Posted at 10:53 a.m., Saturday, June 24, 2006
Decathlete Clay withdraws from USA Outdoor Championships
Associated Press
INDIANAPOLIS — Ailing world champion Bryan Clay of Hawai'i withdrew from the decathlon Saturday after failing to clear a height in the pole vault at the USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships.Clay, silver medalist at the Athens Olympics and two-time defending U.S. champion, missed twice at his opening height of 15-1, then ran through in his final attempt. He was leading at the time.
"This is more frustrating than disappointing," Clay, Castle High alum, said in a statement distributed in the press box. "I'd much rather give up my title after the 1,500 meters than like this."
Clay had to be helped from the track after his final event Friday, the 400 meters.
"I felt really dehydrated yesterday and nearly passed out after the 400," he said. "I got IVs yesterday and the doctor said I was hypoglycemic."
He said he didn't feel well in the hurdles and discus Saturday, "and I just didn't have it in the pole vault."
