On Saturday, January 29, 2022, track and field fans will be treated to two early season's exciting events in the female 800m and the female 60m hurdles at the 114th Millrose Games. These two events will feature some of the standout and emerging athletes in their respective events and will give some indications of the early season's preparations and form ahead of the Diamond League Series and the World Championship this summer in Oregon, USA.
Women's 800m
The women's 800m will feature the twenty-seven-year-old Ajeé Wilson, who is an American middle-distance runner who specializes in the 800 metres. Though she did not secure a podium finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Wilson is the second fastest American of all times in the event, with a personal best of 1:55.61. This, therefore, means that she will be very competitive in the event.
Undoubtedly, the biggest name that is absent from the 800m event is the nineteen-year-old Olympic Champion and US National Record Holder, Athing Mu. Mu is the fastest American female over the 800m, with a personal best and National Record of 1:55:04. She has instead opted to compete in the Wanamaker Mile.
The thirty-year-old Jamaican, Natoya Goule, who finished eight at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, is also scheduled to compete alongside the two Americans. Goule is the Jamaican National Record Holder, with a personal best of 1:56:15; her inclusion should make for an interesting race if she is able to pace herself properly. However, barring unforeseen occurrences, based on history, strength and sheer speed, the super-talented and versatile American, Athing Mu, should win this race comfortably.
Women's 60m Hurdles
The women's 60m Hurdles should provide much excitement also. The American World Record Holder and Olympic silver medalist, Kendra Harrison, will headline a field which includes the likes of fellow Americans, Gabbi Cunningham and Anna Cockrel; Ireland's Sarah Lavin and the twenty-one-year-old Jamaican sensation, Brittany Anderson.
The 60m Hurdles should be an interesting event to test the early burst of speed of the athletes and their technical efficiency. It will also showcase whether Kendra Harrison will be able to defend her title.
Indeed, these two events will provide much anticipation and intrigue, albeit that the season is in its early stages.
Henley Taylor
Freelance Sports Writer
Edited by Raymond Byfield
Ajee Wilson photo courtesy of www.Sourceathletics.com
Comments
Leave a Comment