2008 adidas Track Classic Preview

The top American runners are heading to Carson, California to compete in the adidas Track Classic scheduled for May 18.

The women’s 100-meters, headlined by world champion Veronica Campbell of Jamaica is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested races on the road to Beijing. The event brings together the world’s top ten ranked competitors with a field that also features Carmelita Jeter, Sanya Richards, and Allyson Felix.

The men’s 100-meters features world champion Tyson Gay along with Derrick Atkins, Wallace Spearmon, and Mike Rodgers.

Rookie Bianca Knight will try out her stuff against the world champion Allyson Felix in the 200-meters.

The 400-meters is a compelling race. Jeremy Wariner is putting his winning streak on the line. The world and Olympic champion has not lost a race since September 2005. Wariner pulled out of the 200-meter in Doha, Qatar after he felt a cramp in his hamstring during warm-ups. Wariner will face stiff competition from Kerron Clement.

Terrence Trammell is making his outdoor debut in the 110-meter hurdles. The race includes Allen Johnson and Eric Mitchum.

Tyson Gay and Allyson Felix will compete in the 100 and 200-meters and are the only athletes to double in Carson. Allyson Felix plans to compete in both events at the U.S Olympic Trials and would like to run the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 meter relay teams in Beijing.

The adidas track classic is the second outdoor meet of the USA Track and Field Visa Championships Series. The meet will be televised on ESPN from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. EST.

By Jay Hicks, a.k.a. Track Evangelist.