For the Americans, a night of highs, lows

Associated Press
Posted: September 03, 2011

DAEGU, South Korea - Fatigued, Allyson Felix faltered down the stretch in her bid for a fourth straight 200-meter world title.

Energized, LaShawn Merritt rallied on the last turn in the 1,600-meter relay to win the gold medal, avoiding an embarrassing loss.

It was that kind of night Friday for the United States at the world championships: highs (long jumper Dwight Phillips winning a fourth title) and lows (the mighty shot putters shut out of a medal). There was also Carmelita Jeter adding a silver medal in the 200 to her gold in the 100 earlier in the week.

With a four-medal showing, the United States ran its count to 16, three ahead of Russia.

Felix entered the 200 as the overwhelming favorite. Under other circumstances, she might have made her customary kick. But she ventured outside her comfort zone at these worlds, trying to run the 400 as well.

All the rounds finally caught up with her in the 200 final. She couldn't catch Jamaican gold medalist Veronica Campbell-Brown or teammate Jeter, winding up with bronze.

Other winners included Maria Abakumova of Russia (javelin), David Storl of Germany (shot put) and Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya (5,000).

Jamaica's Usain Bolt jumped to a big lead in the 200 semifinals and ended it in a hurry.

A surprise South African 1,600 relay team wound up with the silver. Oscar Pistorius, the double-amputee sprinter known as "Blade Runner," wasn't even running. In a somewhat puzzling move, he was left out of the event after helping the team to a national record the day before.

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