DyeStat.com – News – Elite Eight Gold Medals for U.S. on First Day of NACAC Open Championships

Highlighted by meet records from Cunningham, Jennings, McGorty, Rogers and Tausaga-Collins, plus victories from Benard, Kassanavoid and Steen along with a pair of podium sweeps in women’s 3,000 steeplechase and 5,000, Americans win every final and accumulate 17 medals in Bahamas

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

The opening day of the North American, Central American and Caribbean Open Championships showcased the depth and dominance of the United States roster Friday at the Grand Bahama Stadium in Freeport.

The U.S. won all eight championship events, swept a pair of podiums and produced five meet records, accounting for a total of 17 medals to begin the three-day NACAC senior-level competition in the Bahamas.

Gabrielle Jennings, Katie Rainberger and Carmen Graves produced a sweep of the medals in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase even before the opening ceremonies commenced, with Natosha Rogers, Fiona O’Keeffe and Eleanor Fulton also sweeping the women’s 5,000 under the lights.

“Overall, it was very neat experience to bring home the first set of medals on the track (Friday) night,” Jenning said. “Everyone on the team was pretty pumped and we could feel the energy from everyone in the stands. The culture here is so fun and lively, everyone is so kind. This trip has been amazing so far and I can’t wait to continue cheering on my USA teammates the next couple days, while also enjoying a little celebratory beach time.”

Sean McGorty produced the final championship record of the evening for the U.S. in the men’s 10,000, joining Vashti Cunningham in the women’s high jump, Laulauga Tausaga-Collins in the women’s discus throw, along with Jennings and Rogers.

Janee’ Kassanavoid prevailed in the women’s hammer throw, Roger Steen won the men’s shot put and Chris Benard also triumphed in the men’s triple jump for the Americans to contribute to the sweep of all the gold medals.

All eight U.S. winners earned the World Athletics Championships qualification standard for next year’s global event in Budapest, Hungary.

Kassanavoid prevailed against fellow American Brooke Andersen in a rematch of their July 17 showdown at the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field.

Kassanavoid, the bronze medalist in Oregon, took the lead in the second round Friday and improved her mark to 234 feet, 7 inches (71.51m) on her sixth attempt to hold off Andersen – the reigning World champion – and her fifth-round effort of 225-3 (68.66m).

Jillian…