USA Track & Field – News and Notes – May 20, 2015 – Oliver turns in world lead at Beijing World Challenge

BEIJING — David Oliver reigned supreme in China once again, taking his second hurdles title in four days as he turned in a world-leading time of 13.15 at the IAAF Beijing World Challenge Wednesday.

Also taking the win in Beijing was Mike Hartfield, who leapt to a new personal best of 8.27m/27-1.75 in the men’s long jump. Right behind Hartfield was training partner Jeff Henderson, who finished in the runner-up spot with a mark of 8.23m/27-0. Both men utilized their last jumps as their best of the day.

The men’s 100 meters was a showstopper as Marvin Bracy ran his first sub-10 to defeat compatriot Mike Rodgers, 9.95-9.99. Bracy is the reigning World Indoor silver medalist over 60 meters but Wednesday was his first breakthrough outdoors.

Kaylin Whitney and Tiffany Williams both posted second-place finishes in their respective events, with Whitney running a season’s best 23.06 in the women’s 200 meters and Williams edging countrywomen Lashinda Demus and Georganne Moline in a season’s best 55.22 for the women’s 400-meter hurdles.

The next major meets in the series are the Ponce Grand Prix and the IAAF World Challenge Dakar, both on Saturday, May 23
Seven U.S. athletes lead IAAF Diamond League standings through two meetings

MONACO — Seven U.S. athletes lead the IAAF Diamond League standings through meetings in Doha and Shanghai and 21 U.S. athletes currently rank in the top three in their event

The following U.S. athletes lead their respective events with 12 Diamond League meetings remaining in the competition schedule:

 
Men’s 100 Meters – Justin Gatlin

Men’s 110-Meter Hurdles – David Oliver

Men’s 400-Meter Hurdles – Bershawn Jackson

Women’s 200 Meters – Allyson Felix

Women’s 400 Meters – Francena McCorory

Women’s 100-Meter Hurdles – Jasmin Stowers

Women’s Long Jump – Tianna Bartoletta

 

RunJumpThrow joined IPS Field Day to bring track & field basics to over 9,200 students

INDIANAPOLIS — USA Track & Field joined the district-wide Indianapolis Public Schools Field Day at the U.S. Kids Fitness Farm Wednesday to bring the basics of running, jumping and throwing to more than 9,200 students from 39 schools for a day promoting physical activity, health, wellness and fitness.

 

Utilizing USATF’s flagship community program, RunJumpThrow (RJT), members of the University of Indianapolis track team, Olympian Molly (Beckwith) Ludlow and USATF staff members provided kids with a fun chance to learn and practice the foundational skills of running, jumping, and throwing, which are not only the core of track & field but can also be applied on nearly any other sport’s playing field.

 

Activities for kids in USATF’s RJT area included mini hurdles, short races and jumping activities. Participants received a prize such as a wristband or temporary tatoo once they complete an RJT activity.

 

More than 50 companies helped make the IPS Field Day possible as the Indianapolis Public Schools Education Foundation (IPSEF) and the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon (IMM) sponsored the event.

 

Click here for more information on IPS Field Day and the organizations participating.

 

Hoka One One Middle Distance Classic and USATF 1 Mile Champs on demand on USATF.TV

INDIANAPOLIS — USATF.TV continues its free streaming of the best in track & field and road racing, as the HOKA ONE ONE Middle Distance Classic and USATF 1 Mile Championships are both available on demand.

 

The HOKA ONE ONE Middle Distance Classic, the third outdoor stop of the USATF Championship Series, saw multiple IAAF ‘A’ Standards set before torrential downpours and hail canceled the rest of the meet following the first heat of the men’s 1,500 meters.

 

At the USATF 1 Mile Championships, hometown favorite Heather Kampf took her third mile title overall and second straight, while Minnesota native Garrett Heath won his second title in three years.

 

Next up in the USATF Championship Series is the Nike Prefontaine Classic, the first of two domestic IAAF Diamond League meetings, on May 30-31. Tickets are available here and broadcast information can be found here. Fans can join the conversation by following USATF on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and using the hashtag #PreClassic.

 

Amanda Brooks
Marketing and Communications Manager
USA Track & Field
317.713.4690