Americans Dix, Crawford and Spearmon to run men's 200m in Beijing

(BEIJING, July 7) -- On the final day of the US Olympic track and field trials, runners Walter Dix, Shawn Crawford and Wallace Spearmon earned a spot on the Olympic team in men’s 200m. Dix edged Athens 2004 gold medalist Crawford by .005 seconds to take first-place in 19.852. Crawford came in second with a time of 19.857 and Spearmon in third at 19.90.

"It was definitely a great meet," Dix said. "They should have the Olympic Trials here every time. I couldn't be more excited about a meet than this one. I have never been in an atmosphere like this.”

"It was a great performance. I started to cramp a little at the end, but I finished through and I'm happy I can go back and train and be healthy."

Tyson Gay, defending world champion in 100m and 200m, failed to qualify for the 200m event, suffering a cramp-induced fall in the quarterfinal race. Gay has already qualified for the 100m with a 9.68-second wind assisted run.

As the top three finishers, Dix, Crawford and Spearmon automatically qualify for the 2008 Olympic team. Athens silver medalist Bernard Williams came in seventh-place.

Men’s 200m Final Results

Name                    Team               Time

1.Walter Dix              Florida State        19.852

2.Shawn Crawford          Nike                 19.857

3.Wallace Spearmon        Nike                 19.90

4.Rodney Martin           Nike                 19.99

5.Charles Clark           Florida State        20.53

6.Rubin Williams          Tennessee            20.61

7.Bernard Williams        Adidas               20.63