Felix captures 400-meter title

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EUGENE, Ore. --- Head so still her ponytail barely bobbed, arms swinging in perfect sync, Allyson Felix glided smoothly around the track, looking as if she has been running the 400 all her life.

Allyson Felix hits the tape to win the 400 meters Saturday. She is the first woman to win national titles in the 100, 200, and 400 during a career.   Associated Press
Associated Press
Allyson Felix hits the tape to win the 400 meters Saturday. She is the first woman to win national titles in the 100, 200, and 400 during a career.

The big question: Will she run it at the world championships later this summer?

Felix already has a spot in the 200 at the worlds thanks to her 2009 title, but remains uncertain about whether she also will attempt to run the longer distance, where she would go in as America's newly crowned champion.

She held off Francena McCorory at the finish Saturday at U.S. championships, winning in 50.40 seconds to become the first woman to win national titles in the 100, 200, and 400 over a career.

"I felt good throughout and I feel like I'm learning a lot, how my body feels throughout," Felix said.

The 200-400 double is not easy to pull off given all the rounds and the lack of recovery time between them.

That's why the decision for Daegu, South Korea, in late August remains a difficult one for Felix and her coach, Bobby Kersee.

Felix doesn't want fatigue to derail her shot at winning a fourth consecutive 200 title at worlds.

Up-and-comer Tony McQuay, of the University of Florida, won the men's 400 by blowing past former Olympic and world champion Jeremy Wariner over the final 100 meters. Wariner faded but held off Greg Nixon for second.

The win over Wariner had McQuay making bold predictions for worlds.

"I want to break the world record. I've got my mind set on that," he said.

Lots of folks have for many years. In fact, Wariner has promised himself a new Ferrari should he ever break Michael Johnson's nearly 12-year-old record.

McQuay wasn't even close to Johnson's mark of 43.18 seconds on Saturday, finishing in 44.68.

A watered-down version of the men's 200 field completed the first round Saturday. There was no Tyson Gay (hip) or Justin Gatlin (sat out after qualifying in the 100). Shawn Crawford, the 2004 Olympic champion, had the fastest time, and Walter Dix, fresh off his 100 title, moved on, as well.

Carmelita Jeter, who won the 100 the night before, had the fastest time in the women's 200.

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