BOSTON — Michelle Carter unleashed the season's longest women's shot put throw at the US Indoor Championships in Boston Sunday, her mark of 19.45 meters on her final attempt capping a solid series that included two other throws over 19m. “Any time you can have your top three throws of a competition be the best three throws in the world, you can't complain about that,” the 2012 world indoor bronze medalist told reporters.
In the women's 60m hurdles, Jasmin Stowers, just a year out of college, missed the season's lead by one-hundredth of a second as she sped to victory in 7.84 seconds, while veteran sprinter-long jumper Tianna Bartoletta was close to the fastest 60m, clocking 7.08 seconds.
With no world championships this year, many top US athletes skipped the meeting, giving younger performers a chance to grab national titles.
Former world junior silver medalist Casimir Loxsom cruised to a national 600m record of 1:15.33 and collegiate record holder Demi Payne claimed the women's pole vault at 4.55m.
World indoor record holder and Olympic champion Jenn Suhr withdrew after two vaults, saying she was not fully healthy.
Sprinter Marvin Bracy successfully defended the crown by winning the 60 meter men's event.
Bracy took advantage of an early stumble by Ryan Bailey to win in a time of 6.55 seconds. Joe Morris (6.57) finished second and Clayton Vaughn placed third in 6.60.
“To come here with a great field and win, especially to repeat my national title, it's a great accomplishment,” Bracy said.
Bartoletta said she gained inspiration from her ill father. “My dad has been in hospital. He taught me the last few weeks what it means to fight.
At the end of the day, you have got to know what is in you,” she said.
World 1,500m silver medalist Matthew Centrowitz won the mile in a slow 4:01.40 and fellow Olympian Shannon Rowbury completed a weekend double, taking the two-mile in a tactical 9:43.94 to go with her victory of 4:34.40 in the mile Saturday.
Chaunte Lowe dominated the women's high jump with a leap of 1.88 meters to beat runner-up and five-time Olympian Amy Acuff, who cleared 1.82 meters. Acuff is attempting a comeback after three years away from the sport. — Agencies
