Tara Davis-Woodhall, the reigning Olympics women’s long jump champion, added a national title in the event on Thursday as the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships got underway in Eugene, Ore.
After fouling on her first two attempts, Davis-Woodhall leaped to the lead on her third try and ultimately posted her best distance in the fifth round, 23 feet, 4 1/2 inches.
Claire Bryant came in second at 22-10 1/2, and Quanesha Burks was third at 22-7 3/4.
Davis-Woodhall said she was thrown off by logistical problems ahead of her event.
“The bigger the meet, the more complications there are,” Davis-Woodhall said. “We were in the call room way too early, and then we had 45 minutes outside, which we usually have 30 minutes. … By the third jump, I was like, ‘I’ve been out here for two hours.’ I did it, though.
“No complaints, no excuses. You show up at a championship and you compete like a champion.”
Six other finals were contested on Thursday.
In the women’s 10,000 meters, 35-year-old Emily Infeld charged forward late and emerged with her first victory in the event at 31 minutes, 43.56 seconds. Elise Cranny was the runner-up in 31:44.24, and Taylor Roe placed third in 31:45.41.
Nico Young won the men’s 10,000 meters in 29:02.12, just ahead of Grant Fisher (29:02.37). Graham Blanks took third place in 29:03.66.
Curtis Thompson was the men’s javelin throw champion with a toss of 275 feet, 2 inches. Dash Sirmon (253-6) and Marc Anthony Minichello (252-0) followed.
Evie Bliss prevailed in the women’s javelin throw at 189 feet, 6 inches, ahead of Madison Wiltrout (185-3) and Sarah Blake (183-1).
Rudy Winkler captured the men’s hammer throw crown at 267 feet, 3 inches, defeating Trey Knight (258-5) and Daniel Haugh (253-6).
In the women’s hammer throw, DeAnna Price (257 feet, 7 inches) topped Brooke Andersen (246-6) and Rachel Richeson (244-8).
–Field Level Media
