Des Moines, Iowa, June 22—The second day of the USATF Championships saw comfortable temperatures and a break from Midwest humidity, setting the stage for continued strong performances. With just the 100 and 20K walk contesting finals, many stars were simply trying to survive rounds on Friday.
The 100 featured names that will likely represent Team USA in the near future, perhaps with potential of building the next American sprint cohort at the global level. Semifinals saw former LSU Tiger and current U.S. leader Aleia Hobbs surge to win in heat II, running the fastest time of the round in 10.89w (2.2mps). Oregon alum Jenna Prandini’s 11.00 (1.5) had claimed heat I. San Diego State’s Ashley Henderson also showed intent to win the final, running 11.03 in the semis. But Hobbs (10.91 with an 0.6) stole the show in the final, and the theft came early. First out of the blocks, she held off late rushes from Henderson (10.96 PR) and Prandini (10.98) to earn her first national crown.
Said Hobbs, who raced in her LSU uniform, “At [NCAA] nationals [the rain dumping on the 100 final she dominated thoroughly] was horrible, but Coach Shaver says it’s the same in every lane. So in that respect we had some pretty decent weather here. So I just had to execute the race, that’s all.” Hobbs seemed to smile during the closing strides of the dash. “I kind of stumbled at that time,” she explained, smiling again. “I was just, ‘Alright, you gotta finish running!’ So that’s what that was.”
Having raced 14 finals, not counting relays, since her senior campaign began in January, Hobbs allowed, “It is a long season but I’m really feeling good so I’m proud of that, really.”
Possibly the deepest event of the meet, action in the 100 hurdles was true to form. WR holder Kendra Harrison took heat I over Queen Harrison, 12.46–12.66. World 400H champion Kori Carter is stepping down in distance and won heat III (12.78).
Maria Michta-Coffey won yet another national walk title, taking the 20K. She wasted no time in winning wire-to-wire over Katie Burnett (1:37:55.97) for her third win in a row and 8th in the last 9 years.
Four quartermilers, led by World Indoor silver medalist Shakima Wimbley, established themselves as contenders during the 400 semis. Wimbley’s time of 50.57 to win heat I was just ahead of Kendal Ellis’ 50.80. Heat II was similar with Jessica Beard edging Courtney Okolo 50.65–50.80.
A tight group of chasers can be expected to target Ajee’ Wilson in Sunday’s 800 final. While the defending national champ moved away from her semifinal competition with ease in 1:59.34, 5 others were within 1.7 seconds of the AR holder between the two heats. □