He was American national champion in 1890, 1891 and 1892.

He has a personal record 8:15.69 minutes for the event and was the 2003 American outdoor champion.

She was a three-time American national champion during her career.

He became South American champion in 1999, 2001 and 2003.

The following year he became the 2001 American indoor champion over 200 m, running a world leading time.

Those winners will join the American champion in the international final, with a $50,000 purse, at a time and site to be determined.

But still, the American champion handled them well, maintained his lead and, on some occasions, increased it.

"Most of the American champions are the best ever to run the event," Williams said.

The American champion relied on him implicitly for club selection.

January 2004 would find him a North American champion for the second consecutive year.