Former UK long-jumper takes gold at U.S. championships

By Pat Graham / Associated Press

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) —Former University of Kentucky jumper Dwight Phillips drew the biggest ovation of the night Saturday at the U.S. championships when he leapt 28 feet, 1½ inches in the long jump on his second attempt.

That jump was good enough to win gold and banish some personal demons at Hayward Field.

The 2004 Olympic gold medalist endured an injury-riddled 2008 and missed out on a trip to Beijing in this stadium.

"It's always frustrating when, most of my career I've made every team I've tried out for," he said. "Not to make the Olympic team was very disappointing ... I'm not looking back."

Phillips is quickly rounding back into form.

Earlier this month at the Prefontaine Classic, Phillips jumped 28-8¼, marking the longest jump in the world since 1991.

■ Lexington native Dana Pounds-Lyon finished fifth in the javelin with a throw of 179 feet, 8 inches.

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Former UK long-jumper takes gold at U.S. championships

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