Sports Headlines

Plymouth's Uceny transitions from closer to starter in 1,500 meter run

Posted: 8:04 PM Jun 30, 2012
Reporter: Angelo Di Carlo

Every once in a while, a Major League Baseball pitcher will transition from being a closer to a starter. It doesn't happen very often because they are completely different jobs and it always takes a lot of talent and determination to make it work right.

So what about in Track and Field?

Plymouth native Morgan Uceny has always been known as a closer. In the 1,500 meter run, she comes from behind with a big burst during the last lap to win. That's exactly what she did a year ago to capture the national championship.

But that strategy hurt Uceny two months later at the World Championships. Ranked #1 in the world, Uceny was in the back of the pack ready to make her move on the final lap. A runner in front of her fell, Uceny tripped and finished 10th. It was devastating.

Uceny isn't letting that happen this weekend at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. The Cornell grad has completely changed her routine. Now she's bursting out to the lead from the get go and not giving it up. That's what she did in Thursday's prelims and Friday's semifinals--both of which she won.

"I felt really good Thursday and we kind of went in with the same mindset of don't fix it if its not broke," Uceny explained. "I felt the same Friday--just very comfortable out there."

When Morgan tripped at the World Championships, it was fellow American Jennie Simpson who took the win and capture the world title. Simpson finished 2nd to Uceny in the semis Friday night. The two have developed a pretty competitive rivalry.

"I think one of the great things about both Morgan and my story is that in different ways--we've reached the pinnacle of our sport and have definitely earned our stripes," Simpson says. "Neither one of us are a flash in the pan and we both have a lot of mutual respect for each other for that."

Sunday night, nothing from the last year or the last three days will matter. It's one race. The top three finishers make Team USA. So will Morgan go back to her old routine or stick with her new one?

"I'll do whatever my coach tells me to do," Uceny says with a smile.

You knew she wasn't given up that secret.

You can watch Uceny race for the spot on the Olympic team for the first time in her career right here on Channel 16 Sunday night. Coverage begins at 7pm and Morgan is scheduled to run around 7:23pm.