Natasha Hastings of the USA - 400m runner (© Getty Images)
USA Track & Field announced Team USA for the 10th IAAF World Junior Championships in Grosseto, Italy, July 13-18.
The U.S. roster was selected at the 2004 USA Junior Outdoor Track & Field Championships, June 25-27, in College Station, Texas. Leading the way is Verizon Men's Outstanding Athletes of the Meet from the USA Junior Championships LaShawn Merritt who won both the 200m (20.72) and 400m (46.80) crowns. The 17-year-old Merritt won the 2004 Virginia high school state 100m, 200m and 400m crowns and will be a freshman at East Carolina University this fall, joining head coach Bill Carson who is member of the World Junior coaching staff.
Other athletes to watch includes the 2004 NCAA 400m Hurdles champion Kerron Clemment from the University of Florida; U.S. high school 5000m record holder and University of Richmond-bound Caitlian Chock; American junior Hammer Throw record holder and North Carolina Tarheel, Nick Owens should all continue success on foreign soil. In the multi-events, Chris Helwick and Jangy Addy, both from the University of Tennessee, should lead a strong field in the men’s decathlon.
Team USA members from last year’s Pan Am Junior team in Barbados includes newly crowned 100m sprint champion and UNLV signee, Ashley Owens who will go toe-to-toe with fellow Team USA teammate bound for the University of South Carolina Shalonda Solomon, who won both 100m and 200m Pan Am Junior titles.
Solomon will be joined by future teammate at South Carolina, Natasha Hastings who grabbed a 4x400m relay gold-medal at Pan Am Juniors Hastings. Other gold medalists from Pan Am Juniors are high jump champion Sharon Day of Cal-Poly Slo and 5000m champion Galen Rupp of Portland, Ore.
The World Junior Championships have been an introduction to international competition for many U.S. athletes. Many have moved on to enjoy achievements following their appearances at the IAAF World Junior Championships, including 25 athletes who competed at the 2004 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Previous Team USA members that have competed at IAAF World Junior Championships include Marion Jones, Terrence Trammell, Adam Nelson, Amy Acuff and Suzy Favor-Hamilton.
One of Florida’s most successful high school coaches and a veteran on Team USA’s coaching staff, Ken Brauman will lead the men’s team in Grosseto, while 2004 NEMAC athletic conference Coach of the Year and head coach at Smith College, Carla Coffey will head the women’s team.
“We have a lot of great talent this year and we are expecting some good things,” said Coach Coffey.
For the full team list click here
Melvin Jackson for the IAAF
