American Record: Mike Powell, 29-4.5
2007 U.S. Champion: Dwight Phillips, 27-5.25w
2004 Olympic Trials Champion: Dwight Phillips, 27-2
Top 5 Seed Times
1.) Brian Johnson, 27-2.75
2.) Dwight Phillips, 27-0.75
3.) Walter Davis, 27-0.5
4.) Trevell Quinley, 26-11.5
5.) Miguel Pate, 26-10
Even at 31 years old, Dwight Phillips is the favorite to win the men’s long jump after winning his third consecutive U.S. title last year. He ended 2007 ranked first in the U.S., and took the bronze at last season’s World Outdoor Championships. He’s also come up big at Olympic events before, winning the 2004 Olympic Trials before setting a personal best of 28-2.25 in the Olympic final in Athens.
If he struggles, Louisianan Brian Johnson could slip into the top spot. His personal best is still two inches farther than his U.S.-leading mark this season. The darkhorses to make the Olympic team are Reindell Cole of Cal State Northridge, the surprise NCAA indoor champion this season with the fourth-farthest mark in the nation, and Trevell Quinley, whom Eugene fans will recognize as a former Arizona State Pac-10 champion. He has the personal best (26-11.75 set last year) and the build (6-foot-6) to claim a spot on the team.