Bartusek not disappointed despite missing finals at national meet

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 1, 2001

SACRAMENTO, Cal.

Wednesday, August 01, 2001

SACRAMENTO, Cal. – Emily Bartusek did not bring home a medal from the 2001 Junior Olympics national track and field meet.

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But she did come home secure in the knowledge she’s already one of the best.

Bartusek was one of but a handful of athletes to compete in multiple events in the meet that concluded Sunday at California State-Sacramento. She missed the finals in the 200 and 400 meters and the triple jump. An estimated 6,200 athletes from throughout the United States participated, and Bartusek had around 40 competitors in each of her events.

Seeded 18th in the 400, Bartusek placed fourth in her preliminary heat with a time of 59.5 seconds. She wound up in 27th place.

In the 200, Bartusek was seeded 33rd and finished in 31st after clocking 26.5 in the prelims.

Ironically, Bartusek’s best chance to earn a medal was in the event she wasn’t able to practice because of an injury – the triple jump. Seeded among the bottom of the field in the event, Bartusek connected on her final jump – which likely would have been good enough to place – but she scratched by about a half an inch.

&uot;I told her, ‘You didn’t have your best races, but at least you competed against the best,’&uot; said Bartusek’s father, Phil. &uot;I don’t think she’s real disappointed. She got to run on the same track, in the same lane, as Marion Jones did for the U.S. Olympic Trials. This was the best of the best.&uot;

Bartusek reached the national meet by winning the 200, 400 and triple jump at the regional level, after placing first in each at the state meet.

Bartusek has one more track and field competition before starting volleyball practice Aug. 13. She’ll be in St. Louis Aug. 10-12 for the State Games of America, where she’ll compete in the 100, 200, 400 and triple jump, in which she placed first in the 2000 Minnesota Star of the North Games.