UCLA
NCAA Outdoor Championships
Johnson Finishes 2nd in 400m Hurdles; Bruins Place Ninth in Team Competition
June 09, 2007 | Track & Field
June 9, 2007
Brandon Johnson capped off his UCLA career with an NCAA runner-up finish on the final day of the NCAA Track & Field Championships in Sacramento as the Bruin men finished in ninth place (21 points). The team's finish was the highest for a Bruin team since 1998 when UCLA placed sixth with 38 points.
Johnson, who came into the meet ranked sixth in the country, ran a season-best 49.02 out of lane five. He got off to his usual fast start and led for the majority of the race. He and LSU's Isa Phiillips went over the ninth hurdle together, but Phillips pulled away over the last stretch of the race to win in a time of 48.51.
Johnson on the race
"I got out hard and was leading into the eighth hurdle, but I couldn't see who was coming up behind me. Phillips caught up to me and before I could react, it was too late."
On overcoming injuries the past year
"It's been really hard coming back from my injuries. I was finally able to start training in October, than in December I got hurt again. I didn't start training until March, and even then it was swimming and biking. I didn't start hurdling until April. I'm just grateful to run what I did today."
On running at the upcoming USATF Senior National Championships
"Since I haven't been able to train like I usually do, I haven't peaked yet. I'm so far from it, but know that I will peak later in the season, and USA's will give me a good opportunity to PR.
Sprint Coach Tony Veney's thoughts on Johnson's career and run today
"We wanted to win. We thought we could win. Brandon couldn't start training until March, and hurdle until April so he hasn't been able to get his rhythm. I don't want to make excuses, but that kind of hinders what he could have done this season.
"Nothing can take away the grit or desire that Brandon has to win. He has always done everything I've ever asked him to do and I'm so proud of all he has done at UCLA. He has never been anything but make the Bruins proud and set a good example for other athletes."
Johnson ends his career as a four-time NCAA All-American and three-time West Region and Pac-10 champion. His best time of 48.59 ranks third all-time in UCLA history. He also ranks sixth all-time in the Pac-10. In all, the Bruins had four All-Americans - Brandon Johnson (2nd, 400mH), Mike Landers (2nd, pole vault), Greg Garza (4th, discus) and Austin Ramos (10th, 5000m).
Florida State won the team title with 54 points, while LSU was second with 38. Auburn (34), Tennessee (29) and USC (27) round out the top five teams.
