Posted: May 7, 2005

Athletics: The World's Elite converge at Modesto this Weekend

They will run, they will jump and they will throw. The only question is how far will some of the top track and field events in the world do in their particular event.

But the bottom line is they will all be in Modesto for Saturday's 64th Annual Coca Cola Modesto Relays.

Some of the invitational fields are loaded with so much talent one might think they are at either a U.S. Outdoor Championship, a World Championship or a World Cup.

The men's pole features two men that have cleared the magical 6-meter (19 feet, 8.25 inches) barrier. Toby Stevenson did the honors in winning at last year's Modesto Relays. German Tim Lobinger of Germany has also tasted 6-meter air. He won two years ago.

In that field also features Americans Derek Miles, Jeff Hartwig and Sonoran Tye Harvey
(Note…Harvey's wife, high-jumper Amy Acuff, will serve as one of the field reporters.)

The women's pole vault is just as loaded with Tracy O'Hara, Kellie Suttle, Jillian Swartz, Dana Ellis and Chelsea Johnson. An injury suffered at practice last week, has forced Stacy Dragilia to withdraw from the competition. But she will be there to provide support.

Hometown favorite Suzy Powell will be involved in the discus. Kris Kuel and Deshanta Williams will also be there.

The men's 400 features some of the top runners in that distance. Leading the way is double Olympic gold medalist Jeremy Wariner. Mitch Potter, a graduate from the University of Minnesota and a member of the 4x400 relay team in the 2003 World Championships (he ran a leg of a qualifying heat in Paris) is entered. Jerome Davis, who was on the 1999 World Championships team, is also in the meet.

In the 110 high hurdles, Allen Johnson will face a stiff competition from Dawayne Wallace, Dominique Arnold and Duane Ross.

John Godina and Christian Cantwell will be facing off in the shot put. They were two of the top throwers in the world last year.

Khadevis Robinson leads a talented field in the 800. Also slated to run in that event are Werner Botha, Floyd Thompson and Nick Bromley.

Kenta Bell is entered in the triple jump and hopes to open at Modesto with a huge mark.