by Alfonz Juck
Christian Coleman, photo by PhotoRun.netChristian Coleman 6.37 WR
CLEMSON (USA, Jan 19): Clemson University Indoor Complex saw something very special. World silver medalist in the 100 m Christian Coleman first clocked 6.47 in the 60 m heats what was his second fastest ever and best ever for January. That happened after 5 pm local time and after one hour and 40 minutes Coleman improved the World Indoor Record of Maurice Greene from 1998 by 0.02 to 6.37. So early in the season means there could more to come from Coleman who should run at Boston IAAF World Indoor Tour meet and plans also to compete at World Indoors in Birmingham. His best from last year was 6.45. Second Tevin Hester 6.57 and 2008 Olympic medalist Walter Dix fourth 6.70. Kendal Williams won the other race in 6.67. Another top mark came from Grant Holloway in the 60 m hurdles with 7.49 PB and second fastest by a collegian in USA (best is Omar McLeod with 7.45). In women hurdles Kristi Castlin won the olympic development race in 8.06, in other section Puertorican Jasmine Camacho-Quinn 8.00 ahead of Jeanine Williams of Jamaica 8.02 and third 400 m hurdles World champion Kori Carter 8.14 (just 0.03 behind her PB). Bahamian Alonzo Russell won the 400 m in 46.38 PB and Jamaican Shavine Hodges 60 m in 7.26 life-time best.
RunBlogRun opines: Christian Coleman was one of the true global finds in 2017. His NCAA racing made him a strong and consistent competitor. His racing in London was a baptism of fire for the young sprinter, and he weathered the global storm well. Many were surprise by his 6.37, breaking the WR of one Maurice Greene, who ran 6.39 twice, once in March 1998 and again, in March 2001. His start was good, and he just ran away from the field. Watch this young man, he could be the real thing.
