Five preps will be among the professionals and collegians competing at
the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships this weekend, Feb. 23-24,
at the Reg in Boston. They include prep track and field’s top athlete,
one of its greatest relay performers, two rising sprint stars, and a
young shot putter who shone on the world stage last summer.
- Easton PA sr Chanelle Price, women’s 800:
DyeStat’s 2007 Athlete of the Year is the biggest star in our sport
right now. Her foray into the USATF 800 will be nothing new, as she did
the same in impressive fashion last summer at the outdoor senior
nationals, placing 7th in the final with a PR 2:02.38. Chanelle has the
top five prep 800 times in the country this year, including a 2:07.3,
despite not running the event on a banked track or against any
competition to push her.
A clearer picture of
Chanelle’s fitness level was the 1:10.30 500m US prep record she ran in
January at The Armory. Another record attempt, at the 1000m, fell short
due to the overly blazing pace she set at the beginning, but the
2:45.76 she finished with is still fast enough to lead the entire US in
the infrequently-run event.
It’s fair to say
Chanelle’s at least in shape to smack down her indoor PR of 2:04.96,
and maybe even chase her outdoor PR. The best listed entry mark in the
field is 2:03.17 and it’s not outlandish to say she could be competing
in the top half of the field in the final, if she runs well and smart.
It will also be excellent preparation for her planned participation in
the Olympic Trials this summer.
