SHAOXING, China, May 16 – South African sprinter Gift Leotlela captured his first Diamond League victory Saturday at the Shanghai meet, narrowly defeating Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala and American Kenny Bednarek in the men’s 100-meter dash. Swedish pole vault star Mondo Duplantis was unable to break his world record in another ambitious attempt.
The 28-year-old Leotlela powered through in the final meters to win a thrilling photo finish against Omanyala from Kenya and Bednarek, who has earned two Olympic medals in the 200 meters. Leotlela crossed the line in 9.97 seconds to secure his breakthrough Diamond League triumph.
“It means a lot… I had a decent start, not great. I just tried to keep my composure, stay in my rhythm and stay strong,” commented Leotlela, who placed fifth at last year’s World Championships.
In the women’s 200 meters, Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson powered past Bahamian competitor Shaunae Miller-Uibo, a dual Olympic 400-meter champion, to claim victory. American Anavia Battle took third place, finishing ahead of compatriot Sha’Carri Richardson, who earned 100-meter silver at the Paris Games.
Olympic champion Masai Russell from the United States dominated the women’s 100-meter hurdles, recording 12.25 seconds for the year’s fastest time globally. In the men’s 110-meter hurdles, world champion Cordell Tinch was defeated by fellow American Jamal Britt.
DUPLANTIS UNABLE TO CLEAR 6.32 METERS
Duplantis secured an easy victory in the men’s pole vault competition after his nearest rival Kurtis Marschall was eliminated following a 5.80-meter clearance.
The 26-year-old Swedish athlete comfortably cleared 6.12 meters before targeting 6.32 meters in hopes of surpassing his 6.31-meter record from March, which would have marked his 16th world record achievement.
The bar was dislodged by his feet during his initial two tries, and his final attempt fell significantly short.
“The attempt at the world record was okay, I wish I could improve the run-up, the approach, speed and energy and then it will be good,” Duplantis explained.
Dutch athlete Jessica Schilder delivered an outstanding performance in the women’s shot put, launching 21.09 meters to defeat two-time world champion Chase Jackson.
Ireland’s Mark English claimed the men’s 800-meter title in a chaotic sprint to the finish as nearly all competitors bunched together in the final stretch, narrowly beating Kethobogile Haingura and Brandon Miller.
Kenyan distance runner Faith Kipyegon easily won her season-opening outdoor 5000-meter race, finishing in 14 minutes and 24.14 seconds for the year’s top performance.
“I feel so good, it was a good race. A positive season opener,” stated Kipyegon, who has claimed three Olympic 1500-meter titles and also earned 5,000-meter silver at the Paris Games.
“I’m going to continue to do both 1,500m and 5,000m… I just want to be the best version of myself and see how I perform.”
