Ninth IAAF World Cup WORLD CUP DISTANCE NOTEBOOK Note: For Race Results Weekly (RRW) - 22-Sep-02 - Madrid, ESP -- LASSITER APOLOGIZES Seneca Lassiter's blunt admission to RRW Friday evening that he acted as a pacemaker in the 1500 for training partner Bernard Lagat, resulted in widespread international condemnation of the Arkansas grad. On Saturday, USATF issued a statement concerning his behavior along with a signed apology from Lassiter. "We sincerely regret his behavior in last night's 1500 meter race," the statement read. "Such behavior is grossly inapropriate in any national competition, but especially this competition, and we apologize to other teams, the local organizing committee, and the IAAF." While the statement acknowledges and "appreciates" Lassiter's apology, USATF made it clear that further action may be taken against the national 1500 meter champion. "USATF has spoken with Mr. Lassiter and informed him that we will investigate fully his actions and will refer them to the USATF National Board of Review for disciplinary action." Under USATF rules, the statement continued, "such action may include a written reprimand, discontinuation of financial benefits from USA Track & Field and the United States Olympic Committee, and other more severe penalties." The USATF believes, the statement concluded, "that Mr. Lassiter understands both the inappropriateness of his behavior and its impact upon his team and this competition. However, the severity of his actions requires that we resolve this matter expeditiously." In his apology, Lassiter was repentent, apologizing to the US team, its coaches, and other World Cup teams. "My intentions were in no way meant to disrespect the team, the United States, or this competition. I made a mistake that I am greatly sorry for, which will never happen again." Lassiter denied widespread rumors that he would be paid by Lagat for his assistance in the race. "I want to clarify that there was no financial arrangement between Bernard Lagat and me." Lassiter concluded with a plea for forgiveness. "I hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive me because I am truly sorry. I hope to have the privilege to represent the USA in the future so that I can demonstrate my true character." ... KRUMMENACKER PLEASED WITH WORLD CUP AND SEASON While somewhat lost in the backdrop of Antonio Manuel Reina's stunning 1:43.83 national record, David Krummenacker was pleased with his third place performance that capped his standout 2002 season. "I guess I'm happy with third place," said the Tucson-based national 800M champion. "American medals in middle distances are a little hard to come by. Hopefully in the next few years I can improve on that medal. I felt Ok." He added, "I guess I was just a little tired like everyone else this late in the season." Krummenacker had nothing but respect for Reina, who thrilled the Estadio Comunidad fans with a gutsy performance and perfectly executed move that left the current world and Olympic champions in his wake. "I throw my hat off to the Spanish guy. He set a national record in his own backyard. That's got to be one of the greatest feelings ever." Reflecting on his season, Krummenacker added, "I couldn't have asked for anything better this season. Compared to what I've done in the past few years, this has been leaps and bounds over what I've done in recent years." After becoming the fastest combined 800 and 1500 runner in U.S. history, Krummenacker conceded that expectations have been raised. He said in the past that he believed that national records in both events were within reach, a feat not accomplished since legendary miler Jim Ryun pulled off the feat in the mid 1960s. Both records date back to 1985 -- 1:42.60 by Johnny Gray and 3:29.77 by Sydney Maree. The mile record of 3:47.69 has been held by Steve Scott since 1982. "You never know when those things will come, but if my training goes well and I stay healthy, hopefully those American records will come." While his competitive plans for next year are not set in stone, Krummenacker said his 2003 season should closely resemble his 2002 campaign. "I'm going to stick with the 800 right now. That was the focus for the year. I'm going to sit down with my coach (Luis de Oliviera) and talk to him, but will most likely stick with the 800." Some 1500/miles are also in the picture. Next for Krummenacker? "Rest. Alot of rest." UNEVEN SEASON CONCLUDES FOR BUCHER The World Cup provided one more opportunity for reigning world champion Andre Bucher to end his injury- shortened season on a high note. Feeling no pressure, Bucher was pleased with his 1:45.14 performance, good enough for fifth place, but said he still had to race with some hesitancy and care. "I'm not feeling any pain at the moment, but I'm still feeling a little uneven and have to be very careful with my feet." But overall, he was pleased with his comeback in the latter half of the season. "I'm quite happy, particularly over the last few races, with what I have been able to do." Bucher said he felt fine after the first lap of the World Cup race, "but I got really, really heavy legs after 500 meters." Like Krummenacker, he too commended Reina on his performance. "It was national record, and a World Cup record," adding that he was very aware that Reina was capable of a strong finish. "What else can you say, he had the perfect race." On his U.S. counterpart, Bucher said, "He had a strong season, too. He did very well the first half of the season, and in the second half was trying to keep the same shape. He did quite well. I'm surprised he had such a good season from beginning to end." Bucher, who turns 26 next month, said he'll be taking a four week break before "starting anew, step- by-step." In January, he will join