Reigning Olympic Champion in the men’s 400m, Kirani James raced to victory in the world’s fastest time this year, upstaging rival USA’s LaShawn Merritt at the Drake Relays which held in Des Moines, USA at the weekend.
The Grenadian clocked a scorching Meeting Record (MR) of 44.08s to outclass the rest of the field as Merritt followed in 44.22s, while James’ compatriot, Bralon Taplin finished 3rd in 44.92s.
USA’s David Veburg (45.03s), Chris Brown (45.82s) of the Bahamas and Rabah Yousif (46.14s) were 4th, 5th and 6th respectively. The race gave a glimpse of what to expect in Rio, but for the absence of reigning World Champion, Wayde Van Niekerk who was in action for his school at the South African Student Championships in Polokwane on the same day.
The South African ran the 100m semis where he equaled his Personal Best (PB) of 9.98s, although the feat was achieved with an illegal time this time around as the tail wind exceeded the legal limit.
Former World Champion Bershawn Jackson kicked off his season on a high note, winning the men’s 400m Hurdles in 49.30s, as Michael Tinsley and Kerron Clement placed 2nd and 3rd respectively in 49.36s and 49.86s. Jeffery Gibson was 4th in 49.98s.
In the women’s race, Great Britain’s Meghan Beesley pulled a surprise win, taking the victory in 55.43s. Dalilah Muhammad followed in 55.45s while Cassandra Tate placed 3rd with a time of 55.91s. Jamaica’s Kaliese Spencer, who recently signed a contract with Puma, was 4th with 56.39s.
Former Commonwealth Champion Ajoke Odumosu of Nigeria placed 8th after returning a time of 62.81s.
World Indoor Champion in the 110 Hurdles, Omar McLeod continued his winning streak in Des Moines, storming to victory in 13.08s to finish ahead of 2013 World Champion, David Oliver (13.31s) and Hansle Parchment (13.42s).
World Record (WR) holder Aries Merritt returned to action after recovering from his kidney transplant, placing 5th with a time of 13.61s.
Kendra Harrison (12.56s), Kristi Castlin (12.62s) and Brianna Rollins (12.65s) were the Top 3 finishers in the 100m Hurdles. World Indoor Champion Nia Ali and Jasmine Stowers placed 4th and 5th in 12.77s and 12.81s respectively.
Derek Drouin won the men’s High Jump after clearing a height of 2.24m. Bryan McBride settled for 2nd place with the same distance while Ricky Robertson was 3rd with 2.19m.
The women’s Long Jump was won by Lorraine Ugen whose leap of 6.82m surpassed Olympic champion Brittney Reese’s distance of 6.74m, while Chelsea Hayes picked the Bronze with her mark of 6.32m.
Beijing 2008 Bronze medallist Blessing Okagbare returned to her first love, taking 4th position with a jump of 6.25m.
Tia Brooks emerged winner in the women’s Shot put as she outdid American Record holder, Michelle Carter in the event. Brooks recorded a superior throw of 19.37m, while the World Indoor Champion placed 2nd with a mark of 18.72m.
