Women's Heptathlon Results
The scores after the first day (see earlier posting) set up an exciting final day. Nathan had an excellent long jump (21-0) and a decent javelin (144-11) to take the lead going into the 800 with 5469 points.
Burrell had a decent long jump (20-71/4) and a solid javelin (160-11) to grab a solid hold onto second and move into contention for the lead with a score of 5394 heading into the final event.
The real battle in the 800 would be between Lott-Hogan and Blair-LaBounty, who were separated by only 28 points before the 8, Lott-Hogan (never a great 800 runner) ahead 5304-5276.
So, to win, Burrell would have to beat Nathan by around 5.5 seconds, a definite possibility. For Blair-LaBounty to beat Lott-Hogan and grab the final Olympic spot, she'd have to finish a little over 2 seconds ahead.
No one in the final could be criticized of not taking their destinies in their own hands. Burrell got out fast. Too fast. She was under 59 at the 400, but then started to slow a bit. Lott-Hogan went out fast and was within 2 seconds of Blair-LaBounty at 400 up until 500, but then started to fade.
Nathan began to fade but was still looking like she could finish far enough ahead to win.
Into the straight it was too close to call. At the finish, fans were checking their watches. It would come down to hundredths. The results were final.
Nathan had stayed close enough to hold off Burrell 6343-6339, running 2:16.33 to Burrell's 2:11.34.
Blair-LaBounty had done it, running 2:14.24 to Lott-Hogan's 2:22.51 to garner 3rd 6180 -6094.
Blair-LaBounty's score is significant in that it gives her an Olympic "A" standard, her win at the Texas Relays being a windy score.
/Dan Lilot/Women's Heptathlon 100 Hurdles
Heat 1: Arkansas's Gigi Miller and DeDee Nathan were out even through 5 hurdles, whereupon Nathan pulled away slightly.Heat 2: Tiffany Lott-Hogan looked excellent in her best event, running the day's best time. Cal's Missy Vanek fell over the fourth or fifth hurdle.
Heat 3: Shelia Burrell was the class of this heat, getting a big roar from the crowd, mostly due to her large margin over the rest of the heat's field.
Women's Heptathlon High Jump
The high jump took place in two pits. Competing at the south end of the stadium in direct sun and temperatures in the low 90's, the athletes moved almost immediately from the hurdles to the high jump portion of the competition. Tracye Lawyer cleared 5-111/2 (1.82) to move into a slight lead over DeDee Nathan, who cleared 5-91/4 (1.76). Lawyer missed her attempts at 6-3/4, but leads Nathan by 11 points 2013-2002. Lott-Hogan cleared 5-7 (1.70) and holds a strong third place over Nicole Haynes (who cleared 5-8) 1964-1916.Day 1- Results
1. DeDee Nathan (InI) 3747; 2. Tracye Lawyer (Nik) 3723; 3. Tiffany Lott-Hogan (NBal) 3642; 4. Shelia Burrell (Nik) 3615; 5. Nicole Haynes (unat) 3563; 6. Wendi Raatjes (Asics) 3526; 7. Kelly Blair-LaBounty (Nik) 3514; 8. Gigi Miller (Ar) 3473; 9. Kim Schiemenz (NnCo) 3391; 10. Robin Unger (unat) 3354; 11. Christi Smith (Akr) 3297; 12. Aja Frary (unat) 3264; 13. Alison McKnight (unat) 3263; 14. Jennifer Hoppe (unat) 3252; 15. Erin Narzinski (unat) 3247; 16. Alicia Brimhall (unat) 3062; 17. Michelle Moran (Mo) 3043.