by Larry EderThe Meeting International Madrid was the most intimate setting of the circuit. By intimate, I meant that I could not sit at the media desk assigned to me. I was surrounderd by coaches, loudly speaking, cajoling, and using hand singles to speak to Russian, Greek, Italian and Spanish pole vaulters, Long jumpers and Triple jumpers.
After I sat my computer down, knowing I would not write a paragraph, I relaxed, and tweeted the meet out, enjoying the unique view of the elite meet, as the crowd went crazy, from one event to another, Spanish athletes and global heroes impressed.
My workspace in Madrid, Spain, Februarry 8, 2019, photo by Larry Eder
Okay, six big moments ( I had to make some decisions) for Madrid, which was Mui Caliente!
1. Mike Rodgers takes a deep 60m
Jan Volko/SVK, took heat 1 in 6.63 over Brandon Carnes, USA, who ran 6.64. In heat 2, Mike Rodgers took the heat in 6.65, with Bryce Robinson in 6.66. In the final, Mike Rodgers got out well and held off Jan Volko, 6.57-6.58. A good race, and the crowd loved it! Here’s the interview that I did with Mike Rodgers on the night of February 8: https://www.runblogrun.com/2019/02/mike-rodgers-interview-in-madrid-with-larry-eder-runblogrun.html
2. Nathan Strother continues to impress in the 400m!
Nathan Strother won going away in Boston, scoring a PB of 46.97. In Torun, he flew around the track, cutting in well and looking like a kid a few races from a sub 45. His 46.34 was fastest of heat 1. Pavel Maslak was fastest in Torun at 46.19. In Madrid, Nathan Strother continued to improve, going 46.21 on the fast, fast Madrid track. Luka Janezi, SLO, went 46.55!
3. Big Long Jump!
Miltiadis Tentoglou was one of the young athletes who was being cajoled by his coach. Well, Mitiadis flew, hitting 8.23m and giving him some serious respect prior to Glasgow. In second, Lamont Marcell Jacobs of Italy showed his stuff, with an 8.05m leap.
4. Swoboda Delights!
In heat one, Polish flash, Ewa Swoboda hits 7.21. In heat 2, Dafne Schippers hits 7.26 to take the second heat. In the final, with a fine start and blazing finish, Ewa Swoboda delights the Spanish crowd, with her win in 7.11. Dafne Schippers runs her seasonal SB in 7.18. Jamile Samule, NED, was third in 7.26.
Tori Franklin, AR in Madrid (sorry, this pick is from Des Moines), photo by PhotoRun.net
5. Siderova clears 4.91m
Alysha Newman had issues with her steps and hit 4.56m for 3rd, as did Iryna Zhuk of Belarus. In second, Nikoleta Kiriakopouou/Greece cleared 4.74m and attempted 4.81m. Anzehliha Siderova looked fab, clearing 4.74, 4.81m, and finally, 4.91m.
6. Rojas flies 14.92m WL, Franklin puts it all together in 14.57 NR
Yulimar Rojas is tall and sleek. She is also fast, and has HJ and TJ talent. Her 14.92m showed WL and also the talent that oozes from the Venezualan. Tori Franklin was on in Madrid and her entire series sizzled, as she hit 14.57m an indoor and outdoor AR! Patricia Mamona of Portugal broke her NR record once again in 14.44m!
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