Barringer Named USATF Athlete of the Week After American Record in Germany

INDIANAPOLIS - Jenny Barringer has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after setting an American Record in the women's 3,000m steeplechase Sunday at the KBC Night of Athletics in Heusden, Germany.

The 2007 USA Outdoor champion and a 2008 Olympic Team member, Barringer won the race in 9 minutes 22.73 seconds, breaking Anna Willard's 17-day old American record of 9:27.75, set July 3 at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Barringer and Willard battled for the win, but it was Barringer who brought the biggest kick in the final 30 meters to grab the victory. Willard finished second in a personal best of 9:22.76.

Now in its seventh year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.

2008 USATF Athlete of the Week Winners: January 8, Cheryl Foody; January 16, Nick Vena; January 22, Chanelle Price; January 29, Antwon Hicks; February 5, Adam Nelson; February 12, Lolo Jones; February 19, Adam Nelson; February 27, Michael Rodgers; March 3, Thomas Morgan; March 11, Bryan Clay; March 18, Bianca Knight; March 25, Phil Raschker; April 1, Orville Rogers; April 8, Lisa Koll; April 15, Ryan Hall, April 22, Deena Kastor; April 29, Leo Manzano; May 6, Shalane Flanagan; May 13, Bonnie Richardson; May 20, Jenn Stuczynski; May 27, Chanelle Price; June 3, German Fernandez; June 10, Brad Walker; June 18, Jenny Barringer; July 11, Jenn Stuczynski; July 16, Walter Henning; July 23, Jenny Barringer.