(AP)
Updated: 2007-08-31 09:25

Bolt won his first major championship medal and earned Gay's admiration.

"He's shown a lot of maturity," Gay said. "I want the world to know that he's a great competitor."

Gay said he had not yet talked with his coach Lance Brauman, who was released from a federal prison to a halfway house Tuesday.

"I just received a text message from him to do my best," Gay said.

Brauman was sentenced to a year in prison on embezzlement and other offenses relating to his handling of scholarship money at Barton Community College in Kansas. Brauman also coaches Spearmon and world 100-meter champion Veronica Campbell.

Defending champion Dwight Phillips managed a bronze in the long jump, giving the United States 13 medals, three more than second-place Russia. The Americans have six gold.

There was high drama in the long jump, where Irving Saladino of Panama won on his final jump - 28 feet, 1 1/2 inches. Andrew Howe of Italy had taken the lead with a national record jump of 27-9 1/2.

Australian Jana Rawlinson won the 400-meter hurdles just eight months after giving birth to a son. Defending champion and world record holder Yuliya Pechenkina of Russia was second.

"The last 18 months have been truly incredible" the former Jana Pittman said. "Getting married, having a baby and then coming and winning a world title. I don't think you can beat that."

Pechenkina welcomed Rawlinson back to competition but said "the revenge could come at the Olympics."

Defending champion Allyson Felix and American teammate Sanya Richards each won a semifinal heat in the women's 200. The Jamaican Campbell, winner of the 100 on Monday, was second to Felix in her heat. Torri Edwards and LaShaunte'a Moore also advanced, giving the United States four runners in Friday night's 200 final.

Felix is ready for the female sprinters to get some attention in Osaka.

"It would be great if we can live up to what they're doing," she said, "and really drop the time tomorrow."

Bernard Lagat, who won the 1,500 meters for the United States on Wednesday night, made it through the 5,000 preliminaries Thursday. Matthew Tegenkamp and Adam Goucher also advanced, giving the United States three runners in what has historically been a weak American event.

Brad Walker was the only American to make it to Saturday's pole vault finals.

World record holder Liu Xiang of China eased in to second place behind Cuban Dayron Robles in the third semifinal heat of the 110-meter hurdles.

David Payne, who flew from Virginia to Osaka on Tuesday to replace injured Dominique Arnold, won his semifinal heat as did teammate Terrence Trammell.

"I'm just surprised that I'm here," Payne said. "When I have the attitude of nothing to lose, I'm going for it all."

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