USA dominates at the 16th Pan American Junior Championships – Athletics news
As the 16th edition of the Pan American Junior Championships concluded at the Ansin Sports Complex, in Miramar, Florida, on Sunday, July 24, it was the American contingent which lived up to expectations and dominated the medal tally.
The event, which lasted from July 22-24, witnessed some fast finishes in sprint competitions and a total of six new event records. Represented by a large squad of 45 men athletes and 36 women players, USA earned a total of 53 medals, out of which, a staggering
22 were gold, along with 20 silver and 11 bronze medals.
This was perhaps the most awe-full performance by the hosts as Jamaica, the second finisher of the event, could only secure three gold, four silver and one bronze medal. Bahamas, the third finisher on the podium, could only claim three gold, two silver and
four bronze medals.
Brazil won three gold, one silver and seven bronze medals, whereas, Columbia secured three gold and one bronze medal. Trinidad and Tobago, the last prominent finisher of the event, could end the tournament with two gold and three silver medals.
The three-day event, which unfolded with some marvellous sprint performances, had witnessed a breeze which extended favours to runners. Looking at nature standing on their side, athletes too went on to utilise the opportunity and displayed beyond average
finishes. Taking the chance, Eddie Lovett, a runner representing the host contingent observed his second personal best in the 110m hurdles, where he hit the finishing line in 13.14 seconds.
With a finish clocked in 13.24 seconds, his countryman, Roy Smith, was second to accomplish the desired distance. On the women’s side, Trinity Wilson stopped the clock in 13.17 seconds for the 100m hurdling event.
Among the individual performances, it was Anthonique Strachan, the 17-year-old girl from Bahamas, who clinched three medals including a 200m win. She also marked a CAC record (junior) for clocking a finish of 22.70 seconds. This was an impressive time even
for a senior competition and for a junior level tournament, it was a great effort which the Bahamian girl put forward.
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