No where to hide for Spotakova.
Byline: NOTEBOOK By Chris Hansen and Bob Rodman The Register-GuardDespite a funny runway and an attentive crowd, Barbora Spotakova prevailed on Sunday in the women's javelin with a throw of 213 feet, 11 inches.
It was the first time the women's javelin was held at the Pre Classic since 1994.
Spotakova, who was ranked No. 1 in the world by the IAAF last season, admitted that it took a while to adjust her approach because of how the javelin runway drastically changes from narrow to wide. Then she had to shake off the nerves that came when she realized the fans actually were paying attention to the competition.
"I'm not used to that," the native of the Czech Republic said.
American record-holder Kim Kreiner was second at 193-0, and American Dana Pounds was third at 192-3. All three of the top finishers surpassed Kreiner's Hayward Field record of 189-7.
Men's shot put
Trailing with one throw to go, Christian Cantwell saved his best for last.
Cantwell threw 71 feet, 7 1/2 inches on his final attempt to take the lead away from fellow American Reese Hoffa, who finished second at 71- 1/2 .
Cantwell's throw was the third-best in the world this season. Last week he set the top mark at 72- 3/4 .
Cantwell led after the first round at 70-2 1/4 . Hoffa jumped ahead after the second round, but fouled on his following four attempts, leaving the window open for Cantwell.
It was Cantwell's third victory at the Pre Classic.
No records, just wins
Sanya Richards made her outdoor season debut at Pre and won the women's 400 for the second consecutive year.
The American record-holder (48.70) was first in 50.74. Mary Wineberg was second in 50.95 and Monique Henderson third in 51.43.
"I wish I could've run faster," said Richards, a two-time national champion and 2005 World Championships silver medalist. "The fans deserve a better performance, but it was my first race."
Congo's Gary Kikaya won the men's 400 in 44.93 after finishing second in the 2006 Pre meet. LaShawn Merritt, last year's winner, was second in 45.17 and Angelo Taylor third in 45.23.
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| Title Annotation: | Sports; World's top-ranked javelin thrower a bit unnerved by all the attention from Hayward fans |
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| Publication: | The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) |
| Date: | Jun 11, 2007 |
| Words: | 367 |
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