close
Thursday March 28, 2024

Harrison romps, Kendricks soars at US trials

By our correspondents
June 26, 2017

SACRAMENTO, California: Hurdles star Keni Harrison romped to victory at the US World Championships trials on Saturday as pole vaulter Sam Kendricks soared through the six-meter barrier with a season-best jump.

Harrison, the 100m hurdles world record-holder, blasted to a flawless win in 12.60 seconds in sweltering conditions at Sacramento’s Hornet Stadium.Olympic silver medallist Nia Ali was second in 12.68 with Christina Manning third in 12.70.

Afterwards, Harrison — who failed to qualify for last year’s Olympics after a shock sixth-place finish at the US trials — said she believed American women could repeat their 2016 Olympic sweep of the medals at the World Championships in August.

The strength in depth was reflected in the fact that Jasmine Stowers, who set a season-best 12.47 in morning semi-finals, placed last in the final.In the men’s pole vault, 2016 Olympics bronze medallist Kendricks posted the highest outdoor jump of 2017 after clearing 6.0m.

It was the first time the 24-year-old US Army reservist had cleared six meters, a psychological benchmark that he said will give him the confidence to challenge for gold in London.Elsewhere Saturday, in the men’s 400m, Fred Kerley underscored his status as the form one-lap specialist of 2017 with the second-fastest time of the year.

Kerley produced a smooth burst of acceleration down the home straight to win in 44.03, with Gil Roberts second and Wil London third.The 22-year-old Texas runner now owns the five fastest 400m times of 2017, including a season-best 43.70 earlier this month.In the women’s 400m, Quanera Hayes clocked a world-leading 49.72 as she romped to victory.

The 25-year-old’s winning time beat Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo’s season-best of 49.77 set in the Shanghai Diamond League meeting in May.Phyllis Francis was second in 49.96 with Kendall Ellis third in 50.00.

In heats for the men’s 200m, Christian Coleman bounced back from his surprise defeat against Justin Gatlin to ease through to the semi-finals.The 21-year-old rising star of American sprinting coasted into the next round of the 200m in 20.34.The 200m also saw LaShawn Merritt confirm his fitness with a time of 20.74.Felix won her heat in 22.95. The 31-year-old plans to only run the one-lap event in London.