Team New Balance Shines in Eugene

Maggie Vessey, Jenny Simpson (née Barringer) and Billy Nelson of Team New Balance produced stellar performances at the 2011 US Championships, each earning a top three placing to qualify for the 2011 World Championships to be held in August in Daegu, South Korea.

Jenny, a four-time US champion and 5th place finisher in the steeplechase at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, was a prohibitive favorite to win the US steeplechase title in Eugene. However, the Monument, Colorado resident chose instead to contest only the 1500m race – an event filled with some of the top runners in the world.

Despite the strength of her competition, Jenny did not disappoint, qualifying for the world championships with a runner-up finish against a strong field. Jenny ran a time of 4.05.66 for 2nd, just behind winner Morgan Uceny and ahead of the 2009 World Championship bronze medalist Shannon Rowbury, who finished 3rd. Jenny was thrilled with her performance and will now head to Europe to compete in a number of races before Daegu.

In the 800m, Maggie was hoping to qualify for her second consecutive World Championships after competing for the US in Berlin in 2009. Running against a stellar field, Maggie ran a superb race to achieve her goal, running 1.58.66 to finish close behind Alysia Montano, who won in a time of 1.58.33. Like Jenny, Maggie will head to Europe to complete her preparations for Korea.

Running his first race for Team New Balance, Billy Nelson opened with a bang by taking his first US title. In a tactical race, the 2008 Olympian produced a storming kick over the last 200m to take the victory in the 3000m Steeplechase with a time of 8.28.64. Here's what he had to say post-race. Team New Balance nearly had a fourth member on the plane to Daegu, as Josh McAdams narrowly missed a spot on the US team. The 2-time US Champion finished an agonizing 4th in the steeplechase, one spot outside of qualification.

We send our congratulations to Jenny, Maggie and Billy. For more, be sure check out the all of the accompanying race photos.