April 26, 2008

Everywhere you looked in the USA vs. the World Championship of America relays – you saw FORMER GAMECOCKS and they collected plenty of medals on the ESPN2 live telecast of Penn Relays.

The day started off with the former NCAA champion Barber twins – Miki handing off to Lisa – as part of the USA’s winning 4x100m relay. The team ran a time of 42.57 with Lauryn Williams leading off and Allison Felix running the anchor leg.

“It was great to hand off to my sister. We haven’t handed off to each other since we won the 4x100m relay at the SEC Championship in 2001,” said Lisa Barber.

“It was exciting, but I would be happy to run with anyone. We all get along well and there was a lot of smack talked before the relay so it was great to win,” said Miki Barber.

Former Gamecock two-time NCAA champion Natasha Hastings ran on the winning USA vs. the World 4×400 m relay with a time of 3:22.16. They ran the following splits :Mary Wineburg (51.4), Allyson Felix (50.1), Hastings (50.47) and Sanya Richards (50.18).

“They had me way out in the lead,” said Hastings. “I heard the crowd go crazy and I thought for a second Jamaica was running me down. For me, it’s like a second homecoming. I’m from New York. This was my eighth consecutive year here. It was a great experience.”

Former three-time NCAA champion Aleen Bailey won a bronze medal with Jamaica in the 4x100m relay and followed up a bit later with the gold in the sprint medley (3:41.08).

Former Gamecock NCAA champion Tiffany Ross-Williams ran the 400m as part of the USA’s bronze medal winning sprint medley.

Former NCAA champion Lashinda Demus ran on the USA’s third place team in the 4x400m relay. Her team ran the following splits: Moushaumi Robinson (52.8), Sheena Johnson-Totsa (52.2), Monica Hargrove (51.54 and Demus (51.42).

Former All-American and 2007 World Champion 4×1 anchor leg Leroy Dixon’s team finished fourth in the 4x100m relay with a time of 39.38. Dixon’s team included Wallace Spearman, Doc Patton and Tyson Gay.