Slightly disappointed over her times on the weekend, Kiara Grant believes there is no reason why she should not break 11 seconds this season as she plans to fight through a competitive field to make Jamaica’s team to the Olympics this summer.
Based on how well she has been training, “there is no reason why I shouldn’t break 11 seconds,” she said.
The 20-year-old Grant, a junior at Norfolk State University, ran 11.29 for second place in the 100m and 23.25 to win the 200m at the Gamecock Invitational at Gregger Park on Saturday.
“This was my opener. I could have been better but they’re okay times for an opener,” she said, “so I know what I need to fix in practice. It’s to see how I can lower my times before regionals asap.”
She has about two weeks to those regionals and she believes that is more than enough time to get the required work in. “I have two meets to get those times down. I am a lot stronger and I have been putting the background work, so with the right competition I can get my times down,” she said confidently.
Grant, who has a personal best of 11.04, said she was expecting to run 11.1 or 11.0x on Saturday and around 22.9, said running her intent to go faster is not just for regionals but for the much bigger event this summer.
“That’s the biggest goal right now. I am up for the Olympics. It doesn’t get better than that. That’s why I am working on getting my times down,” she said.
“Sha’ Carri Richardson ran 10.7, we have to do something over these next two weeks. We have to apply some kind of pressure,” she declared.
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
Lyles to headline Racers Grand Prix at National Stadium on June 1
Much like he did last year, American Noah Lyles, could set this year's sixth staging of the Racers Grand Prix alight, as he is expected to be among a host of world class superstars to grace the National Stadium on June 1.
Lyles, who clocked a superb 19.67s to win the 200m, sharing the spotlight with Jamaica's Shericka Jackson and South African Wayde Van Niekerk last year, could line up in the men’s 100m on this occasion.
Along with Lyles, rising Jamaican sensation Oblique Seville is also said to be in line to contest the explosive 100m.
Also expected to be in action are World University champion Kadrian Goldson, World Championships bronze medallist Zharnel Hughes, Canadian Aaron Brown and American Kendal Williams.
The announcement was made at the event's launch which is currently ongoing at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel.
Williams, Charlton, Tapper to line up in 100m hurdles at Xiamen Diamond League
Track & Field fans around the world will be treated to an exciting clash in the women’s 100m hurdles at the season’s opening Diamond League meet in Xiamen on Saturday.
Jamaica’s two-time World champion, Danielle Williams, will take on newly crowned World Indoor 60m champion and record holder, Devynne Charlton, as well as 2021 Olympic bronze medallist Megan Tapper.
World record holder Tobi Amusan and reigning Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn are also set to line up on Saturday along with Americans Alaysha Johnson and Masai Russell.
The field is completed by Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, 2022 World Indoor champion Cyrena Samba-Mayela and China’s Yanni Wu.
Reigning Olympic champion Hansle Parchment will compete alongside countryman Orlando Bennett in the 110mm hurdles.
Bajan two-time World Championship bronze medallist Sada Williams will line up in the 400m alongside Guyana’s Aliyah Abrams.
Bahamian Anthonique Strachan will take on some of the world’s best in the 200m.
Finally, Jamaica’s World Indoor 60m bronze medallist Ackeem Blake, 2011 World 100m champion Yohan Blake and reigning national 100m champion Rohan Watson will all line up in the 100m against a stacked field including the likes of American world champions Christian Coleman and Fred Kerley.
Stona's lifetime best overshadowed by Alekna's record-breaking performance at OK Throws Series
Jamaica's Roje Stona delivered a stunning personal best throw of 69.05 meters in the men's discus at the Ok Throws Series held at Millican Field in Throw Town, Oklahoma on Sunday. However, his exceptional performance was eclipsed by the remarkable display of Mykolas Alekna, who shattered a nearly 40-year-old world record in a truly historic feat. It was the oldest world record in men's athletics.
Stona's massive throw would have secured him victory in the competition on most other days, but it was Alekna who stole the show with an extraordinary series of throws, all surpassing the 70m mark. Alekna's fifth throw, measuring an astonishing 74.41m, broke the longstanding world record of 74.08m set by Jurgen Schult of East Germany in 1986.
Alekna, the son of two-time Olympic champion Virgilijus Alekna, demonstrated exceptional consistency and power throughout the event, recording throws of 72.21m, 70.32m, 72.89m, 70.51m, 74.41m, and 70.50m in what could be described as one of the most impressive series in the history of discus throwing.
Meanwhile, Roje Stona showcased his talent with a series of impressive throws following his outstanding opening mark. Despite fouling his second attempt, Stona maintained his form with throws of 65.46m, 65.34m, 68.05m, and 67.88m, highlighting his potential in the field.
Mika Sosna claimed the third spot with his best effort of 68.96m, while Alex Rose registered five throws over 66m but settled for fourth place with a top throw of 68.20m.
Although Stona's personal best marked a significant achievement in his career, the day belonged to Mykolas Alekna, whose record-breaking performance captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on discus throwing. Alekna's monumental achievement will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in athletic history.
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