There are no sure things in the wacky world of pole vault. Even so, it’s not bad being Brad Walker right now.
The defending world champion broke an eight-year-old American record Sunday at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Ore., clearing 19 feet 9 3/4 inches on the same field where he’ll try to make his first U.S. Olympic team in three weeks.
Walker broke the record held by Jeff Hartwig at 19-91/4. Then Walker took two shots at Sergei Bubka’s world record of 20-13/4 but didn’t come close.
Walker shared the spotlight at America’s biggest track meet with Maria Mutola, the middle-distance star from Mozambique, who won the 800 meters for the 16th straight year in this, her final appearance at the Prefontaine.
The world’s best-known star, Liu Xiang of China, lined up for the 110-meter hurdles but flinched early and was disqualified for a false start, turning his trip to America into a non-event. He scratched from last weekend’s meet in New York with a sore hamstring and was apparently well enough to run Sunday but didn’t get his chance.
*Two-time world champion Filippo Magnini of Italy surged ahead late to win the 100-meter freestyle in Rome, one of the last major international swimming competitions ahead of the Olympics. Magnini clocked 48.35 seconds, while France’s Alain Bernard and Eamon Sullivan of Australia tied for second in 48.41. All three beat the Olympic qualifying time of 48.92.
*Stacey Nuveman homered and Jennie Finch allowed just one hit as the United States beat China 7-0 in Oklahoma City in an exhibition softball game.
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EDITED BY WALLY TOKARZ FROM TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES
