Husky alum Brad Walker falls short of qualifying for pole vault finals in Beijing...
BEIJING, China—University of Washington alum and 2007 world champion Brad Walker (left/photo by Paul Merca) did not advance to the finals of the men’s pole vault Saturday night at the IAAF World Track & Field Championships at the Bird’s Nest Stadium.
The University/Spokane HS graduate opened the evening with a first attempt clearance at 17-8.5 (5.40m), then followed up with a first attempt make at 18-2.5 (5.55m).
A first attempt miss at 18-6.5 (5.65m) put him in a hole but was able to clear on his second attempt. With several others ahead of Walker on fewer misses, he needed a make at 18-8.25 (5.70m), which was the automatic qualifying mark to advance to the finals, but he missed on all three tries.
All told, sixteen men made 18-8.25 (5.70m) to advance to the finals on Monday night. led by reigning world and Olympic champion Renaud Lavillenie of France. The current American champion, Sam Kendricks also made the final, as did NCAA champ Shawn Barber of Akron from Canada.
Two finals were contested at National Stadium, as Mo Farah of Great Britain and the Beaverton based Nike Oregon Project won yet another men’s 10000 title in 27:01.13, with a last kilometer of 2:28.81, while his NOP teammate and Oregon alum Galen Rupp was fifth in a season best 27:08.91.
In the women’s shot put, Christina Schwanitz won with a toss of 66-10 (20.37m), while Michelle Carter of the United States grabbed a bronze medal with a throw of 64-10 (19.76m).
Sunday night will see three finals—the men’s hammer, men’s shot, and the men’s 100 meters.
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