Day flies in 100m, Mitchell hurt
TEEN sprint star Riley Day has reaped the benefits of racing a Commonwealth Games medal contender, setting a 100m personal best behind England’s Dina Asher-Smith at the Sydney Grand Prix.
But in a worrying sign three weeks out from Gold Coast 2018, javelin gold medal favourite Kathryn Mitchell did not finish her event on Saturday night after suffering from foot pain The 2016 Olympics finalist and Australian recordholder completed only her first three throws – topping out at 64.84 – before passing her final three. She left Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre quickly, but though Athletics Australia said her withdrawal was precautionary.
For Day, the 100m was a learning experience.
A month after becoming the youngest Australian woman in history to win the 100m-200m double at the national titles, the 17-year-old placed second in 11.50, pipping her previous PB of 11.52 set in January.
Asher-Smith, who won comfortably in 11.24, is in Aus- tralia preparing for the Games, at which she and Day will go head to head in the 200m. “I did not expect that (PB) at all,” Day said.
“I lost my composure a little bit at the start seeing Dina get out so fast.
“I regained myself and now I’ve learnt from that. I’m very grateful she ran tonight, it gave me really good competition.” Day then backed up to win the 200m in 23.39, beating Sri Lanka’s Rumeshika Rathnayake (23.62) and Anneliese Rubie (23.73).