Team USA tunes-up at World Juniors Pre-Meet

Team USA tunes-up at World Juniors Pre-Meet

FOLLONICA, Italy - Eight Team USA members on Wednesday competed against junior athletes from Australia, Italy and New Zealand at the Pre-World Meet at Athletica Follonica Stadium in Follonica, Italy.

The meet provides U.S. athletes an opportunity to compete together before competing at the 2004 IAAF World Junior Track & Field Championships, July 13-18 in Grosseto, Italy. Thursday will be the final day of Pre-Meet competition for Team USA at stadium.

UCLA's Brandon Johnson goal in the men's 400m hurdles was to work on his start en route to win in 53.58 seconds. "I just wanted to work on the first three hurdles and my start because my start is the main part of race," said Johnson. The Pac-10 400m hurdles champion, Johnson plans to run the 4x400m relay in tomorrow's Pre-Meet in Grosseto.

Caitilyn Chock and Selina Sekulic finished first and second in the women's 3,000m. Chock bound for the University of Richmond ran 9 minutes, 34.96 seconds with Wake Forest University's Sekulic (10:08.44).

Kerron Clement entered the men's 200m dash to work on his speed. The reigning NCAA 400m hurdles champion turned in the fastest time of 21.55 seconds between both 200m heats to win. "I want to work on my speed down the last 150 meters because I've had problems in the past," said Clement.

University of Texas' Michelle Carter won the women's shot put with a toss of 15.52 meters/50 feet, 11 inches followed by Michaela Wallerstedt a senior at Burke High School (Neb.) finished second with a toss of 14.06m/46-1.50. "I was just going over some technique, getting my feet down at the same time while not trying to release too early," said Carter. "This is going to be a great meet (World Junior Championships) and I am excited to be here because this will be my last junior meet, " Carter continued.

Josh McDougal of Peru, NY, ran 8:12.34 to win the men's 3,000m while Mallory Webb of Fresno State University threw 47.98m/157-5 to finish second in the women's javelin.

For more information on the 2004 IAAF World Junior Track & Field Championships, including results from the Pre-World Meet, visit www.fidal.it or USATF's newly redesigned website at www.usatf.org.