1500 metros en los trials de Eugene

No casualties in 1500m semis

The two men’s 1500m semifinals were won by the expected, Bernard Lagat, and the unpredictable, Gabe Jennings. Lagat kicked home in 3:43.83 to Rob Myers’ 3:43.98, while Alan Webb, who led most of the way, faded to fifth in 3:44.32, although still qualifying for Sunday’s final. Jennings also finished strongly to win the second semi in 3:40.07, edging Lopez Lomong and Leonel Manzano.

The women’s 1500m semifinals were won by Shannon Rowbury in 4:11.75, and Lindsay Gallo in 4:12.54. Also of interest was 16-year-old Californian Jordan Hasay, who set an American high school record as she finished fifth behind Gallo in 4:14.50. She will run in Sunday’s final, then fly to Poland, and is scheduled to run at the World Junior Championships on Friday, a week from today.

Otra fuente: 1,500 SEMIFINAL

After placing fourth in his qualifying heat, Bernard Lagat wanted to make a statement in the semifinals.

The 5,000 winner accomplished that goal, placing first in heat one at 3:43.83 and serving notice that he is the man to beat in Sunday's final.

"I'm always good at semifinals," Lagat said. "I always like to run semifinals and win semifinals. That's the beginning of the final event."

Alan Webb, the U.S. record holder in the mile who had the fastest qualifying time, was fifth in Lagat's heat at 3:44.23. The top six placers in each heat move on to the final.

Lagat is the defending world outdoor champion in the 1,500 and 5,000. He won a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and a bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympics representing Kenya, both in the 1,500.

At the age of 33, Lagat said he is "still learning."

"Today I used my experience to run a good race," said Lagat, who stayed with the leaders the entire way. "I can't wait till Sunday."

Oregon sophomore A.J. Acosta, who was added to the semifinal heats after meet officials ruled that he was inadvertently tripped during the third lap of his qualifying heat Thursday, was eighth in heat one (3:44.96).

"It's rough when you miss the final by about a half second," Acosta said. "I gave it my all and that's all I can really ask for. I ran out of gas the last 50 meters."

Grant Robison, a McMinnville High School graduate, was 12th in heat one (3:46.08).

The pace was faster in heat two with Gabe Jennings prevailing in 3:40.07. Lopez Lamong, who was fifth in the 800, was second (3:40.26).

El campeón mundial de los 1.500 y 5.000 m, Bernard Lagat, se había clasificado para las semifinales de la primera distancia pese a llegar cuarto en su serie, dominada por Alan Webb. Webb lideró las 24 vueltas con crono de 3 minutos 41.27 segundos, y Lagat clasificó con 3:42.11. También habían avanzado a semifinales el atleta de origen sudanés Lopez Lomong (3:43.38) y el mexicano-estadounidense Leonel Manzano (3:43.41).

La final de los 1.500 será la última carrera de las eliminatorias de Eugene.

fuentes: IAAF, Ecodiario, StatesManJournal