2012 PENN RELAYS
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanLast week sports enthusiasts flocked to the stands of Franklin Field as the annual exciting Penn Relays took place in Philadelphia from April 26 through April 28th.
It is hard to believe that these famous relays began back in 1895 and have lived on over the centuries gaining more prestige and popularity year after year. Through it all, more athletes have run at the Penn Relays than any single meet in the entire world. It draws almost as large a crowd as the Olympics and World Championships.
On Saturday, the final day of the relays, Team USA overwhelmingly became the champions and made their country proud. Team USA won all six races in the U.S. vs. the World Championship. Jamaica was not far behind, inching their way up to the front, in the women’s 4×100 and 4×400-meter relays as well as the men’s relays.
In the women’s sprint medley, American 800-meter runner, Maggie Vessey, kept her competitors at bay as she overtook Great Britain’s Marilyn Okoro in the very final lap. USA Blue Team’s own Leo Manzano beat USA Red Team’s Bernard Lagat in the last lap of the final 1600-meter leg.
Jamaica’s men superstars, Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake and Asafa Powell were not at the meet putting Jamaica at somewhat of a disadvantage. In years past, Jamaica has dominated the relays.
The Bahamas also made a good showing on Saturday pulling up to the front but failing to take the lead.
You can find all the results of the Penn Relays at: http://pennrelaysonline.com/Results/schedule.aspx.
It would seem that Team USA is now ready to move on to the London Summer Olympics and this was a terrific opener and very opportune warm-up.
Teamwork is the moral of the story and makes for a winning combination.
PHOTO CREDITS: www.espn.com
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