by Larry Eder
Candace Hill, artwork from ASICS Corporation
BIRMIMGHAM: Teen sprinting star Candace Hill opened her first pro year with 7.32 win at the 60 m during the Vulcan Invitational. Patricia Hall of Jamaica got 53.12 in the 400 m and good high jumping for Levern Spencer of St. Lucia and US record holder Chaunte Lowe, both 192. Men 60 m winner was Bahamian Warren Fraser in 6.62 ahead of Jamaican Odean Skeen 6.62, third Trell Kimmons 6.64, just behind him Olympic medalist Walter Dix 6.66 and sub 10 runner Kemar Hyman of Cayman Islands 6.66. Calvin Smith clocked 46.75 in the 400 m, World indoor champion Omo Osaghae 7.82 over the hurdles and Bilal Abdullah 798 in long jump, great PB for the decathlete.
Editor’s note: Great news for ASICS. Candace Hill wins her first pro race the same weekend that Ryan Hill, a long term ASICS athlete, retires from elite racing.
ASICS showed some real class paying for Candace’s education. I have seen that adidas did that with Ajee’ Wilson and liked a long term approach. Candace and Ajee have the role model of Allyson Felix, who went pro at the then fragile age of 18, went to school and has had one of the most amazing careers in athletics memory, with much more to come.
Candace Hill may be one of those once in a generation athletes, like Allyson Felix. It will be fascinating to see how she progresses. With the love of her family, and the watchful eyes of her coaching team, management team and sponsor, she should fare well.
One suggestion, I believe all athletes should be very careful in the social media world. One day you are loved and the next day, for something trivial, one is castigated.
The management of social media is critical in modern athlete’s arsenals. Some stay away, some blab, some manage it. Another one of those personal decisions which challenge the brightest of minds.
For more on Candace Hill, read this fun bio from ASICS America: http://www.asicsamerica.com/athletes/candace-hill
