Gatlin completes sweep of sprints

CARSON, Calif. -- Justin Gatlin cemented his status as America's fastest human yesterday by winning the 200 meters, becoming the first man in 20 years to sweep the sprints at the US Track and Field Championships.

A day after winning the 100, Gatlin used his speed down the stretch to win the 200 into a headwind in 20.04 seconds. The last man to win both races at the US meet was Kirk Baptiste in 1985. Arkansas senior Tyson Gay was second in 20.06, followed by the Olympic gold medalist in the event, Shawn Crawford, in 20.12.

NCAA champion Wallace Spearmon of Arkansas, who has the world's fastest time in the event this year at 19.91, finished fourth in 20.16 and failed to make the US team for the world championships in Helsinki Aug. 6-14.

Kerron Clement won the men's 400 hurdles and Allyson Felix took the women's 200, as both 19-year-olds posted two of the most impressive championship performances from a young corps of talent that is taking over the sport in the United States.

Clement ran the fastest 400 hurdles in seven years, running away from the more experienced field in 47.24. Bershawn Jackson, no old-timer himself at 22, was second in 47.80.

Clement, born in Trinidad but a US citizen, broke Michael Johnson's decade-old world indoor record in the 400 at the NCAA Championships in March. He won the NCAA 400 hurdles title outdoors two weeks ago for Florida, then turned professional.

Felix, just 18 when she won the silver medal in Athens, caught the pack and shot into the lead with 20 meters to go in 22.13, fastest in the world this year. Rachelle Smith was a surprising second at 22.34. LaTasha Colander edged 100 champion Lisa Barber at the tape for third at 22.34.

Christian Cantwell won the shot put with a throw of 71 feet. Olympic silver medalist Adam Nelson was second at 70-7 1/4. Three-time world champion John Godina was third at 68-10 1/2.