INDIANAPOLIS - Dwight Phillips has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after tying the eighth-best outdoor mark in history in the men's long jump Sunday at the Nike Prefonataine Classic at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.
The 2004 Olympic gold medalist and a two-time World Outdoor champion, Phillips proved to the world that he is back after failing to make the 2008 Olympic Team. At 31 years old, Phillips easily won the event when he sailed to 8.74 meters/28 feet 8.25 inches, which ties him with Larry Myricks and Erick Walder for the eighth-best outdoor mark in history, and the trio are also tied as the #5 performers all time. It was the longest jump in the world since National Track & Field Hall of Famer Mike Powell set the world record in 1991.
Also in Eugene, American steeplechase record holder Jenny Barringer became just the third American woman to break the four-minute barrier when she set the collegiate record in the women's 1,500m, running 3 minutes 59.90 seconds.
Now in its eighth year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.
2009 USATF Athlete of the Week Winners: January 6, Mason Finley; January 13, Amber Campbell; January 20, Josh Cox; January 27, German Fernandez; February 3, Ashton Eaton; February 10, Shalane Flanagan; February 17, Galen Rupp; February 25, Dexter Faulk; March 3, Terrence Trammell; March 10, Diana Pickler; March 17, Galen Rupp; March 25, Sumi Onodera-Leonard; April 1, German Fernandez; April 7, Cyrus Hostetler; April 14, Curtis Beach; April 21, Kara Goucher; April 28, Mason Finley; May 5, Chris Derrick; May 12, Natalie Willer; May 19, Will Claye; May 27, Nadine O'Connor; June 2, Tyson Gay; June 9, Dwight Phillips.
