So if you haven't forgotten it's an olympic year and as such I think it's important to post the results...we lost one in the prelims...

My heart goes out to Tora, he had a tough day and went 2.15...(I watched him jump in person at trials and he was stinging it like crazy...went' 7'5" 3/4) So I'm sure he'll be back in China in 4.

My call for the finals, I didn't get to watch the prelim comp, but again judging from trials Nieto went higher but Hemmingway, looked WAY WAY better....and has better style...headband, long hair etc...so flair+ high jump = medal.

Watch for Nieto though...he PR'd at Trials and has had time to train...the hardest part is bouncing back better off a PR.

_______Here's some quotes from USA TF_____

James Nieto (Chula Vista, Calif.) who tied for first in the group A qualification round of the men's high jump (2.28m/7-5 3/4):

"I'm very happy. I just went out there and tried to do my thing. I had to deal with anxiety more than anything. I just wanted to go out there, get my jumps and make the final. Things have been going really well this year. To win the Olympic Trials in Sacramento, in front of my hometown fans, then come out here and make the final is special."

Matt Hemmingway (Littleton, Colo.) who tied for fifth in group B qualifying of men's high jump (2.28m/7-5 3/4):

(On making his third attempt) "Yeah, it was pretty dramatic, kind of like the trials. After the first two tries, I made the right adjustments. (What happened on the first two?): "On the first one, I hit my head and on the second, I missed with my heel."

(Any doubts) "At this game, if you have any doubts show up, you just got to kick them to the door."

(Would you be disappointed if you didn't make it?):"I just take it one bar at a time, but yes, I'd be disappointed if I didn't make it."

(How do you focus) "You've got to stay relaxed. The biggest problem in an event like this is removing your head from your shoulders.

(On his family) "This will mark four years tomorrow that my dad died. I was able to be at the funeral because I didn't qualify, but today, I'm sure he was in the stands."

(On a medal) "Anything is possible. If you didn't come to the Olympic Games to win a medal, then you shouldn't have come at all."

Tora Harris (College Park, Ga.) who was 16th in group A qualifying round of men's high jump (2.15m/7-0 1/4):

"I felt pretty good but I got a little bit too tired. I think the surroundings had a lot to do with it. I think my preparation was more geared toward a quicker competition. This one was very long and I didn't expect it to be so long. I had good warm up jumps but I couldn't hold it.


- posted by Pete Ippel @ 1:00 AM