LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND, August 22 — For 2-time world shot champion Chase Jackson, the first post-Olympic DL meet was an opportunity to begin finding redemption. Devastated by her inability to hit her marks and make the Paris final, she looked for some assurance that she still knew how to compete.
She found it and more, taking control of the competition with her first throw, 64-9¾ (19.75), and then on her third effort rocketing the ball beyond the white arc all the way to a world-leading 67-8¾ (20.64), the No. 2 throw in U.S. history, second only to her own American Record.
Jackson left gold medalist Yemisi Ogunleye far behind in 2nd at 64-1¾ (19.55). Saying she didn’t take any time off after Paris, Jackson added, “I just went straight back to training. My goal is to win another world title and keep pushing myself. I know I can go further, much further, so I’m working hard on my technique.”
The American wasn’t the only one looking to assuage their self-esteem after a rough Olympics. Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith didn’t make the 100 final in Paris. Despite none of the medalists being on the line here, she must have felt a sense of atonement in blistering a season best 10.88 to dominate a field including Tamari Davis (10.97), Mujinga Kambundji (11.06) and Marie-Josée Ta Lou-Smith (11.07).
“After the Olympics I took some time to refocus and now I’m just enjoying running, feeling fit and injury free,” she said.
Kenya’s Mary Moraa, unhappy with her bronze at the Games, looked to get back to winning, something the world champion hadn’t done since the Doha DL. She followed the rabbit through a 56.84, then as the pacer dropped, OT champion Nia Akins forced her way alongside the Kenyan on the inside and battled with her down the backstretch before taking the lead on the final turn.
The upset wasn’t to be, as the pack soon crowded behind Akins. Moraa launched an effective sprint on the straight to win in 1:57.91. Brits Georgia Bell (1:58.53) and Jemma Reekie (1:58.73) followed, as Akins imploded to 10th in 2:00.00. “I executed it well,” said Moraa succinctly.
Bronze medalists also took both hurdles races. In the 100H, new pro Grace Stark got out quickly and led for most of the distance before the fast finish of Tokyo champ Jasmine Camacho-Quinn caught…
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