IAAF Continental Cup Recap - Upsets and Photo Finishes

For a two-day meet, the IAAF Continental Cup sure seemed to be over in the blink of an eye. While many big names were missing from the start lists, we still saw exciting finishes and surprising upsets.

Saturday morning the track events kicked off with perhaps the biggest upset of the entire meet - Bershawn "Batman" Jackson was run down in the 400m hurdles by first Javier Culson of Puerto Rico and then Britain's David Greene, as Green took the win in a PR 47.88, Culson finished 0.2 seconds back with Batman stumbling in for 3rd. Jackson started stuttering his steps in the homestretch and lost his form entirely over the final hurdle. This does not take away from the fact that he's had an incredible season and is still the one to beat going into next year.

In true championship race form, the men's 5,000m went out painfully slowly, as the men jogged around the track at a pace the high school versions of themselves would have found manageable. They might as well have handed American Bernard Lagat victory on a silver platter, as this played right into his strengths. He busted a 51-second last lap and was able to remain as fresh as possible going into his 3,000m on Day 2.

No surprises in the women's 800m, as Janeth Jepkosgei used her finely tuned race tactics to stay out of trouble and pull away for the win in a quick 1:57.88. The announcers for the internet live stream were a bit confused at "Busienei" on her bib, but her full name is Janeth Jepkosgei Busienei. Everyone needs to get on the same page in terms of which surname to use for the Africans. I've seen both "Chemos" and "Cheiywa" used for Kenyan steeplechaser Milcah Chemos Cheiywa, and it can be confusing. Back to the race - Kenia Sinclair had a good finish as well, running 1:58.16 for second, right on Jepkosgei's shoulder.

In the women's javelin throw, American Record holder and Women Talk Sports member Kara Patterson was disappointed with her finish and ready to return home after a long season, as she tweeted:

Worst meet of the season to end it...my body hurt and couldn't get my mind past it today, pretty frustrated. Can you say #VACATION? I can.

*sigh* It has been an AWESOME season regardless of disappointments; much to learn but much learned too!

We're proud of you, Kara! Get home safely now.

Russia's Maria Abakumova threw 68.14m for the win - a meet record and almost six meters farther than anyone else in the field.

Another sit-and-kick race, the women's 3000m was exciting as Indoor 3000m World Record holder Meseret Defar entertained the crowd with her signature finishing kick to hold off Telemitu Bekele, 9:03.33 to 9:04.08. American Shannon Rowbury held on strong for 3rd in 9:04.82.

On Sunday morning, World Silver Medalist Yuliya Zarudneva (Russia) took the lead in the women's steeplechase and held onto it fiercely even as Diamond League winner Milcah Chemos Cheiywa of Kenya threatened in the final lap. Zarudneva's efficient water jump and hurdling form allowed her to hold onto her lead. If Cheiywa can work on her hurdling efficiency, she may be able to break the World Record of 8:58.81 held by Gulnara Galkina of Russia.

American and Women Talk Sports member Lisa Aguilera had a great final meet of her superb 2010 season, placing 5th among the best female steeplers in the world. Congratulations, Lisa!

It took an analysis of the finish line photo to determine the winner and even then, it was not obvious, but Sally Pearson of Australia came away with the victory in the women's 100m hurdles, and Lolo Jones took second, separated by less than 1/100th of a second.

Later Jones tweeted that the photo finish was still being reviewed:

Wondering about finish... Team Americas is reviewing photo finish...shouldve stuffed my bra today.

Before the race, Jones tweeted that she'd been up all night vomiting:

Team Doc checked to see if I can run today. Bad news:I vomited 9 times last night. Good news: my Abs are going to look amazing in my uniform

Way to tough it out Lolo!

Another big upset came in the women's 1500m. Hind Dehiba of France has flown under the radar this year despite running under 4:00 in Paris in July. Today's race went out extremely slow, seeming to set Nancy Langat up for yet another victory. They hit the bell at 3:21 and it was business as usual, with Langat bursting to the lead around the final turn. But Dehiba had other plans. As she gained ground on Langat and the Diamond League champ realized what was happening, the women tangled arms (in my opinion because Langat was desperately flailing and leaning on Dehiba) and Langat fell hard on the track as Dehiba charged to the finish, crossing in 4:19.78.

Langat got up to finish 8th. Nicole Edwards of Canada was 2nd in 4:21.34 with American Christin-Wurth Thomas close behind in 4:21.46.

The high jump was most definitely the Blanka Vlasic show. 2010 rival Chaunte Howard-Lowe had already ended her season due to an injury. On top of that, this meet took place in Vlasic's home country of Croatia. She did not disappoint, clearing 2.05m to tie Howard-Lowe's 2010 World Best and attempting a would-be World Record 2.10m. She did not clear 2.10 but the crowd showed their appreciation for her unconditionally, roaring loudly for each jump and jumping to their feet when she was finished. In reaction, she burst into tears, blowing kisses to the crowd and hugging her father.

Lisa Aguilera tweeted from the stadium:

Daaang!! Wish I could capture the atmosphere in this stadium...wild for Blanka! I can't hear my own thoughts!

Well-deserved appreciation for an incredible athlete who never backs away from competition.

In the men's 3000m, Bernard Lagat made winning a distance double look easy, kicking down the field for the second time this weekend.

Also of note - the Americas team swept all four relays - women's and men's 4x100m, and women's and men's 4x400m.

That's it for the highlights but you can see the full results HERE. You can also watch video highlights from UniversalSports.com HERE.

Also make sure to tune in to this week's TrackFocus Podcast, as I'll be a guest along with Chris Nickinson of RunnerSpace. We'll be discussing this weekend's Continental Cup, among other things.

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