Hooker's superb run sets up US Olympic sprint showdown

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

EUGENE, Oregon (AFP) — Wind-aided Marshevet Hooker has become the fifth-fastest woman in 100-metre history, setting the stage for a Saturday sprint final showdown at the US Track and Field Olympic Trials.

Hooker won her quarter-final heat on Friday in 10.76 seconds with a 3.4 m/sec breeze at her back to lead a field that included two-time world 200 champion Allyson Felix and former 100m world champions Lauryn Williams and Torri Edwards.

"I wasn't thinking. I was just running," Hooker said. "I got out and I saw I was a little behind so I just aligned my body and got after it.

While her tailwind was beyond the limit for world-record performances, the 2005 US college champion showed the speed she will need to get past the semi-finals and into a finals fight for...