Report From Outdoor World Championships

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BERLIN , GERMANY. - First day action coming to a close. First impressions.
 
The stadium holds the noise well. There were about 25,000 for the morning session, probably 40,000 for the p.m. Probably more out to see the walk, which was contested on a loop by the Brandenburg Gate. They are going crazy for all Germans, but polite applause for others. When the place is full, it will really rock.
 
Jen Barringer, America's hope in the steeple, almost didn't qualify. When the real running started with 2 to go, she dropped back to 8th, then kicked furiously over the final 150. Galkina looked great in first heat, takng off midway.
 
Manzano survived some pushing on the last turn, and qualified, as did Lagat and Lomong.
 
Amy Yoder-Begley ran well in the 10,000- when the running started with about 2 mjiles to go, 2 Kenyans and 3 Ethiopians took off. Begley, coached by Al Salazar, ran well, and fought, and placed sixth.
 
I talked with her after the race. She said it was hot- it got hotter today, but compared to NYC in August, it was a pleasure running this afternoon. But with an enclosed stadium, with little, if any, breeze, it probably was uncomfortable for the athletes.
 
She said that the race was very physical, as all international races are. A lot of pushing, and Americans aren't used to that. I'll talk about racing and running (difference) later, when I have more time.
 
Asafa Powell almost pulled a booboo in the opening round of the 100. He shot to a huge lead, then totally turned it off, barely qualifying. He ran harder in the second round. Gay was pushing- Bolt ran from 30-50 meters, then totally shut it down. He looks in a class by himself.
 
All three Americans qualified in the 400 IH. Jonny Dutch was very ill after the race, throwing up like crazy, but said that he'll be ready tomorrow.
 
Germans now going crazy over the heptathlon.

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