2016 IAAF Diamond League: London

London Diamond League Day 1 Full Recap

London Diamond League Day 1 Full Recap

The first day of the London Anniversary Games was highlighted by a world record in the 100m hurdles from Keni Harrison and several national records in vario

Jul 22, 2016 by Taylor Dutch
London Diamond League Day 1 Full Recap
The first day of the London Anniversary Games was highlighted by a world record in the 100m hurdles from Keni Harrison and several national records in various events. Catch up on the standout performances from the London Diamond League meeting below.


Keni Harrison Breaks World Record in the 100m Hurdles

The hurdle phenom extended her historic season by breaking the world record in the 100m hurdles with a winning time of 12.20. Harrison's performance beat the entire Team USA squad headed to the Olympic Games this summer. Brianna Rollins (12.57), Kristi Castlin (12.59), and Nia Ali (12.63) followed Harrison for a 2-3-4 finish.


Harrison's winning time broke the previous world record of 12.21 set by Yordanka Donkova in 1988.



Full recap of Keni Harrison's world record


Usain Bolt Returns to Form

After scratching out of the Jamaican Olympic Trials due to injury a few weeks ago, Usain Bolt returned to the track with a vengeance Friday night in London. The six-time Olympic champion clocked 19.89 to win the 200m over Alonso Edward (20.04) and Adam Gemili (20.07).

Bolt's performance is his first 200m of 2016 and follows the Jamaican Trials, where he only ran two rounds of the 100m due to a sudden hamstring strain. The 100m and 200m world record-holder was eventually named to the Olympic Team after receiving a medical exemption, but he needed to race well today to secure his spot.

By winning over world-class sprint talent, Bolt proved he's more than ready to once again contend for Olympic gold. His London performance was his final race before the Olympic Games in Rio.




Laura Muir Breaks British Record, Runs No. 2 1500 in the World

The 2015 World Championships finalist took advantage of the home crowd by winning the women's 1500m in 3:57.49, which stands as a new meet record and a British national record. Muir beat the field handily by breaking away with around 350 meters remaining, and extended her lead until the finish line.


Muir beat out stiff competition in world indoor champion Sifan Hassan (4:00.87) and Meraf Bahta (4:02.62). Her winning mark currently ranks No. 2 in the world behind Faith Kipyegon.

American Amanda Eccleston, who finished a close fourth at the Olympic Trials, closed for sixth in a new personal best of 4:03.25.


Pierre-Ambroise Bosse Blasts 1:43, Brings Brandon McBride Sub-1:44

France's Pierre-Ambroise Bosse broke away for a crazy-fast 800m victory, where he claimed the win in a season's best of 1:43.88. New adidas pro and two-time NCAA champion Brandon McBride followed in a massive personal-best mark of 1:43.95 for second.


McBride's previous personal best of 1:44.50 was set in the 2016 NCAA 800m final, where he finished second to then-Texas A&M freshman Donovan Brazier set the collegiate record of 1:43.55.

Both Bosse and McBride beat out Diamond League leader Ferguson Rotich of Kenya and Olympic silver medalist Nijel Amos.


Silas Kiplagat Leads Kenyan Sweep of Emsley Carr Mile

World silver medalist Kiplagat lead his Kenyan compatriots to a 1-2-3 sweep of the mile with a winning time of 3:53.04. Kiplagat beat Timothy Cheruiyot and Vincent Kibet.

Bowerman Track Club's Andy Bayer finished eighth in 3:55.46 and fellow American Leo Manzano faded to 11th in 4:01.61.


Jimmy Vicaut Beats Isiah Young in 100m Final

The French sprinter returned from running 9.96 in the first round of the 100m to claim victory in the final.

Vicaut ran 10.02 to beat American Isiah Young (10.07) and Churandy Martina (10.10) in the 100m final.