Americans Come Up Big in Rome

A handful of American middle distance runners took part in the Golden Gala in Rome, Italy today, with some great results coming from those races. Here's what took place:

Golden Gala Results

- Christin Wurth-Thomas placed second in the women's 1,500m, setting a new PR of 3:59.98, while becoming the second American woman to break the four minute barrier this season. The women 1,500m runners are simply amazing this year (Barringer, Wurth-Thomas, Rowbury and Willard).

- Maggie Vessey used her sit and kick strategy to win the women's 800m. Sitting in the back of the pack for nearly the entire race, Vessey exploded over the final 150m to upset the field, winning in 2:00.13 (just missing the "A" standard she needed of 2:00.00). Hazel Clark finished fifth overall in 2:01.41. Clark pushed the pace with 300m to go, putting herself in contention for the win, but fading in the final 50m. It was great to see an American leading and then an American winning.

- Dorian Ulrey is going to quickly become a new middle distance running hero in the U.S. Needing to run under 3:36.20 (the "A" standard) in the men's 1,500m, Ulrey sat at the back of the pack the entire race, focusing forward and staying relaxed. When the race changed gears, so did Ulrey, as he kicked home to a 12th place finish in 3:35.23, earning his trip to Berlin and the World T&F Championships later this summer. Congrats to Mr. Ulrey!