Steven Gardiner cruises 43.74 at Gyulai Istavn Memorila in Szekesfehrvar

Olympic champion Steven Gardiner cruised through to a world seasonal lead of 43.74 in the men’s 400 metres on Tuesday (18) at the Gyulai Istavn Memorila in Szekesfehrvar, Hungary. The Bahamian athlete has maintained his unbeaten streak with five consecutive wins. Gardiner clocked the second fastest time of his career after his PB of 43.48 when he won the world gold medal in Doha. 

Gardiner improved the meeting record of 44.30 he set in 2015. He moved past Muzala Samukonga as the fastest 400 metres sprinter this season.

Steven Gardiner: “I think that is my old self again out there and I and I am happy it gives me more confidence to know that I can do anything. It’s possible. I went out there and I did what I had to do and I surprised myself today”. 

Rusheen McDonald from Jamaica finished runner-up setting the second fastest time in his career with 44.03. Vernoon Norwood took third place with 44.63.

Women’s 100 metres hurdles: 

World record holder Tobi Amusan from Nigeria won her second consecutive 100 metres hurdles race in 12.35 following her win in Chorzow in a meeting record of 12.34. 

Amusan held off US champion Nia Ali (12.41). Alaysha Johnson finished third in 12.50 ahead of Tia Jones (12.51) and Pia Skryszowska (12.65). 

Tobi Amusan: “It is great to win a competition but the most important thing is to be in good shape at the World Championships. My progress is going well, and I am looking forward to coming back to Hungary and competing against the best athletes next month”. 

Women’s 100 metres: 

This year’s NCAA 100 and 200 metres champion Julien Alfred from Santa Lucia won her first professional 100 metres race on the European circuit in 10.89 beating this year’s US champion Sha’Carri Richardson, who lost her unbeaten streak this year finishing second in 10.97. Tamari Davis took third place in 11.02 ahead of Twanisha Terry (11.07). Alfred, who is still undefeated this year, was 0.08 off her PB she set in Texas last May. The Santa Lucian sprinter won multiple NCAA indoor and outdoor titles for the University of Texas over the past couple of years. 

Julien Alfred: “A lot of people would say it is a surprise result, but I felt the power and I knew I could do it. I will run the 200 metres in Monaco on Friday. I could not be in any better shape one month before the World Championships”.