WAF Instant Analysis -Merritt Prevails and Jones Nears Victory

-Stuttgart, Germany-As I have been writing all along, this World Athletic Final meet in Stuttgart, Germany is a gut wrencher for many of the top runners.

Fatigue has set in both mentally and physically as they have been running since April and peaked for the Olympic Trials and Beijing.

In the 110-meter hurdles Lolo Jones (12.56) was a close second to Spain’s Josephine Onyia (12.50). Jones has had a riveting season that has even attracted non-traditional track fans to join the ranks of her fan club.

A $100,000 checked was earned on Saturday. The women’s javelin record fell today to Barbora Spotakova (72.28 meters) of the Czech Republic. It's great to see her break the bank and establish herself among history as a great javelin throw.

It was the same three Americans from the 2007 World Championships that included: Jeremy Wariner, LaShawn Merritt, and Angelo Taylor. It was the continuation of the back and forth today as Merritt (44.5) out leaned Wariner (44.51) in the final two steps, as Merritt lounged and ended up on the track. Each time one athlete seem to be on a roll then it changes. The sports best rivalry continues and the sport is better off for having these two great runners.

By Jay Hicks.