Eugene, Oregon (6/6/08)
World Recordholder Liu Xiang of China would like to compete at the Prefontaine Classic this Sunday, but the Hayward Field fans and international television audience may not know until the start of the race whether he will. The Olympic gold medalist and World Champion felt a tightness in his leg before the New York Grand Prix meet last weekend and opted not to run. For the Pre Classic this Sunday, he will warm up and then he and his coach, Sun HaiPing, will make the decision.
“The Prefontaine Classic only wants Liu to run if it helps in his preparations for Beijing,” stated meet director Tom Jordan. “The meet does not want him to do anything that might risk further injury.”
With or without Liu’s participation, the event is a classy one. Venerable ’96 gold medalist Allen Johnson will advance his preparations to make yet another Olympic team at age 37. Ranked No. 6 in the world last year by Track & Field News, AJ will be joined by world top 10 athletes Anwar Moore (No. 4), David Payne (No. 5), and Ryan Wilson (No. 8).
110 METER HURDLES (MEN)
Liu Xiang (China)
Allen Johnson
David Payne
Shi Dongpeng (China)
Anwar Moore
Aries Merritt
Ryan Wilson
Antwan Hicks
Tickets for the Pre Classic are on sale at www.goducks.com, from 1-800-WEBFOOT, and in person at the Casanova Center Ticket Office.