the Swiss national coach and a team of up to ten athletes for a month- long training stint in South Africa, and indicated that that he'll run between two and five races indoors... BOIT KIPKETER WAS LATE REPLACEMENT Kenyan Wilson Boit Kipketer, who held off the charge of Spaniard Luis Miguel Martín to win the steeplechase, was only added to the African squad following the suspension of Brahim Boulami. "I am very sorry for Boulami for having decided to use the drugs in order to beat the Kenyans," said the former world record holder. "You know, we have been believing that the steeplechase is a Kenyan event, and we have been proving that." Boit Kipketer, who will celebrate his 29th birthday on October 6, added that he looked at Boulami's performances with some suspicion. "I never trusted the (first WR) for Boulami," he said. "If he comes back after two years, I don't think he will be able to run a sub-8:00." He insists that no athletes will achieve the success of his countrymen until they take on "the Kenyan way" as their training approach. "If they come there, not only to run in Kenyan training camps, but to come to Kenya and accept the training that the Kenyans do, for sure they will definitely do what we can do." Including Boulami and his world record of 7:55.28 from last year, Boit Kipketer is one of only six athletes to have broken the eight minute barrier in the steeplechase. Five are Kenyans... WORLD CUP WAS GOOD SEASON END FOR YEGOROVA Olga Yegorova's win in the 5000 ended a relatively lackluster season that came on the heels of an immensely successful, albeit controversial, 2001 campaign. Russian journalist Nikolay Ivanov pointed out that the 30-year-old World 5000 meter champion had been hampered all season by an intestinal problem that resulted in hospitalization and the loss of five weeks of training. The problems began in Rome in June, where she finished 13th in the 5000. She was vomiting and had a fever nearing 37.5°C (99.5°F), Ivanov said, but kept competing, doubting the severity of her ailment. "We're athletes," she said. We don't go to a doctor unless we're dying." The problem worsened after her runs in Zurich and Linz, after which she finally sought medical treatment in Moscow... HER CUP RUNNETH OVER When Jolanda Ceplak of Slovenia was told that she was to report to doping control after her race Friday evening, the indoor 800 meter world record holder smiled. Apparently, her appointment has become customary this season. When asked hom many times has she been tested this season, she smiled again, took a huge sip of water and replied, "This is the 17th time."... FAM HAS NO REGRETS... After doing much of the pacework in the steeplechase, American Anthony Famiglietti was content with his fourth place finish. "I really feel fit right now," said the 23-year old who ran to a 8:19.07 personal best to win the U.S. title in June. "I did some great workouts this week." Famiglietti, who had been training recently in Flagstaff, Ariz., took the lead during the first lap, and maintained it until Miguel Luis Martin took over with just over five laps to go. "The Fam" went ahead again briefly, but faded during the final lap. "I really wanted to go for a PR, but it was really windy," he said, I figured, even if the race goes badly, I´d still finish third or fourth." A GOOD MEET, DESPITE THE LATE DATE In spite of the best efforts of the IAAF, the World Cup has gained a reputation as an off-kilter athletics gathering, an ignored step-child of sorts to Golden League and Grand Prix events widely perceived as more important. Its placement late in the competition calendar oftentimes results in sub-par performances, while many top athletes simply choose to stay away, even with the lure of a good payday (albeit, without appearance money). Nonetheless, the ninth edition of the IAAF's only track & field team championship included a slate of outstanding performances and heated competition, and, as was the case in Edmonton, magnified the progress and development being made by athletes from countries whose athletics traditions are not historically strong. Standing out the most was the strong performance by the host team's talented distance corps. With the World Cup providing a hometown stage, the Spaniards rose to the occasion in front of a large, supportive and appreciative crowd. Particularly memorable were Alberto Garcia's win over Paul Kosgei in the 3000 on Friday and Antonio Manuel Reina's national record win in the 800 on Saturday. In the meantime, Mayte Martinez, sporting an ear-to-ear grin, became an instant local celebrity after her runner-up finish in the 800. Quality late-season performances were turned in elsewhere as well, providing at least some evidence that the late September timing doesn't necessarily negate strong showings. Vying for a top ranking in the 400, Jamaican Michael Blackwood crushed the field with a personal best 44.60. Ana Guevara ignored the wet track and added yet another sub-50 second win to her undefeated season. The performances of Marion Jones and Gail Devers were more or less in line with what they had been producing this year. The US men's 400 relay quartet sped to a Cup record 37.95, while Nigerian Uchenna Emedolu, who had only gained entry to three Golden League meets this year, scored a big upset in the 100 with a PB 10.06. Many athletes enjoyed the team aspect as well, relishing some relaxed moments. Koji Mirofushi of Japan, who was second in the hammer throw on Friday, was a late replacement for the Asian team in the discus throw. "Just for the point," he said jokingly prior to the meet. During his throws, he kept warning nearby photographers, "Get out of the way. I won't be responsible for what happens!" |
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