Posted: June 6, 2006

Athletics: Richards named USATF Athlete of the Week

INDIANAPOLIS - Sanya Richards has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after winning the women's 400 meters Friday at the ExxonMobil Bislett Games in Oslo, Norway.

The reigning World Outdoor silver medalist and 2005 USA Outdoor Champion, Richards won with the fastest time in the world this year of 49.82 seconds. Richards improved upon her previous world-leading time this season of 49.89. She is currently IAAF World ranked number one for the 400 meters.

Now in its sixth year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.

2006 USATF Athlete of the Week Winners: January 3, Walt Henning; January 10, Amandi Rhett; January 17, Kevin Eastler; January 24, Marisa Hanson; January 31, Me'Lisa Barber; February 7, Reese Hoffa; February 14, Wallace Spearmon; February 21, Ryan Hall; February 28, Terrence Trammell; March 7, Ryan Harlan; March 14, Walter Davis; March 21, Bill Collins; March 28, Johnnye Valien; April 4, Deena Kastor; April 11, Trey Hardee; April 18, Meb Keflezighi; April 25, Deena Kastor; May 2, Alan Webb; May 9, Bershawn Jackson; May 16, Justin Gatlin; May 23, Kim Kreiner; May 30, Bryan Clay; June 6, Sanya Richards.

Best Marks Week Ending June 4

MEN 
100 - 9.87 Justin Gatlin (Nike) - New York City, NY 6/3
200 - 20.09 Wallace Spearmon (Nike) - New York City, NY 6/3
400 - 44.31 Jeremy Wariner (adidas) - Oslo, NOR 6/2
800 - 1:45.66 Khadevis Robinson (Nike) - New York City, NY 6/3
1500 - 3:41.21 Steve Sherer (Nike Farm Team) - Eagle Rock, CA 6/4
Mile - 3:55.71 Anthony Famiglietti (adidas) - New York City, NY 6/3
3000SC - 8:35.92 Jacques Sallberg (Run With Us) - Eagle Rock, CA 6/4
5000 - 13:31.68 Ryan Kirkpatrick (Nike) - New York City, NY 6/3
110H - 13.29 Terrence Trammell (Mizuno) - Ostrava, CZE 5/30
400H - 48.76 Bershawn Jackson (Nike) - Ostrava, CZE 5/30
HJ - 2.20/7-2.5 Marcus Harris (Unat.) - Houston, TX 6/2
PV - 5.75/18-10.25 Tim Mack (Nike) - Zaragoza, ESP 6/3
LJ - 8.20/26-11 Miguel Pate (Nike) - Oslo, NOR 6/2
TJ - windy 17.58/57-8.25 (+4.4) Kenta Bell (Nike) - Zaragoza, ESP 6/3
SP - 21.68/71-1.5 Christian Cantwell (Nike) - New York City, NY 6/3
DT - 64.81/212-7 Ian Waltz (Nike) - Oslo, NOR 6/2
HT - 73.32/240-7 Kibwe Johnson (Unat.) - West Point, NY 6/2
Dec - 7431 Mike Marsh (Unat.) - Dallas, TX 6/4

WOMEN 
100 - 11.06 Marion Jones (Nike) - New York City, NY 6/3
200 - 22.89 LaShauntea Moore (Nike) - New York City, NY 6/3
400 - 49.82 Sanya Richards (Nike) - Oslo, NOR 6/2 World leader
800 - 2:02.59 Treniere Clement (Nike) - Nashville, TN 6/3
1500 - 4:06.40 Carrie Tollefson (adidas) - New York City, NY 6/3
3000SC - 9:58.34 Kelly Strong (Asics) - Nashville, TN 6/3
5000 - 15:24.01 Sara Slattery (adidas) - New York City, NY 6/3
100H - 12.70 Damu Cherry (adidas) - New York City, NY 6/3
400H - 54.62 Lashinda Demus (Nike) - Ostrava, CZE 5/30
HJ - 1.89/6-2.25 Chaunte Howard (Nike) - Oslo, NOR 6/2
PV - 4.54/14-10.75 Jenn Stuczynski (adidas) - New York City, NY 6/3
LJ - 6.75/22-1.75 Grace Upshaw (Nike) - Zaragoza, ESP 6/3
TJ - 13.53/44-4.75 Simidele Adeagbo (Team XO) - Eagle Rock, CA 6/4
DT - 62.90/206-4 Aretha Thurmond (Nike) - Ostrava, CZE 5/30
HT - 69.50/228-0 Jessica Cosby (Nike) - Eagle Rock, CA 6/4 
Hep - 5524 Jackie Poluson (Pocatello TC) - Dallas, TX 6/4

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