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Treneire Clement found that being the defending US Champion at 1,500m came with more pressure than being an underdog - but that having won a title before came with its own rewards.
"I was better prepared this year," said Clement after winning her second title in 4:10.44 over Lindsey Gallo (4:10.72). "I think it's more mental than anything else."
Since moving to Knoxville to train under coach J.J. Clark, Clement says, "We've improved on everything. I surprise myself all the time with workouts, and my coach helps me keep me goals high." Clement's training partner, two-time 800m Olympian Hazel Clark, is another factor in her fitness. "I was intimidated by Hazel at first," said Clement, "but I'm keeping up with her more in workouts. I'm closing in."
Clement was the one who took the lead early in the race, which she hadn't planned on, but after leading two laps (in 1:08 and 2:20) Anne Shadle moved to the front, and Christin Wurth covered the move. Clement was able to take the role of pursuer, and with the pack now strung out there was less chance of getting in trouble, her main concern when the pack was still close. "We plan to be prepared for anything, because in European races anything can happen."
Gallo, who chased Clement when she made her winning move with 200m remaining, was pleased with her performance. "It felt really good," she said. "I haven't been really fit all season, but my plan was to be ready to respond to any move."
Posted by Parker Morse at 9:19 p.m. | Tags: Race Reports, 2006 USA Outdoor T&F Champs