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Notes from the Track: Day 1 of the USATF Indoor Track and Field ChampionshipsPublished by
Fast Times, Big Wins and Dramatic Finishes Define Friday’s ActionBy Scott Bush What started as a fairly slow day of track and field, ended with a flurry, as the first day of the USATF Indoor Track and Field Championships did not disappoint. Here’s what went down: Top Five Performersof the Day1. Sam Kendricks – The king of American vaulting cleared 5.90m with space to give, setting a new personal best, jumping up the world rankings to fourth best in 2016 and cementing himself as a true medal contender next week in Portland. 2. Marquis Dendy – Dendy soared to a world-leading 8.41m victory, showing once again that he’s the heavy favorite heading into next weekend’s IAAF World Indoor Championships. 3. Erik Kynard – Kynard’s winning mark of 2.29m wasn’t what was impressive, it was that he cleared all five of his jumps with graceful ease. The 2012 Olympic silver medalist is ready to take on the world and once again showed he’s the best high jumper in the United States. 4. Shannon Rowbury – There was no question, once she took the lead, that the Nike Oregon Project athlete would win the women’s 3,000m, but she did it so incredibly easy that you can’t help but think she’ll challenge for a top two finish next week. 5. Ryan Hill – Once again, Hill showed he had the best kick in the field, marking his third straight national title when presented with the opportunity. Hill outkicked one of the strongest men’s 3,000m fields in recent memory and while he’ll underplay his chances next week, he’s a legit medal contender. IAAF World Indoor Championship QualifiersMost events earned two World Championship qualifiers, but the U.S. has a couple events where it will only get one, as no athlete hit the world championship standard. Being the host country, Team USA gets an entry in every event whether they hit the mark or not. Women’s Triple Jump: Christina Epps Men’s Long Jump: Marquis Dendy, Jeffery Henderson Men’s Pole Vault: Sam Kendricks, Mike Arnold Women’s 3000m: Shannon Rowbury, Abbey D’Agostino Men’s 3000m: Ryan Hill, Paul Chelimo Ashton Eaton WatchPerhaps the most shocking series of events Friday revolved around Ashton Eaton. The world record holder in the indoor pentathlon and outdoor decathlon, while competing in the pole vault, suffered a head wound, as the cross bar came down on his head. Eaton immediately left the track to get treatment, only to return to continue competing in the men’s long jump, where he currently sat in sixth. Eaton took one more jump before leaving the stadium, going to the hospital to get stitches. The world record holder in the indoor pentathlon competed in the 60m and long jump Friday. Eaton finished eighth in the first heat of the men’s 60m prelim in 6.80. News & NotesWomen’s triple jump winner Christina Epps soared to a 14.05m (46-1.25) win. While Epps didn’t hit the world standard of 14.30m, she automatically qualifies for the IAAF World Indoor Championships, as the United States gets a “host bid” in each event. Epps’ mark also tied her for US#6 all-time indoors, matching the mark of Nicole Gamble from 1999. Nia Ali, reigning world champion in the 60m hurdles, qualified for the semi-final in her premier event. However, should she qualify for the final, she will not run, as she’s already gotten a wild card (aka free pass) to Worlds next week and will compete in Saturday’s high jump. She’s preparing to compete in a heptathlon this year. Qualifiers for Saturday’s FinalsThe following athletes qualified out of the men’s and women’s 800m events for Saturday’s finals, as well as the men’s and women’s 400m races. Women’s 800m Ajee’ Wilson Men’s 800m Women’s 400m Men’s 400m More news |
