Blake failed to break Usain Bolt’s 150m record today at the Great City Games in Manchester, but won the race in a time of 14.71 ahead of fellow Jamaican Kemar Bailey-Cole. After his race, ‘The Beast’ explained “The warm up facilities weren’t good today. But I’m not trying to find any excuses; I’m injury free and I’m happy. It was a really good run for me today.” He also said he was looking forward to running in Glasgow at the Commonwealth Games. “I’m getting stronger and fitter and faster every day. I’m just looking to get back to the top.”
Greg Rutherford jumped 8.02m in the long-jump, “It’s always nice to win”, said the new British record holder.
The men’s 200m hurdles was won by Andy Turner in a time of 22.58, who battled it out with Felix Sanchez (22.61). Turner also competed in the 100m hurdles, coming second to Lawrence Clarke who clocked a time of 13.51. Birchfield Harrier Meghan Beesley ran a world best time (25.05), beating Eilidh Child (25.84), and Czech athlete Denisa Rosolova (25.86) in the 200m hurdles.
The women’s 100m hurdles saw Tiffany Porter run an impressive 12.65, ahead of Olympic bronze medallist Kelly Wells (12.83). Porter said “I really didn’t know what to expect. I hadn’t competed in two weeks – I know training has been going really well and I was confident going into it, so I’m just happy it all came together. I just focused on perfecting myself and making sure I get better at each and every race.” Porter’s plans for the rest of the season include the Commonwealth Games, the European Championships and the Diamond League meetings.
In the women’s 200m, Shana Cox ran to victory in a time of 23.28, beating USA’s Stacey-Ann Smith (23.85) as well as birthday girl Christina Ohuruogu (24.06).
The men’s 100m saw Femi Ogunode win in a time of 10.10, who took the bronze medal in the 60m at this year’s world indoor championships in Sopot. Second was Enfield and Haringey athlete Chijindu Ujah who clocked 10.14, ahead of Richard Kilty (10.19) and Trell Kimmons (10.35).
Marlou Van Rhijn of the Netherlands won the women’s IPC 100m T44 in a time of 13.40, ahead of Great British athletes Laura Sugar and Sophie Kamlish. The men’s 100m T44 was won by Paul Peterson of the USA in 11.47.
