Feb. 15, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Saturday, Feb. 15, 2003

Trammell turns in two world leaders at Tyson Foods Invitational

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of South Carolina graduate Terrence Trammell proved his versatility as well as his world-champion form Saturday at the Tyson Foods Invitational, winning the Verizon men’s 60 meters and the men’s 60m hurdles, both in world-leading and personal-best times. Adding to his resume, he defeated Olympic gold medalist Maurice Greene for the second straight week.

American women had stolen the spotlight at the first two stops of USA Track & Field’s 2003 Indoor Golden Spike Tour, setting three American records and one world record, but Trammell led the men who made headlines in Fayetteville. A total of five world leaders – four from men – were turned in on the evening.

The 2001 world indoor champion in the 60m hurdles, Trammell opened his night at 5:55 p.m. by running a world-leading time of 7.42 seconds in the event, benefiting from a quick start and holding off a quickly closing Larry Wade (7.44). (Allen Johnson withdrew from the race with leg cramps.)

Twenty minutes later, at 6:15 p.m., Trammell won his prelim in the Verizon men’s 60m dash in 6.54 seconds, a time matched by world record holder Maurice Greene in his own heat.

At 7:15, Trammell won a thrilling race in the Verizon men’s 60m in 6.46 seconds to run the fastest time in the world in 2003. Through Greene was first out of the blocks, Trammell also got away to a fast start and charged through a powerful drive phase to take the lead. The defending USA indoor 60 sprint champion, Trammell held off 2000 Olympic Trials 200m champ John Capel (6.46) and Greene medalist (6.50).

ATHLETE QUOTES

Terrence Trammell, 1st, men’s 60m: “Maurice was ahead the first 10-15 meters. I wanted to keep my composure. I always try to run through to the finish. This was a PR for me (at sea level). I was trying to stay focused throughout the race and execute. Running two races helps me hone in on what I need to do. I was just in the zone. I love this track, and I look forward to competing here in the future.”

Trammell, 1st, 60m hurdles: “I was very happy with my performance, and somewhat relieved. This was a PR for me. I just wanted to focus on staying ahead. I knew Larry Wade would be coming up from behind – that’s his trademark.”

Maurice Greene, 3rd men’s 60m: “I got off to a good start. I was very aggressive. I just have no excuses. Terrence ran a good race. I was in a good position and I should have been able to carry it through. I love this meet and will run a lot faster guaranteed. This is the fastest track in the world.”