Many Highs at USA Indoor Track & Field Championships
"This whole year has been so exciting, from breaking my world record four times during the indoor season, to winning my sixth indoor title this weekend," Dragila said. "It is also great to have the Pontiac sponsorship standing behind USA Track & Field and putting up two cars, that really shows their commitment to track and field."
Trammell said he was pleased with his performance at the meet, especially considering he hails from the area. Trammell was born in Atlanta and went to high school at Decatur's Southwest DeKalb HS. "I'm just happy to be able to come and run good. You just know that everybody at home is looking for you to do well," he said. "You don't want to disappoint the hometown crowd. Being in my home city may have been an advantage. … I just want to win, time doesn't matter."
Other highlights included a world-leading throw by 2000 Olympic Trials shot put champion Adam Nelson. The Atlanta-born graduate of Lovett High School in Atlanta won his first U.S. indoor title, with a 70-2.5 heave.
Chryste Gaines came on strong in the last half of the women's 60 meters to run the fastest time by an American this year with her 7.15-second winning effort. It was the first-ever U.S. title for the 30-year-old 1996 Olympic 4x100m relay gold medalist.
"I thought my performance today was good," Gaines said. "I am still working on a better start to the race, but my finish is obviously there. … I am really looking forward to going to the World's next week."
Seneca Lassiter won his first indoor title in the men's mile, cruising across the finish line in 3:58.67. Collette Liss won the women's mile in 4:35.24.
NCAA steeplechase champion Tim Broe won his first U.S. championship in the men's 3,000 with a time of 7:52.22. John McEwen was golden in the men's hammer with a throw of 74-4.5, while Stephen Moore won the heptathlon with 6078 points.
Nathan Leeper won his first U.S. title in the men's high jump at 7-5.75. Amy Acuff, a two-time U.S. outdoor champion, won her first USA indoor title with a jump of 1.92m (6-3.5). "My series felt great," Acuff said. "I was very loose. I haven't competed for a month, since Millrose (in early February). My power is incredible and I'm looking forward to going to Portugal. All of my goals will come together at Worlds."
Trinity Gray was first
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