Locals shun Athens meet
Despite a lineup of formidable athletes, locals turned out in dismal numbers last night for the Athens Super Grand Prix at the capital’s Olympic Stadium. The absence of 100-meter world record co-holder Justin Gatlin, who canceled on the eve of the event because of injury concerns, likely hurt attendance. Organizers made a last-minute effort to book Gatlin’s world record co-holder, Jamaican Asafa Powell, as a replacement, but failed. Portugal’s Francis Obikwelu won the men’s 100-meter final in 10.03 seconds, ahead of Trinidad’s Marc Burns and the USA’s Jason Smoots, who tied for second place in 10.13 time.
