MEN'S LONG JUMP PREVIEW

Two story lines will unfold in the LJ: 1. the return of WR holder Mike Powell; and, 2. will one of a group of young challengers turn back the ultra-experienced veteran. Powell emerged from retirement in May to win at Modesto with 26-5 in his first competition since the '96 Olympic final. Never count out the jumper who defines tghe word "competitive."

Powell is the second jumper in the first flight and will be followed by Sydney finalist Dwight Phillps. NCAA champ Savanté Stringfellow jumps in the No. 5 slot with Melvin Lister No. 9 and Miguel Pate No. 10. All the younger jumpers have exceeded 27 feet in their careers. Flight 2 leapers include '99 champ Kevin Dilworth, Walter Davis, more a triple jump factor, and Darvis Patton, 4th in the NCAA.

The younger crowd, especially the voluble Stringfellow, says they should be accorded the respect they're due as the event's new leaders. But they still have to prove they can hit the long jump at the national, and then international, level. Look for Powell to impart some lessons on competing. On current form, Stringfellow should prevail, while Powell and Phillips or Dilworth will fight the other team places.
/Jon Hendershott/