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Jones, Gatlin Dominate 100m at US Championships Amongst Great Fanfare

Posted June 24th, 2006 at 8:18 AM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News & Results, Track & Field

Marion Jones is a champion once again after an impressive and dominating win in the 100m at the US Championships. Surrounded by swirling allegations, Jones continued her comeback with yet another commanding performance – finishing in 11.10 seconds.

This is Jones’ 14th U.S. championship – although this years win is a very symbolic victory as it is her first sprint championship since 2002.

(Check out the coverage of some other recent Jones victories)

On the men’s side, co-world record holder Justin Gatlin once again easily prevailed in the 100m with a time of 9.93. However, this was somewhat of a disappointment to the more than 10,000 fans on hand in Indianapolis as they hoped to witness the setting of a new world record.

According to Gatlin, being forced to run into strong winds played a large factor in his performance:

“I feel bad for the fans,” Gatlin said. “People wanted to come out here and see a great time. I wasn’t able to produce it. Mother Nature was a big factor in my race.”

(For the complete gamut of recent Gatlin news click here)

When asked if Jones’ comeback was beneficial for his sport, Gatlin replied:

“At this point in time, the fans are the judges and the way the fans perceived her out there when she crossed the line, they love her. So why not? It’s great for track and field.”

Reigning world champion Lauryn Williams was second in the women’s race at 11.17. Torri Edwards, the 2003 world 100 champion, was third, also in 11.17.

Jones’ summed up her arduous and yet very successful comeback by saying:

“It’s provided me with the utmost motivation to come back and reclaim the No. 1 spot in the world . . . I think that has increased my motivation and put it at a level I probably haven’t seen since Sydney.”

After the race both Jones and Gatlin, despite not setting a new world record, were mobbed by young fans and admirers wanting autographs. This is an atypical sight in track and field; one that evoked memories of the way fans once worshipped running legend and icon Steve Prefontaine.

Source: [ESPN.com]
Picture from: [timesunion.com]
Via: [LetsRun.com]