Hana Moll sets new American HS & U20 pole vault record and advances to finals...
BUDAPEST, Hungary--Capital High School of Olympia graduate Hana Moll (Paul Merca photo) advanced to the finals of the women's pole vault by setting a new American under-20 record as well as taking sole possession of the national high school record shared with twin sister Amanda.
The incoming University of Washington freshman had a clean slate through the first four heights of 13-9.25 (4.20m), 14-3.25 (4.35m) 14-9 (4.50m), and 15-1 (4.60m) before needing two attempts at 15-3 (4.65m) to stay alive for one of the twelve spots in the finals on Wednesday night at 7:30 pm local time (10:30 am Pacific).
In the mixed zone afterwards, she said, "I said this at USAs, and I'll say it again: I had the best meet ever, and to have this at the very end of the season when you're feeling tired and ready for a break is incredible."
"Health wise, I've been very lucky. Consistency and having a very healthy season contributed greatly to my success."
The youngest member of Team USA said that, "I'm just happy to be competing with the top girls in the world and having fun with them."
Northwest Pole Vault Club coach Tim Reilly, who accompanied Moll to Budapest, told publisher Paul Merca afterwards, "She is a stunning competitor. No field, no venue makes her cower. Clean through 4.60m at worlds. I could not be prouder of her."
Also advancing to the finals is defending world and Olympic champion and former Pullman resident Katie Moon, who also cleared 15-3 (4.65m), needing the absolute minimum of three jumps to advance the finals.
The two will be joined by fellow Americans Sandi Morris and Bridget Williams, as all twelve finalists cleared 15-3 (4.65m).
In the women's 400 hurdles, Washington alum Gianna Woodruff finished third in her first round heat, running 55.31 to advance to Tuesday night's semis at 8:25 pm local time (11:25 am Pacific).
In the biggest surprise of the evening, Washington State alum and world ranked number 2 men's 400 hurdler CJ Allen failed to advance to the finals after finishing third in the first of three semifinal heats.
Kyron McMaster of the British Virgin Islands won the heat in 48.30, with Rasmus Magi of Estonia second in 48.30, and Allen third in 48.44.
With only the top two guaranteed spots in the finals, Allen had to sit in the waiting lounge outside the mixed zone to learn his fate.
As it turned out, the two time qualifiers came out of the third and final heat, as Trevor Bassitt of the USA ran a personal best 47.38, and Joshua Abuaku of Germany ran 48.39.
Tuesday, three athletes with Washington ties compete. Isaiah Harris of the Brooks Beasts runs in the first round of the men's 800 at 7:36 pm local time (10:36 am Pacific).
Gianna Woodruff goes in the first of three semifinals in the women's 400 hurdles at 8:35 pm local time (11:35 Pacific), and to close out the evening, Walla Walla native Kenneth Rooks runs in the finals of the men's 3000 meter steeplechase at 9:42 pm local time (12:42 pm Pacific).
Don't forget to visit our buymeacoffee.com to access exclusive member and supporter only contest throughout the world championships. Please make sure to click the yellow Buy Me A Coffee radio button at the bottom of the post.
NOTE: World Athletics, the WABudapest 23 Organizing Committee, and the federations of Panama and USA Track & Field contributed to this report.
paulmerca.blogspot.com may receive a commission for any purchases made from links clicked. Please support this site and our sponsors by clicking on the links. You can also support the site by clicking the yellow "Buy Me A Coffee" link below.
Comments