Williams Runs Away With 100 Spotlight

By Helene Elliott

July 10, 2004 12 AM PT

Times Staff Writer

SACRAMENTO —

Marion Jones didn’t speak to reporters after she finished second to LaTasha Colander in a so-so 11.38 seconds in the first 100-meter dash quarterfinal Friday at the Olympic track and field trials.

Lauryn Williams’ 11.13 in the final heat, however, spoke volumes.

Williams, the University of Miami junior whose triumphant NCAA time of 10.97 was the second-fastest in the world this year, overcame a bout with nerves to run the top qualifying time for today’s semifinals. Perhaps Jones was smart to conserve her energy, given the times and obvious zeal of her rivals.

“I have the sense that it’s anybody’s ballgame this year,” said Inger Miller, who won her heat in 11.28. “Fans like that. They’re not coming out knowing who’s going to win and who’s playing for second and third.”

The top three finishers in today’s final will be nominated to the U.S. team for the Athens Games. There’s no guarantee that Jones, the Sydney gold medalist, will be among them.

Still the focus of an inquiry by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency into her possible drug use, Jones ran the seventh-fastest time Friday after getting a typically slow start. She has been erratic since returning from the birth of her son last year, most recently finishing fifth at the Prefontaine Classic last month in 11.12 seconds. Colander surged past her about halfway through the race at Hornet Stadium at Cal State-Sacramento.

“She’s not at the point where she was in previous years,” Miller said.

Torri Edwards and Gail Devers were timed in 11.36 into a headwind in the third heat. And Angela Williams, a four-time NCAA champion at USC, also advanced with an 11.47.

“I think it’s a more wide-open field this year,” said Edwards, who was placed ahead of Devers. “There’s a lot of great talent out there.”

Among those talents is Lauryn Williams, who ran past reporters with the words, “Super-great. Very excited,” but gave a statement to a meet official.

“I was super-nervous before the race,” she said. “Things weren’t coming together at the practice track today. My nervousness turned out to be a good thing.”

In the day’s only final, UCLA alumnus Meb Keflezighi set a trials record in winning the 10,000 in 27 minutes 36.49 seconds. The previous record of 27:45.61 was set in 1980 by Craig Virgin.

“When is Meb going to get respect,” said Keflezighi, who will probably focus on the marathon in Athens, using the 10,000 as a tuneup for that event. He has already qualified for the marathon at Athens.

UCLA’s Sheena Johnson easily won her qualifying heat in the 400-meter hurdles in 55.64 and advanced to today’s semifinals. The NCAA champion, whose time of 53.54 seconds last month at Austin, Texas, is the second-fastest in the world this season, was well ahead of her pursuers and relaxed down the stretch. She lost her stride at the last hurdle and nearly stumbled, but she righted herself.

“I cruised it in the last 100 meters, but I slowed down a little too much,” she said. “I’m still working on my step pattern.”

Johnson acknowledged she was spent after the college season and got a lot of rest the last month.

“I have a target on my back right now,” she said, “but that keeps me motivated.”

Sandra Glover had the fastest qualifying time, 54.52.

In men’s shotput qualifying, John Godina led the field with a put of 70 feet, 8 1/2 inches, ahead of Adam Nelson (70-4 1/4), Christian Cantwell (68-7 1/4) and Reese Hoffa (66-7 1/4). The final will be contested today.

Cantwell has the top four results in the world this season, with Godina, Nelson and Hoffa occupying the next nine places. Only three will be allowed to compete in Athens.

“I’m ready to do something big,” Nelson said. “We’ve got a great opportunity here.”

Sisters-in-law Hazel Clark and Jearl Miles-Clark had the fastest qualifying times in the women’s 800, at 2:02.65 and 2:03.24, respectively. Nicole Teter (2:03.30) and Jen Toomey (2:03.35) were the next-fastest qualifiers. The semifinal will take place today and the final will be held on Monday.

Vanitta Kinard, a 1993 graduate of El Camino Real High in Woodland Hills, led the women’s triple jump qualifying at 46-2. Three-time U.S. indoor champion Tiombe Hurd was second at 45-10 3/4.

In the women’s 5,000 meter qualifying, Marla Runyan won her heat in 15:36.75. Jen Rhines, who has already made the Athens marathon team, won her heat in 15:50.08.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials

* When: Today through July 18 (no competitions Tuesday and Wednesday).

* Where: Alex G. Spanos Sports Complex at Cal State Sacramento’s Hornet Stadium.

* On TV:

(Tape delayed except on July 17)

Today...8 p.m., Channel 4

Sunday...7 p.m., Channel 4

Monday...10 p.m., USA

Thursday...10 p.m., USA

Friday...11 p.m., USA

July 17...2 p.m., Channel 4