Thompson shines indoor
JAMAICA’S SPRINT queen Elaine Thompson produced a personal best and world leading 6.98 seconds to win the women’s 60 metres at the Birmingham Indoor Grand Prix meet in England yesterday.
The double Olympic sprint champion led home a Jamaican 1-2-3 in the event with Gayon Evans (7.17) and Christania Williams (7.18) also clocking personal best times for second and third, respectively.
Thompson’s time also equalled the personal best of MVP teammate Shelly-Ann FraserPryce. Both are behind Merlene Ottey, who has the 6.96 national indoor record.
In the men’s 60 metres, Julian Forte was fifth in a personal best 6.59 seconds. The event was won by American Ronnie Baker in 6.55, with veteran Kim Collins second in 6.58 and Britain’s Richard Kilty clocking the same time for third.
Sprint hurdler Megan Simmonds (8.24 seconds) was eighth in the women’s 60m hurdles final, won in 7.83 by American Christina Manning. Another American, Sharika Nelvis, was second in 7.94, while Australia’s Sally Pearson took third in 7.96.
SELECTED RESULTS
Men’s 60m final 1. Ronnie Baker USA 6.55 2. Kim Collins SKN 6.58 3. Richard Kilty GBR 6.58 4. Everton Clarke JAM 6.58 5. Julian Forte JAM 6.59 6. Chijindu Ujah GBR 6.64
Women’s 60m final 1. Elaine Thompson JAM 6.98 2. Gayon Evans JAM 7.17 3. Christania Williams JAM 7.18 4. Barbara Pierre , Barbara USA 7.20 5. Asha Philip GBR 7.24 6. Jessica Warren USA 7.35