Posted: March 25, 2005

Athletics: Capel Headlines Day Three At Florida Relays

By Bob Ramsak, Track Profile

(c) 2004 Track Profile all rights reserved TrackProfile.com

Several notable outdoor debuts, including that of reigning world 200 meter champion John Capel, are on tap as the Coca-Cola Florida Relays continue today in Gainesville.

Capel returns to action to headline the half-lap in his first race since the the World Athletics Final last September where he finished sixth in the 100 meters. The men's 400 features two-time NCAA champion Rickey Harris and sub-45 runner Mitch Potter, a member of the U.S. 4x400 relay squad at the 2003 World Championships. Harris, who also has a sub-45 personal best, will also contest the 200. Florida A&M's Kevin Hicks, this year's NCAA indoor and U.S. indoor champion in the 800, is scheduled to make his outdoor debut as well.

Latasha Colander, the 2004 U.S. champion in the 100 meters, was listed in early start lists as an entry in the 100 meter hurdles. But in an email to TPR, her manager Robert Wagner said the listing was most likely an error, confirming that Colander would not be contesting the hurdles. Lashinda Demus, a 2004 in the 400 meter hurdles, will contest the shorter race.

Erin Gilreath, the national record holder in the hammer throw who improved the world best indoors this year in the 35-pound weight throw, makes her outdoor debut as well.

Founded in 1939, this is the 62nd running of the annual four-day event, which began Wednesday with competition in the multi-events. At the 1959 edition, the University of Florida unveiled the first all-weather track surface in the world.

Get a FREE trial Subscription to
The TRACK PROFILE Report TODAY!

© 1996 - 2005 RunnersWeb.com - All rights reserved.