USATF Chief Happy With U.S. World Showing

In all Americans won 17 medals the breakdown is as follows: Gold (11) - Stacy Dragila (pole vault), C.J. Hunter (shot put), Jones (100), Greene (100 and 200), Anthony Washington (discus), Johnson (400), Inger Miller (200), Gail Devers (100 hurdles), men's 4 by 100 and men's 4by 400; silver (3) - Inger Miller (100), Regina Jacobs (1500), women's 4 by 400; and bronze (3) - Jones (long jump), Duane Ross (110 hurdles), Chris Huffins (decathlon).

In other USATF news, the United States Olympic Committee named John Smith and Joe Gentry coaches of the year. Smith of Los Angeles has been named track and field's National Coach of the Year, and Gentry of Monument, Colo., has been named the sport's Developmental Coach of the Year.

According to a USATF press release, "During his 15 years as an assistant coach at his collegiate alma mater, UCLA, John Smith has established himself as one of the world's finest sprint and hurdles coaches."

Along with his duties at UCLA, Smith trains Greene, the 100 meter world record-holder, as well as two-time Olympic bronze medalist Ato Boldon, two-time world 4 by 100m relay champion Jon Drummond, 1999 world 200 meter champion Miller and 1996 Olympic 200 and 400 meter gold medalist Marie-Jose Perec.

Gentry's career encompasses a broad range of achievements including accomplished athlete, decorated soldier, successful coach, track meet official and administrator in the Olympic movement, according to the USATF. Gentry, who began the Joe Gentry Track Troupe in 1989, also developed a college placement program that has secured college scholarships for numerous athletes throughout the country. With a specialty in sprints, hurdles and relays, Gentry has served as a meet official for many years at national championship, invitational and Special Olympics events across the country.

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