Posted: August 26, 2005

Athletics: USATF News & Notes, Volume 6, Number 66

Gatlin, Johnson, Demus win in Brussels

Justin Gatlin, Allen Johnson and Lashinda Demus all were winners Friday night at the Memorial Van Damme IAAF Golden League meet in Brussels, Belgium.

The reigning world and Olympic champion at 100 meters, Gatlin continued his domination of the event with his win in 9.99 seconds. Gatlin defeated a strong field that included Ronald Pognon of France (2nd-10.05), 2005 World Outdoor Championships fifth-place finisher Dwight Thomas of Jamaica (3rd-10.11), 2005 World Outdoor fourth- place finisher Francis Obikwelu of Portugal (4th-10.15) and 2003 world outdoor champion Kim Collins of St. Kitts & Nevis (5th-10.16).

Also Friday in Brussels, 1996 Olympic gold medalist and four-time world outdoor champion Allen Johnson led a U.S. sweep of the top four positions in the men's 110m hurdles.

Johnson crossed the finish line first in 13.16 seconds, with 2005 world outdoor championships fourth-place finisher Dominique Arnold right on his heels as the runner-up in 13.17. Two-time Olympic Games silver medalist Terrence Trammell was third in 13.28, with 2005 world outdoor champs sixth-placer Joel Brown fourth in 13.29.

In women's action on the track, 2005 World Outdoor Championships silver medalist Lashinda Demus won the women's 400m hurdles in 53.61 seconds, with fellow American and 2005 world outdoor bronze medalist Sandra Glover the runner-up in 53.73.

Elsewhere, 2005 World Outdoor Championships fifth-place finisher Lisa Barber was the runner-up in the women's 100 meters in 11.05 seconds, and world outdoor women's 800m finalist Hazel Clark finished third her in that event in 2:01.15.

In the women's long jump, 2005 World Outdoor Championships seventh-place finisher Grace Upshaw was third with a leap of 6.53m/21-5.25, and world championships finalist Jillian Schwartz finished fourth in the women's pole vault with a clearance of 4.43m/14-6.25.

For more information on the Memorial Van Damme meet, including the complete results, visit IAAF.org

Sua named to UCLA staff

Two-time Olympian Seilala Sua will return to her collegiate alma mater to oversee the women's throws program at UCLA.

Sua won a combined seven NCAA outdoor and indoor individual throwing titles while at UCLA (1997-2000), and she became only the second women in outdoor history to win four straight discus crowns. Sua also was a six-time Pac-10 champion in the throws.

A competitor in the discus at the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games, in 2001 she became the first woman since 1994 to win the shot put and discus at the same USA Outdoor Championships. A two-time World Outdoor Championships competitor ('01, '05), Sua will continue to train while she coaches.

"Seilala brings a great tradition with her to the throws program as one of the finest throwers and athletes in UCLA history," said Head Women's Coach Jeanette Bolden. "Her exploits as a thrower, as well as a professional athlete, will bring something extra to the Bruin program."

"I'm really excited and looking forward to working with the girls who are currently on the team, as well as bringing in some new ones to continue the UCLA tradition of great throwing," said Sua. "I am honored that they chose me. I think we have great potential with the athletes we have now to bring more national titles to the women's throws team."