Goucher named Athlete of the Week

INDIANAPOLIS - Kara Goucher has been named USA Track & Field's Athlete of the Week after running the fastest marathon debut ever by an American woman at the ING New York City Marathon Sunday in New York City.

The 2007 World Outdoor 10,000m bronze medalist, Goucher crossed the line in 2 hours 25 minutes 53 seconds. It was the fastest time ever by an American at the ING New York City Marathon; and it marked the first time in 14 years that an American woman placed in the top three in New York. Anne Marie Letko was third in 1994 in 2:30:19 to mark the last American presence on the podium in New York, prior to Sunday.

Now in its seventh year, USATF's Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete on the USATF website. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.

2008 USATF Athlete of the Week Winners: January 8, Cheryl Foody; January 16, Nick Vena; January 22, Chanelle Price; January 29, Antwon Hicks; February 5, Adam Nelson; February 12, Lolo Jones; February 19, Adam Nelson; February 27, Michael Rodgers; March 3, Thomas Morgan; March 11, Bryan Clay; March 18, Bianca Knight; March 25, Phil Raschker; April 1, Orville Rogers; April 8, Lisa Koll; April 15, Ryan Hall, April 22, Deena Kastor; April 29, Leo Manzano; May 6, Shalane Flanagan; May 13, Bonnie Richardson; May 20, Jenn Stuczynski; May 27, Chanelle Price; June 3, German Fernandez; June 10, Brad Walker; June 18, Jenny Barringer; July 11, Jenn Stuczynski; July 16, Walter Henning; July 23, Jenny Barringer; July 29 Phyllis Francis; August 13, Franklin "Bud" Held; August 20, Stephanie Brown Trafton; August 26, Bryan Clay; September 2, Lauryn Williams; September 10, Chaunte Howard; September 16, Sanya Richards; September 23, Joan Samuelson; September 30, Sara Slattery; October 7, Fernando Cabada; October 14, Molly Huddle; October 28, Jordan Hasay; November 4, Kara Goucher.