Felix ends emotional week in fourth place

By Jahmal Corner

CARSON, California (Reuters) - After an emotional time on and off the track, American Allyson Felix had to settle for fourth place in the women's 100 meters at the Adidas Track Classic on Sunday.

Two false starts delayed the race before the world 200 champion finished in 11.21 seconds, 0.07 behind winner Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica.

It was a far cry from Felix's impressive showing last week in Doha when she cruised to victory in 10.93, the fastest time of the year.

Felix left Carson on Sunday feeling disappointed but not only because of what happened on the track.

"My boyfriend's father died so I had to attend the funeral after I got back from Doha on Tuesday," the 22-year-old told reporters.

"It's been an emotionally draining week; really up and down, from one extreme to the next. It's a very difficult time trying to support (my boyfriend)."

The death put a dampener on a successful period in Felix's life.

After shining in Doha, Felix returned home to graduate this week from the University of Southern California with a degree in Elementary education.

She is hoping to run both sprints at this year's Beijing Olympics but her coach Bob Kersee withdrew her from the 200 at Carson because of her traumatic week.

"I haven't run the 200 yet and I'm always looking forward it," Felix said. "One thing about Bobby is that he doesn't feel like you always need a lot of races to be prepared."

(Editing by Ed Osmond)