High jumper Williams makes the cut for London Games

By Gene Cherry

EUGENE, Oregon (Reuters) - High jump world champion Jesse Williams made it to the London Games with a whimper rather than a bang when he finished a disappointing fourth at the U.S. Olympic trials on Monday.

Williams missed three times at 2.31 meters after clearing 2.28 on his third attempt on a wet and cold day in Eugene but clinched his spot on the American team because the third place finisher did not have the "A" qualifying standard.

"The whole goal was to make London and now I am there I want to get on that podium," said Williams.

"These conditions, they were tough. It was really difficult for me to get in a groove and jump to my capabilities," said Williams, whose personal best is 2.37.

"What I did today is really not a reflection of me."

The Eugene resident added: "I definitely need to start jumping in the rain here a little more often."

The seemingly ageless Jamie Nieto won the competition at 2.28 in a reflection of the weather. The 35-year-old did not have a miss before failing three times at 2.31.

"I am so happy," said the former U.S. champion. "In 2008, I missed the Olympic team. I got second and didn't have the 'A' standard."