On to the women’s 100 meter finals...
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EUGENE, Ore.--Could Allyson Felix’s sprint double hopes be fading?
The Los Angeles resident finished an unspectacular third with 11.00 in her 100-meter semifinal Saturday, behind Torri Edwards’ scorching 10.78 and Mechelle Lewis’ 10.97. In the other semifinal, Marshevet Hooker again won her heat, this time with a 10.89. Muna Lee (10.91) was second, with Lauryn Williams and Angela Williams each timed at 10.92.
Only the top three finishers in Saturday’s final will go to Beijing -- and the way Hooker and Edwards are running, they have to be considered the favorites. Lauryn Williams, Lee and Felix might be fighting for that final spot.
Angela Williams’ time was a personal best, and it’s easy to be happy for the USC graduate and four-time NCAA 100-meter champion. She graduated in 2002 and made the 2004 Athens team in the 400-meter relay, which dropped the baton and didn’t finish. She has had something of a renaissance, winning the indoor world title at 60 meters.
Williams, 28, was delighted with her semifinal showing and personal record.
‘It went really smooth. My main thing was just focusing on the finish and just running all the way through and running hard,’ she said. ‘I can’t complain. It’s a big PR for me. All I could do is my best and I definitely did that.’
-- Helene Elliott