Walker wins Athens Grand Prix meet...

ATHENS--Pole vaulter Brad Walker from Mountlake Terrace scored his second straight win on his current European tour, as he jumped 19-4 1/4 (5.90m) to win the Athens Grand Prix meet Sunday at Olympic Stadium in the Greek capital.

Walker, sporting a Mohawk style haircut with the sides completely shaved, which he debuted in Karlsruhe a few days earlier, opened with a make at 18-8 1/4, then followed it up with his winning jump on his second attempt.

He then took three unsuccessful attempts at a new American record and personal best of 19-10 1/2 (6.06m), or two centimeters above his personal best of 6.04m/19-9 3/4.

Russia's Igor Pavlov was second at 18-10 1/4 (5.75m), while Olympic Trials champ Derek Miles and Fabian Schulze of Germany tied for third at 18-8 1/4 (5.70m).

Former University of Oregon vaulter Tommy Skipper was eighth at 18-2 1/2 (5.55m). Reigning Olympic champion Tim Mack, who won it at this venue, was 11th, also at 18-2 1/2.

Walker said afterwards, "This is the second time I am coming to Athens and my second meeting abroad this year. I am very satisfied cause this is the first time I've jumped over 5.90 (19-4 1/4) outside USA. Now I will go to London and after that in Beijing where I hope I will win with an Olympic record of 6.06 m (19-10 1/2).

Among other athletes with Washington ties competing in Athens, former Washington State hurdler Arend Watkins was fifth in the B section of the 110 hurdles, running 13.80.

Complete results are available here...

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