We promised that the 6thAIT International Grand Prix would be a real mid-week treat, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
Asias’s fastest man and poster boy, Su Bingtian, made his presence very much felt from the opening round of the men’s 60m. He cruised over the line to a new stadium record of 6.54 and went one step further in the final, clocking 6.52, the second fastest time in the world this year.
Jamaica’s Gayon Evans held off Britain’s Corinne Humphries who looked on top form in the heats, earning herself a new PB of 7.37. It was Gayon who was first to the post in the final though in 7.27.
More stadium records fell in the women’s 400m. British talent Meghan Beesley fought hard to the line and she was rewarded with 53.00 which is the Glasgow European indoor qualifying standard exactly.
Over on the field, despite being a headliner for the event, reigning Olympic champion Thiago Braz da Silva failed to make a clearance as he entered the competition at 5.45m. The spotlight shifted to Finland’s Tommi Holttinnen, who had first time clearances at 5.15m, 5.30m and 5.45m. He attempted 5.66m but it wasn’t meant to be.
In the distance events, Irishman Mark English clocked 1.46.94 ahead of US interest Erik Sowinski in the men’s 800m final. Home favourite and 5 time Irish champion Ciara Megeean also impressed in the women’s 1500m final with her 4.06.05 effort. It was 2018 World Indoor silver medallist, Poland’s Marcin Lewandowski who rounded up the action from Ireland with a 3.56.41 in the men’s mile final.
