balance. Simpson took home the 5000 in 15:33.37 and is headed to Moscow. In 2011, we watched and cheered for Jenny as she brought home the World Championship in the 1500m Here's hoping for a repeat!
FloTrack Interview: Jenny Simpson - Post Race
Watch more video of USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships 2013 on flotrack.org
What Injuries? Tyson Gay Is In Tip Top Shape
After running 9.75 to win the 100, Gay , who trains in Clermont, was back in the 200. Many wondered if it was too much for the United States top sprinter, but it wasn't a concern. He ran a wind-aided 19.79 at a low key meet in Clermont and told me earlier that week he wanted to get work in that distance. Sunday night he wowed the crowed with a world leading time of 19.74. He looks to challenge Usain Bolt in both events less than two months from now at the World Championships in Moscow. Clermont training partner Curtis Mitchell was third in 19.99. Former FSU standout Maurice Mitchell sixth in 20.32. Dedric Dukes of UF was 8th in 20.45.
FloTrack Interview: Tyson Gay - Post Race
FloTrack Interview: Curtis Mitchell - Post Race
Watch more video of USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships 2013 on flotrack.org
Gator Nation 5-6-7 In Long Jump
They say Gator Nation is everywhere and in Des Moines, Iowa this weekend it sure seemed that way. Past and present UF athletes performed at the USA Championships. Current UF athlete Marquis Dendy was fifth in the lonh jump while former stars and 2012 Olympians Christian Taylor and Will Claye were sixth and seventh respectively. Taylor who earned a wildcard berth in the triple jump had to compete in an event in order to head to Moscow.
FloTrack Interview: Christian Taylor
Watch more video of USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships 2013 on flotrack.org
Other Highlights
- Former University of Miami hurdler and 2012 Olympia T'Erea Brown now running for Adidas was fourth in the 400m hurdles with a time of 55.05