MileSplit Best of 2008

For us here at MileSplit and hopefully the rest of the prep X-C and track and field world, 2008 was a year like no other. It was an Olympic year. A historic year. Simply an amazing 365 days.

It was a year in which we not only saw the prep stars that we cover on a daily basis qualify for the Olympic Trials, but one in which they announced their presence with authority.

It was a year in which we witnessed five new national standards on the track; six more all-time No. 2 performances were also recorded.

Pictured right in photo by Margot Kelly, Elijah Greer (OR) winning the 800 meters in a stunning 1:47.68, U.S. #4 all-time

It was a year where several cross country teams and athletes competed for the moniker of best ever; not to mention a myriad of other truly mind-boggling performances.

As the year draws to a close, we will be counting down what we felt were the 10 best performances of 2008. Today we revisit the moment voted #4 by our staff and webmasters.

Wayne Davis (NC), pictured below in photo by John Herzog, winning the 55m hurdles in 7.08, U.S. #2 all-time

#4

June 28, 2008 - Jeff Demps (FL) runs 10.01 at the U.S. Olympic Trials, establishing a new national mark for 100m

South Lake, Florida senior Jeff Demps broke the national record in the men's 100m dash, blazing 10.01, finishing second in his quarter final heat to advance to the semis at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, OR.

Earlier in the day, Demps ran 10.12, which ranked him U.S. #2 all-time in the event and broke the Florida state record. While many expected this kind of performance out of Demps, the 10.01 that came only a few hours later was certainly a surprise.

Running with the poise of a professional, Demps started next to U.S. champion Tyson Gay in the quarterfinals. With a great start, Demps moved up in the field from 30m to 70m, then closed strong over the final 30m.

"I knew I could get the record," said Demps afterwards.

J-Mee Samuels, of North Carolina, held the previous mark of 10.08 set in 2005.

Men 100 Meter Dash
================================================================
       World: W  9.72  5/31/2008   Usain Bolt, JAM
    American: A  9.79  6/16/1999   Maurice Greene, Nike
          OT: T  9.91  7/11/2004   Maurice Greene, Nike
     Hayward: S  9.88  2004        Shawn Crawford, USA
    Name                    Year Team                      Qtrs
================================================================
Heat  1 Quarter-Finals   Wind: 1.6
  1 Tyson Gay                    adidas                  A 9.77Q
  2 Jeffery Demps                unattached               10.01Q
  3 Walter Dix                   Florida State            10.02Q 10.011
  4 Leroy Dixon                  Nike                     10.02Q 10.018
  5 Michael Rodgers              unattached               10.07q 10.063
  6 Wallace Spearmon             Nike                     10.07q 10.069
  7 J-Mee Samuels                Arkansas                 10.09  10.088
  8 Teddy Williams               Tx-San Antonio           10.24

Read Jeff Demps: The Fastest High Schooler of All Time, By Jason Byrne

Demps' Impressive Season is One to Remember

#5 Chanelle Price runs 2:01.61 in Pre Classic 800m, U.S. #2 A-T

#6 Fayetteville-Manlius captures third consecutive national championship

#7 Eleanor Roosevelt (MD) runs U.S. record 4x800 at Penn

#8 Hasay beats Chetelat, 9:52.13-9:52.51, 3200m, U.S. #2 & #3 A-T

#9 Christine Babcock US #2 all-time 1600/Mile

#10 Ryann Krais US #2 all-time heptathlon

Honorable Mention