Runyan Skids Into 21st Place

Marla Runyan was in 21st place among 26 competitors after posting disappointing marks in two of four events Friday on the first day of the heptathlon at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in Atlanta.

Runyan, a former Camarillo High standout who is legally blind, has 2,408 points entering today’s final three events--the long jump, javelin and 800 meters.

She fared poorly in the high jump, one of her specialties, taking 10th in her group at 5 feet 6 inches. Her career-best is 5-10 3/4 and she holds the Camarillo High record of 5-7, set in 1987.

Runyan also faltered in the shot put, one of her weakest events, placing 11th in her group at 35-8 1/2. She was hoping for a mark of at least 38 feet.

She performed better in the running events, placing third in heats of the 100 hurdles (13.91 seconds) and 200 (24.67).

Johnny Gray of Agoura advanced to the semifinals of the 800 meters with a time of 1:47.35. Gray placed first in his heat.

Amy Skieresz of Westlake Village placed fifth in the 5,000 meters with a time of 16:06.54 and advanced to the final.