The track and field season is alive and well, and athletes around the sport continue to make headlines with their impressive performances.
Pre-Classic recap
All eyes were in Eugene this past weekend for the Nike Prefontaine Classic, and the meet did not disappoint. Some of the top performers include Michael Norman, who ran a new world lead in the 400m with his time of 43.60.
Elaine Thompson-Herah continued her dominance, winning the women’s 1100m with a time of 10.79. Ryan Crouser, the world record holder in the men’s shot put, continued his dominance, winning the event with his 23.02 meter throw. Alison Dos Santos of Brazil showed why he’s one of the best 400m hurdle athletes in the world, winning the event with a time of 47.02.
Berihu Aregawi of Ethiopia dominated the field in the men’s 5k with a time of 12:50.05. Read more about his approach on the track and off the track in a piece written by Hannah Borenstein here.
These were a few of the electrifying times that lit up the cold, rainy track in Eugene. With July quickly approaching, look to see more performances from these elite athletes multiply in the coming weeks.
World record holder making a difference in her home-state.
Olympic gold-medalist and world record holder Bianca Knight is striving to elevate track and field in her home-state of Mississippi.
She hosted the second annual Mississippi Meet of Champions, which was free to all participants and coaches. The meet provided an opportunity for athletes on all levels to showcase their skills. All in all, things are progressing in a way that pleases Knight.
“It turned out really well – I can see that it’s going to be a big deal,” Knight said. “This is my first year having professionals and my second year even doing this meet. Just in one year it had a big turn around and I’m liking the way that it’s developing.
“I saw a need, so I’m trying to fill a need by having a local meet, a meet in the state for everybody.”
For more information about the Mississippi Meet of Champions, the Bianca Knight Foundation and how you can support, be sure to visit https://www.mmoc.events.
Be sure to check out the full recap of the Prefontaine Classic and the full interview with Knight on this week’s edition of Track Talk.