Erin Gilreath wins the 2005 USA Indoor Championships Weight Throw title (© Kirby Lee)
Erin Gilreath lost her bid for another World indoor best in the women’s Weight Throw because of an implement specification violation on the opening day of the USA Track & Field Indoor Championships at Roxbury Community College (Fri 25).
Gilreath eclipsed her World indoor best in the 20-pound weight throw for the third time this season with a throw of 24.46m. However, the mark was nullified because the implement’s measurement was found to be too long after the record throw despite the fact that the implement was certified to be the proper weight and length before the competition. Gilreath’s victory was allowed to stand after a lengthy discussion and review of the rulebook review by officials.
Gilreath overtakes Carruthers for series lead
Gilreath successful defence of her national title meant she overtook hurdler Daniel Carruthers for the overall women’s lead on the Visa Championship Series and an opportunity to take the $25,000 USD prize.
Performances on the four-meet USAA indoor series that included the Reebok Boston Indoor Games, Millrose Games and Tyson Invitational and culminates with these USATF championships are each awarded a point total based on IAAF scoring tables.
Gilreath was awarded 1199 points to move ahead of Carruthers’ 1191 points from a 7.98 win in 60m Hurdles in the Tyson Invitational on 11 Feb. Carruthers must now run 7.94 or better in the 60m Hurdles final on Sunday, the third and final day of the U.S. championships, to supplant Gilreath.
“I don’t usually pay much attention the running races but I think I am going to be watching them a little more closely this meet,” Gilreath said, jokingly.
Controversial win
Although Gilreath’s name will go in the record books as national champion for the second year in a row, there is still debate on whether the mark will be accepted as a meet record. If not, runner-up Amber Campbell might be the record holder without winning. Both Gilreath and runner-up Amber Campbell, who threw 23.99 surpassed Dawn Ellerbe’s meet record of 23.60 set in 2000.
“The record was secondary today” Gilreath said. “To win this championship that was my goal to come in here and defend my title. I am willing to let the record go for the win.”
Gilreath’s record rampage
Gilreath, 24, the American record holder and 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials in the Hammer Throw, has made substantial gains in the Weight Throw this season. She threw 24.11 in Chapel Hill, N.C. (28 Jan) to eclipse her global standard of 23.95 set in 2004. She again bettered the mark with a throw of 24.23 in Bloomington, Ind. (18 Feb).
“I knew I was a lot more comfortable with the technique of throwing this thing this year,” Gilreath said. “Obviously that has helped a lot.” Nevertheless, Gilreath received a strong challenge from Campbell at the USATF Indoor Championships. Campbell led after the first round at 23.15m and extended it to 23.86m on her third attempt. Gilreath responded with her 24.26 to conclude the round.
“I was just trying to throw as best I could,” Gilreath said. “Throwing for distance is not what I want to do when I am out here. It was not a good day technically for me. Amber had a good day, she pushed me. That was good.”
Kruger returns to winner’s circle
A.G. Kruger won the men’s 35-pound Weight Throw for the second time in three years with a career-best throw of 23.47m on his fifth throw to defeat Jake Freeman (23.16m) and Kibwe Johnson (22.27m).
Kruger, who competed in the Athens Olympics in the Hammer Throw, moved from his native Iowa to train in Ohio for the last three years with the Ashland Elite club under the tutelage of four-time Olympian and Ashland University throws coach Jud Logan.
Kruger and women’s Hammer thrower Jackie Jershelnig were two members of the nine-athlete Ashland Elite to qualify for the 2004 Olympics. The programme funded by the college provides athletes with housing, meals and heath insurance to allow post-collegiate throws to train full time.
“Jud Logan it so inspiring and to see that type of person helps you get mentally get ready for competitions like this,” Kruger said.
Kirby Lee for the IAAF
