by Alfonz Juck
Shamier Little, Photo by Kevmofoto
Rai Benjamin, Photo by Kevmofoto
The new Hilmer Lodge stadium is a testament to American athletics. The Infinity Golden Games was a superb way to celebrate the reopening!
Little 53.65 and Benjamin 47.13
WALNUT (USA, May 9): Four World leads and series of top results highlighted the second US WACT Gold meet (Golden Games) at renewed Hilmar Lodge Stadium in Walnut. Both 400 m hurdles brought top marks of 2021. Shamier Little 53.65 (Gina Woodruff second NR for Panama 54.70) and Rai Benjamin 47.13 what were for both first races of 2021 at the distance. Kyron McMaster followed with British Virgin Islands NR 47.50 and Ailson dos Santos with South American record 47.68. Ellie Purrier showed top speed at the end of 1500 m with 3:58.36 WL+PB+facility record (behind her Gabriela Debues-Stafford 4:00.69 and Shannon Osika 4:00.73). Fourth WL in pole vault as Chris Nilsen cleared 591 in first attempt and tried at six meters. Women winner Olympic gold medalist Ekaterini Stefanidi cleared 480 EL (and tried at 483 WL). In the 400 m Michael Norman got 2nd fastest of the year 44.40, in the 200 m windy 22.12 (+2.1) for Gabby Thomas ahead of Allyson Felix with respectable 22.26. In men´s 200 m Noah Lyles with strong finish beat in 19.90 to 19.94 (+0.7) Kenny Bednarek. Sha´Carri Richardson after 10.74 (+1.1) heat time won the final in 10.77 against -1.2 wind over Javianne Oliver 11.08 (10.97 +1.8 PB in heats). Cravon Gillespie in close 100 m clocked 9.96 (+1.9) over Isiah Young 9.99, Chris Belcher 10.01 and EL for CJ Ujah 10.03. World record holder Keni Harrison posted 12.48 (+2.0) in the hurdles with Cindy Sember improving to 12.53 (also EL). Australian Olli Hoare clocked outdoor PB 3:33.19 in the 1500 m with Canadian Justyn Knight 3:33.41 PB and Olympic standard. British star duo dominated women 800 m as Jemma Reekie clocked 1:58.27 PB and EL ahead of Laura Muir 1:58.46. Bryce Hoppel won the 800 m in 1:44.94. In technical events huge 22.34 by Darrell Hill in shot put over Josh Awotunde 21.68 PB, Maggie Ewen won women 19.32. Triple winners were Kimberly Williams from Jamaica 14.62 (+1.4) over US record holder Keturah Orji 14.38 (+1.6) and Will Claye 17.15 on the men side. Gwen Berry got women hammer 73.73 and Kord Ferguson men discus 63.75.
