Walker second, Thurmond sixth in World Athletics Final...

STUTTGART--Pole vaulter Brad Walker from Mountlake Terrace, and discus thrower Aretha Thurmond finished second and sixth respectively in their events at the IAAF World Athletics Final today at the Mercedes Benz Arena in Stuttgart, Germany.

Walker cleared 18-8.25 (5.70m) to finish behind US Olympic Trials champion Derek Miles, who cleared 19-0.25 (5.80m) under cool conditions, with temperatures in the mid-50s.

Thurmond spun the discus 186-11 (56.99m) to capture sixth place, as winner Yarelis Barrios of Cuba, the silver medalist at last month's Olympics in Beijing, threw 212-10 (64.88m) for the victory and the $30,000 first prize.

Competing as a late addition, Bernard Lagat, who won the 3000 meters Saturday, finished sixth in the 1500 meters, running 3:38.79 in yet another tactical race. The race was won by Haron Keitany of Kenya in 3:37.92.

For their efforts this weekend, Lagat earns $34,000; Walker will come home with $20000, while Thurmond will leave Stuttgart with $4000.

The IAAF World Athletics Final made its final showing in the German city, as the track will be removed to make the stadium an all-soccer venue. Next year's edition of the meet will be held in Thessaloniki, Greece.

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