By Gary Smith, TrackAlerts.Com Contributor
EUGENE, Ore. – Tyson Gay and Tori Bowie won the men’s and women’s 100m dash titles at the 2015 USATF Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Friday night.
Bowie, one of the pre-trials favourites to win the sprint double, completed the first part of the assignment after she powered her way past the field in the closing metres to win the national title in 10.81secs (+1.2).
English Gardner, who posted 10.79 in the semi-finals, was slightly slower in the final, but ran an impressive 10.86 for second place.
The surprise package though, was Jasmine Todd of Oregon, who left her best race for when it matters as she stunned some big names with a 10.92 for third place to secure a place on the team to the World Championships.
Former national champion Carmelita Jeter finished the race on the floor after she apparently strained her left quad muscle towards the end of the race. The 35-year-old was seventh in 11.01.
Six of the top eight finishers broke 11 seconds in the final, with Jeneba Tarmoh (10.93) Tianna Bartoletta (10.94) and Jenna Prandini (Oregon, 10.96) also earning a place to Beijing as part of the sprint relay squad.
Gay Powers Home For Victory
In the men’s category, Tyson Gay also showed his strength in the final metres on his way to running 9.87 (+0.0) – punching his ticket to Beijing.
Baylor sophomore and NCAA star Trayvon Bromell was unable to produce his early round form in the decider, but raced home for second place in 9.96. Michael Rodgers ran 9.97 for third place.
Gay, Bromell and Rodgers will be joined at the world championships by world-leader Justin Gatlin, who has a bye in the 100m.
Merritt In, Richards-Ross Out
In other results on the second day at these USA trials, David Verburg raced into the final of the men’s 400m as the fastest qualifier after his dominating performance of 44.41 to win the first semi-finals.
Defending world champion LaShawn Merritt won the other semis in 44.78, which was the second quickest of the two heats. Merritt, who already has a berth to Beijing, revealed that he will show up to run the final.
Bryshon Nellum (44.92), Tony McQuay (44.93) and Marcus Chambers (Oregon, 44.95) all broke 45-seconds, while NCAA champion Vernon Norwood of L S U recorded 45.10 to make the final as well.
On the women’s side, Francena McCorory posted a world-leading 49.85 to win semi-final two with Allyson Felix clocking 50.62 to take the first heat.
Natasha Hastings (50.28), Kendall Baisden (50.50), Jessica Beard (50.68) and Phyllis Francis (50.77) are also in the final.
However, Olympic champion Sanya Richards-Ross missed out on a place in the final after she shockingly finished fifth in her heat in 50.95.
Elsewhere on the track, Chanelle Price (2:00.05), Maggie Vessey (2:00.05), Alysia Montano (2:00.11), Ajee’ Wilson (2:00.14), Molly Ludlow (2:00.22) and Brenda Martinez (2:00.38) all booked 800m final spot on the women’s side, while Casimir Loxsom (1:44.92) Erik Sowinski (1:45.30) Michael Rutt (1:45.47) and Duane Solomon Jr (1:45.56) are the top contenders for the men’s half-lap crown.
The USA Trials continues on Saturday at 11:40 pacific time.
