INDIANAPOLIS — Former Tiger track and field standout Walter Davis bolstered his resume even further Sunday afternoon, winning the triple jump title as the AT&T USA Championships came to a close at Michael A. Carroll Stadium.
The two-time world champion led the competition from the beginning, jumping 57-3 ? on his first attempt of the day. The meet-leading mark held through the prelims and into the finals until only he bettered it on his sixth and final attempt with a near personal best and world-leading jump of 58-1 1/2.
“I always try to get one early to put pressure on guys and get the final jump in the finals,” said Davis on his jump strategy.
Davis’ strategy played out perfectly as he came away with his fifth U.S. title in the event. The outdoor crown marks his second straight, and third overall, as he also picked up titles in 2002 and 2005.
It also completes a sweep of this year’s U.S. triple jump crowns for Davis as he won the indoor title in February.
Another former Tiger posting a top finish was recently departed senior Kelly Willie. The seven-time NCAA champion easily advanced through the 200-meter semifinals with a 20.48 qualifying time.
Willie then posted a personal-best 20.24 effort in the finals to finish fourth overall and just ahead of 400-meter Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner.
Former Arkansas standout Wallace Spearmon won the meet title in 19.90 seconds.
In the women’s 200 meters, former Lady Tiger Muna Lee had advanced to today’s semifinals after a 22.80 first-round performance, but elected not to participate in today’s competition.