Former Duck English Gardner was filled with nerves before the start of the 100-meter dash.
She had a pep talk with her dad and coach. They told Gardner, “You’re prepared. You’ve got this.” She puked, shook off her anxiety and won the race in 10.81 seconds during Saturday’s Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field.
She ran the second-fastest outdoor time this season, beating out American Tianna Bartoletta, who finished second in 10.94.
“I felt sluggish today,” Gardner said. “That was kind of worrying to me. I kind of sat down, got myself together, puked a little bit and got out there and raced.”
She also came close to her personal best of 10.79, set at last year’s USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
“That time is fantastic,” Gardner said. “I remember U.S. Nationals last year, I tapered. I ran 10.79. Loaded. Weight room. No taper — 10.81. I can’t be mad with that. I’m not ready to really run. I haven’t done any speed work, to be honest.”
Gardner said the chance to return to Hayward Field always draws her in.
“I definitely turn into a little monster when I get out there,” Gardner said. “When I see the crowd, it’s almost like a million moms and dads watching. I feel like these people have supported me throughout the years with me growing as an athlete at Oregon.
“So when I get out there, I kind of get a little more edge and fire.”
She was impressed with the quality of the field, which included Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and USA’s Carmelita Jeter, the top two finishers at the 2012 London Olympics.
“You had some really, really big names in there,” Gardner said. “For me to be able to come out and compete, even when I feel the worst, is something that I’m very proud of.”
Gardner said she will race a few more times before returning to Hayward Field for the U.S. Olympic Trials in early July.
Former Duck Jenna Prandini took fourth in the 200-meter dash in 22.61, good for a season best. It was Prandini’s first meet in Eugene since leaving Oregon early to turn pro.
“I love competing here,” Prandini said. “It’s like competing at home. In front of all these fans, it’s a great time for me.”
Prandini will soon taper for the upcoming Olympic trials, turning to higher intensity and faster workouts, she said.
She received a warm ovation from the crowd as her name billowed on the loudspeakers. Though Prandini couldn’t watch Gardner’s winning race, the two former teammates talked afterwards.
“Once you’re on a team with each other, we always look out for each other,” Prandini said. “We’re always each other’s No. 1 fans. If there’s a Duck on the track, you can believe I’ll be cheering for them.”
Andrew Wheating competed in the 800, finishing eighth in 1:48.09. He said he was content with the time, since he’s only just begun training in the event.
“As you can tell, I’m not in the best 800 shape,” he said. “I think it’s a good start. At least I know where I’m at.”
Cyrus Hostetler, another Oregon alum, competed in the javelin. He threw 256 feet, seven inches, good for fifth overall. Johnathan took seventh in the 110 hurdles in 13:57.
Laura Roesler took seventh in the women’s 800, finishing seventh in 2:02.27 on Friday. Eric Jenkins placed 16th in the 10,000 (27:48.02).
For full results from the meet, click here.
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne