Elite Field Set for UCLA Meet

Appearances by world champion hurdler Felix Sanchez, world-class thrower John Godina and top sprinters Maurice Greene, Ato Boldon and Inger Miller highlight the second annual Rafer Johnson-Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational track meet this weekend at UCLA’s Drake Stadium.

The meet begins at 1:30 p.m. today with the women’s hammer throw competition, followed by the men’s competition at 3:30 p.m. Many of UCLA’s top athletes will be featured in Friday’s university competition along with other schools.

Elite athletes will take part in Saturday’s invitational that begins with field events at 9:45 a.m. and track events starting at noon. One key change in the format is that most events will be limited to one heat or flight with nine competitors.

Sanchez, a former USC star who runs for the Dominican Republic, is the reigning world champion and Olympic favorite in the 400-meter hurdles. Godina is a former three-time world outdoor champion in the shotput.

The women’s pole vault competition features Mary Sauer and Tracy O’Hara, whose personal bests are 15 feet 3 inches and 14-7, respectively, along with Bruin sophomore Chelsea Johnson. Johnson recently cleared 15 feet to set the NCAA record.

As of Wednesday, Greene, Boldon and Miller remained on the entry list. Greene, the world-record holder and defending Olympic champion in the 100 meters, is looking to regain his peak form.

--