June 5, 2006

INDIANAPOLIS - Former Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) standout Bryan Clay has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after winning the men's decathlon Sunday at the Hypo Combined Events meeting in Gotzis, Austria.

The reigning world champion and Olympic silver medalist in the men's decathlon, Clay won with a world-leading 8,677 points. On Saturday, Clay won the 100 (10.42 seconds, good for 994 points) and long jump (7.67m/25-2, 977 points), threw 15.56m/51-0.75 in the shot put (824 points), cleared 2.06m/6-9 in the high jump (859 points) and ran 48.87 in the 400 (867 points), finishing the day with 4,521 points. On Sunday, he won the 110m hurdles (13.74, 1008 points), was second in the discus (52.21m/171-3, 917 points) and pole vault (5.0m/16-5.75, 910 points), and won the javelin (66.47m/218-1, 836 points) before running 5:13.47 in the 1,500 meters for 485 points.

Other notable performances were turned in Sunday at the Nike Prefontaine Classic by 2004 World Indoor shot put champion Christian Cantwell, who won the men's shot put with his world-leading throw of 22.17 meters/72 feet 9 inches. The American record holder at 1,500m, Bernard Lagat won the sprint to the finish in the Bowerman mile in a world-leading 3:51.53, and 2005 World 100m hurdles champion Michelle Perry equaled the world leader with her winning time of 12.63 seconds.

Now in its sixth year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.

2006 USATF Athlete of the Week Winners: January 3, Walt Henning; January 10, Amandi Rhett; January 17, Kevin Eastler; January 24, Marisa Hanson; January 31, Me'Lisa Barber; February 7, Reese Hoffa; February 14, Wallace Spearmon; February 21, Ryan Hall; February 28, Terrence Trammell; March 7, Ryan Harlan; March 14, Walter Davis; March 21, Bill Collins; March 28, Johnnye Valien; April 4, Deena Kastor; April 11, Trey Hardee; April 18, Meb Keflezighi; April 25, Deena Kastor; May 2, Alan Webb; May 9, Bershawn Jackson; May 16, Justin Gatlin; May 23, Kim Kreiner; May 30, Bryan Clay.