by Larry Eder
Sifan Hassan at SPAR Euro XC, photo by PhotoRun.net
(Editor’s note: Sifan Hassan gave a very visual view of how cross country adds to a middle distance runner with her brilliant Euro and World leader, plus Netherlands NR of 3:57.00 in her battle with American Jenny Simpson, who ran 3:57.22! )
PARCHMENT, HASSAN THE SENSATIONS, KENYAN WORLD LEADS KIPROP AND SOI
PARIS (FRA): In total 42 152 witnessed excellent Areva Meeting, 8th stage of IAAF Diamond League 2014. Five world leads and two meet records. Three French wins made the crowd more than happy. Hassan was the surprise of the evening, but also Parchment excellent Jamaican hurdles record. Kiprop is the first runner after some time leading the World lists in 800 m and 1500 m in the same time.
Event by event
Men
100 m: Rodgers after good 2nd half 10.00 (-0.8) over Thompson 10.08 and Collins season best 10.11. Lemaitre last, Ashmeade false started.
800 m: Kiprop in his preparation for fast Monaco 1500 m showed that it is going to be serious: 1:43.34 WL. Amos and Lopez went sub1:44, the latter confirming solo races. Bosse 1:44.23 EL.
5000 m: First sub 13 of the year and non-selected Soi beat them all in 12:59.82.
110mH (non-DL): Home star PML 13.05 PB and EL but the did not win, Parchment was excellent with 12.94 (+0.8) WL and NR. Fastest time since Merritt WR in Brussels.
400mH: Tinsley started harder and won in season best 48.25, Culson faded this time after Lausanne win. Eaton spoiled second curve.
PV: In difficult wind conditions he remained unbeaten Lavillenie 570 and is now confirmed DR winner, just must compete in the finals.
TJ: Surprise hom win for Compaore 17.12 (+1.8), DR leader Claye had an off day as 7th (16.79).
SP: Storl has the shape, in all meets of 2014 over 21, he beat all top Americans.
JT: Egyptian giant Abdelrahman 87.10 his second best ever and enough to win over in-shape Pitkamaki 86.63 SB. World champ Vesely 5th 81.43, struggled with technique.
Women
200 m: Okagbare had the best last 20 m and won in 22.32, but Felix is getting faster 22.34, SAFP still not there (22.63 as 5th).
400 m: Sanya back winning in Europe 50.10. Clearly over McPherson 50.40 and Novlene W-Mills who won all three previous Diamond races (50.68).
1500 m: Hassan surprised everybody and also herself. 3:57.00 is WL, Dutch record and European U23 record. Also Simpson 3:57.22 PB, Obiri third 3:58.89. Other five personal bests in this high calibre race. Aregawi on her birthday date due to slight injury 10th 4:03.46.
SC: Ayalew waited and beat Coburn 9:11.65 MR and 9:14.12 still PB for the American. Kenyans not a force here currently.
100mH: Harper-Nelson despite rounds at US Champs came to Europe to run WL and 3rd fastest of her career 12.44 (0.0), the other faster coming from 2012.
HJ: Vlasic had a miracle evening as she felt back pain but local physio saved here and she managed to clear two meters in first and won. Second Kuchina also two but in third attempt, still her first outdoor two meters. McPherson after two at US Champs here 194 as 6th.
LJ: Fine home win Lesueur 692 (+0.4) PB and EL over World and Olympic winner Reese 687 (-0.2).
DT: Perkovic was close to lose, but managed in last throw 68.48 MR and beat strong rivals Samuels 67.40 and Lewis-Smallowood 65.59.
