Spearmon wins diluted men’s 200 race

EUGENE, Ore. – Wallace Spearmon kept the men’s 200 controversy-free with an easy victory Sunday at the U.S track trials.

Spearmon got off to a slow start, but recovered in time to win in 19.82 seconds at Hayward Field.

Wearing his sunglasses, Spearmon overcame his shaky start and finished the 200 well in front of runner-up Maurice Mitchell and Isiah Young.

The field was somewhat diluted when sprinters Justin Gatlin and Tyson Gay decided to pass on the 200 after securing spots on the Olympic team in the 100. And reigning Olympic 200 bronze medalist Walter Dix didn’t run because of a lingering hamstring injury that was apparent in the 100.

Dix’s only option for making it to London will be as a member of the 400 relay team.

In other events on Sunday, defending outdoor champion Lashinda Demus won the women’s 400 hurdles in 53.98, and will be joined by runner-up Georganne Moline and third-place finisher T’Erea Brown in London.

Michael Tinsley won the men’s 400 hurdles in 48.33, besting reigning Olympic champion Angelo Taylor and defending Olympic silver medalist Kerron Clement.

Bershawn Jackson, the defending Olympic bronze medalist, fell into the finish but finished fourth.