by Larry Eder
Sam Kendricks wins the pole vault, photo by PhotoRun.net
Day Three brought the temperature even more, and a temperature around 100 felt so much nicer than 110. Sam Kendricks used that tepid weather to clear six meters, his first time over that classic pole vault height.
Sam was one of the fine performances on Saturday, June 24. Here’s some of my other observations.
Fred Kerley wins the 400 meters, photo by PhotoRun.net
The men’s 400 meter was a battle between Fred Kerley and Gil Roberts, who battled down to the finish line, with Fred Kerley continuing his undefeated season, running 44.03. Gil Roberts ran a fine 44.22 and Will London III in third in 44.47. Seven men under 45 seconds showed just how tough it is to make the 400 meter team. Add on to that LaShawn Merritt’s wild card, and we have four men in the 400 meters in London.
Quanera Hayes winning the 400 meters, photo by PhotoRun.net
The women’s 400 meters saw Natasha Hastings go out very fast, and as the field hit the last 50 meters, the race looked to be in slow motion. Quanara Hayes ran a superb race, finishing first in 49.72, showing her talent and how fast she is running fit and healthy. In second, Phyliss Francis ran 49.96 for second and Kendell Ellis ran by Natasha Hastings, taking third at 50.00 to 50.14.
Brittney Reese, second in LJ, photo by PhotoRun.net
The women’s Long Jump showed how talented of a group we have here, with Tianna Bartoletta, 2016 Olympic champ, and Brittney Reese, six time World Champ. In Sacramento, Bartoletta had 7.01m, 7.01m and 7.05m on her last jump. Reese got to 6.98m, but has leaped 7.13m this season.
Jenny Simpson wins 1,500m, photo by PhotoRun.net
We spoke on the 1,500 meters already, with Jenny Simpson showing her talent with a fine win and a fast last lap of 60.4. Robbie Andrews kept his cool, and ran down the field, with a 52.2 last 400 meters to win a tactical 1,500 meters.
