Arto Bryggare thinks the qualifying for the American women’s fast fences is really tough.
The US championships saw tough times Finnish time on Sunday morning.
In the 100-meter hurdles Nia Ali ran to victory in a blistering time when the mother of three stopped the clocks at 12.37.
Running second Keni Harrison’s the time was 12.42 and third place Masai Russell 12.46. Alaysha Johnson was fourth at the same time.
Reetta Hurske’s Finnish record is 12.70. Eight athletes participated in the final run, and six of them ran under Hurskeen in the SE final.
– The women’s 100 hurdles were extremely hard. Absolutely terrible, Iltalehti expert Arto Bryggare sighs.
Alaysha Johnson might have been considered the winning favorite for the final. Nevertheless, 34-year-old Nia Ali won first place.
– It was a surprise that Alli won. Her rise as a mother of three children to the winner of the qualifiers hopefully brings faith to women that their careers do not end when they turn 30. On the contrary, the career can continue for a long time after that.
According to Bryggare, the women’s 100-meter hurdles are the toughest of the US qualifiers.
– Even more difficult than the men’s speed fences, because it is even more sensitive than the men’s speed fences.
– During 12 and a half seconds, it is possible to fail 11 times. If you want to succeed, you have to succeed all 11 times. It is not easy.
One star fell
There was a small surprise in the men’s section when KC Lightfoot qualified from the World Championships.
Lightfoot was considered one of the biggest challengers to Armand Duplantis, but he fell short at 581 and was fourth in the qualifiers.
Lightfoot had jumped over six meters earlier this summer.
– One expected man has fallen and it’s sad, says Bryggare.
The winner of the fencing competition Chris Nilsen the result was 591.
– Nilsen is certainly as tough as Lightfoot.
Bryggare still does not consider Duplantis’ World Cup gold medal completely certain. Pole vaulting is a sensitive sport that can be affected by conditions quickly.
– It is very likely that Duplantin will be in world record shape at the World Championships.
– You can never say that Duplantis will definitely win. It’s very likely, but nothing is certain in sports.
Nia Ali ran for United States Champion. Stock photo. ZumaWire / MVPHOTOS
Arto Bryggare is Iltalehti’s athletics expert. Jussi Saarinen