British middle-distance runner defeats top-class 1500m field as Noah Lyles and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone take victories in New York
The 2022 world champion Jake Wightman showed a fine return to form as he took the win at the NYC Grand Prix on Sunday (June 9) with a 3:34.01 1500m.
After an injury-hit 2023 season, Wightman is on track to a triumphant return to form after he clinched the victory in the nail-biting race, edging out Eric Holt in a close finish with the American runner-up clocking 3:34.05. Hobbs Kessler finished behind the pair in 3:34.41.
The Brit’s victory is expected to boost his confidence as he prepares for the Olympic trials at the UK Athletics Championships later this month (June 29-30). The triumph comes after the Stockholm Diamond League last week, where Wightman had no such luck in the 800m, finishing eighth with 1:45.35.
For the Americans, the NYC Grand Prix was the final major tune-up before the US Olympic Trials in Eugene which start in less than two weeks (21-30 June).
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone showcased her speed as she aimed for the 48.70 400m American record.
The Olympic champion and world record holder had to settle for a world-lead time instead as she ran 48.75, just 0.05 seconds off Sanya Richards Ross’ record set in 2006.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (John Nepolitan)
Gabby Thomas looked strong in the women’s 200m as she powered her way to victory, clocking 22.42. USA dominated the podium as Tamara Clark finished second (22.79) and Jenna Prandini in third (22.96).
After missing out on the win to Jamaica’s Oblique Seville at the Racers Grand Prix last week, Noah Lyles was eager to reclaim his winning form in the men’s 200m.
Despite issues with the blocks and a headwind of -1.6, the American took the victory clocking a time of 19.77.
Followed behind him was a familiar face to Lyles as his younger brother Josephus Lyles crossed the line in third place clocking a season’s best of 20.51. Liberia’s Joseph Fahnbulleh finished between the pair to take silver (20.15).
Noah Lyles (John Nepolitan)
Beyond the wins and impressive times, some of the biggest news from the NYC Grand Prix came from sprinters Fred Kerley and Elaine Thompson-Herah.
Olympic 100m silver medallist Kerley made a surprising appearance on the track as he showed up in a pair of bright Puma spikes, despite his sponsorship with ASICS.
The men’s 100m was restarted due to a false start, only for Kerley to then commit a blatant false start himself. With evident issues in his starting blocks, Kerley chose to leave the track barefoot, with his Puma spikes in hand.
It was later revealed that Kerley and ASICS had mutually decided to part ways.
Surprises in the 100m continued to come through as two-time and reigning Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah placed last in 11.48 (-2.1) after appearing to injure her right foot.
The Jamaican was carried off the track, and later posted that she “felt something uncomfortable” and was awaiting medical guidance.
Nigerians swept the 100m, respectively, with Favour Ofili (11.18) winning the women’s and Udodi Onwuzurike claiming the men’s victory in 10.24 (-0.7).
After a very successful indoor season and setting a new world record, Devynne Charlton picked up where she left off with a 12.56 (-1.9) win in the women’s 100m hurdles. Behind her was USA’S Alaysha Johnson in second (12.58) and Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan in third (12.66).
Jade Lally (John Nepolitan)
Elsewhere on the field, Britain’s Jade Lally finished third in the women’s discus against a strong field.
She threw 59.30m in a competition which saw Cuba’s Yaimé Perez (68.31) take first and Chioma Onyekwere second (61.35).
The 2023 world silver medallist, Sarah Milton showed her power in the women’s shot put as she took the victory with a throw of 20.15m. USA’s Raven Saunders threw 19.11 for second place and Jessica Ramsey in third (18.83).
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