Jeff Shaver is a track geek. He is also a man with a well developed sense of humor, spends one third of the year in China, and works in the computer business. His first piece for me was 24 years ago as he covered the Super Toto meeting, a famous event in Japan where one could sit in a super sized toilet by the Toto company. Being a curious sort, Jeff took a picture of said structure. We believe, with no proof, that it became one of the first viral photos on the internet.
Shanghai Stadium, May 18, 2019, photo by Jeff Shaver
For the tenth Shanghai DL, Jeff Shaver found himself to be the only media person in the stadium’s media section. We have included Jeff’s comments on the meet, with some unique pictures and one film.
The 5000 meters, photo by Jeff Shaver, May 18, 2019, Shanghai DL
Micheal Cherry, USA, changing shoes, photo by Jeff Shaver, May 18, 2019
“Men’s 400m 5th placer Braion Taplin of Grenada puking in the mixed zone after running 45.93”. Our writer, Mr. Shaver, noted: “think it was the Kung Pao “chicken”, photo by Jeff Shaver, this could be the Moment of Jeff for the meet.
We hope that you enjoy!
2019 IAAF Diamond League Shanghai
May 18, 2019
73F, windless evening
10th Anniversary of the Shanghai meet. Packed stadium. Crowd primarily cheering for the Chinese athletes. A loud horn section in the upper decks went crazy for the Ethiopians during the Men’s 5000m and the Women’s 1500m.
Updated May 10, 2019, spelling mistake
Men’s 400m Hurdles:
- Abderrahman Samba – Qatar – 47:27
- Rai Benjamin – USA – 47.80
Samba and Benjamin were far ahead of the rest of the filed and were even going into the 9th hurdle. Samba started pulling away after hurdle #9 and had a clear lead after hurdle #10.
Women’s Javelin Throw:
- Huihui Lyu – China – 66.89
- Lina Muze – Latvia – 64.87
- Christin Hussong – Germany – 64.10
Christin Hussong of Germany was leading after 3 rounds until Latvian Lina Muze took the lead in the 5th round. Huihui Lyu of China won on the event’s final throw to the enjoyment of the home country fans.
Men’s 5000M:
- Yomif Kejelcha – Ethiopia – 13:04.16
- Selemon Barega – Ethiopia – 13:04.71
- Haqos Gebrhiwet – Ethiopia – 13:04.83
19 African born runners and one Chinese man, followed fluorescent green knee-socked Dutch rabbit Bram Som for first 1000m hit in 2:35. Kenyan Cornelius Kiplangat was the second rabbit hitting 2000m in 5:13 (2:38), and taking the field through 2400m. Ethiopian Haqos Gerbrhiwet found himself suddenly in the lead and immediately slammed on the brakes. Fellow countryman Selemon Barega quickly got anzipous (translated to anxious) and jumped to the front to pick up the pace hitting 3000m in 7:55 (2:42). A pack of 10 hit 4000m together in 10:37 (another 2:42) led by Kenyan Nicholas Kimeli with Yomif Kejelcha (Ethiopia)lurking in 4th. Kejelcha moved to the front at the bell and took off with 240m to go, holding off follow countrymen Barega and Gebrhiwet for the win. Americans Paul Chelimo (13:13.94) and Hassan Mead (13:23.15) were well back in 12th and 16th respectively.
Women’s 400m:
- Salwa Eid Naser – Berundi – 50.65
- Sydney McLaughlin – USA – 50.78
Sydney McLaughlin, running in her first ever Diamond League event, was gaining on Naser over the final 20 meters but ran out of track 0.13 seconds short.
Men’s 200m (non-DL):
- Aaron Brown – Canada – 20.07
- Andre DeGrasse – Canada – 20.21
A 1-2 finish for Canada in this non Diamond League event in a season best time of 20.07 for Aaron Brown.
Women’s 1500m:
- Rababe Arafi – Morocco – 4:01.15
- Gudaf Tsegay – Ethiopia – 4:01.25
- Winnie Nanyondo – Uganda – 4:01.39
12 women were together at the bell with 10 still together with 200m remaining. Rababe Arafi of Morocco had the best drive home out leaning Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay for a 0.10 second victory in 4:01.15. Favorite Sinan Hassan of The Netherlands was back in 5th place in 4:01.91.
Women’s Pole Vault:
- Katerina Stefandini – Greece – 4.72
- Tie – Nikoleta Kiriakopoulou – Greece & Ling Li – China – 4.72
Greece took a 1 and 2 (tie) in the Women’s Pole Vault with Katerina Stefandini winning on the count back. Four women, including American Sandi Morris, all cleared 4.72m.
Women’s Shot Put:
- Chase Ealey – USA – 19.56
- Lijao Gong – China – 19.44
American Chase Ealey and Lijao Gong of China were the class of the Women’s Shot Put field with the American prevailing over the local woman.
Men’s High Jump:
- Yu Wang – China – 2.28
- Maksim Nedasekau – Belarus – 2.28
- Ilya Ivanyuk – Authorized Neutral Athlete – 2.28
3 men’s High Jumpers all cleared 2.28 with the home crown favorite You Wang prevailing with no misses until his attempts at 2.30. Bohdan Bondarenko was only 10th with a single clearance of 2.19m.
Special thanks to Jeff Shaver for his thoughtful coverage of the second DL meeting of the season.
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