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Kim Mickle broke the national women’s javelin record and Sally Pearson claimed the 100m flat-hurdle double at the IAAF World Challenge meet in Melbourne yesterday. |
Mickle, the world championships silver medallist, broke the Australian record with a throw of 66.83 metres.
Mickle’s winning effort was three centimetres better than 1996 Olympic silver medallist Louise Currey’s mark set 14 years ago.
“It’s a relief but I don’t feel like it has happened yet,” Mickle said.
Pearson claimed a winning double in the 100m flat and hurdles, although a cold evening ruled out the prospect of any sizzling times.
Pearson again had the measure of national record holder Melissa Breen in the 100m, winning in 11.34 seconds.
Breen was second in 11.45, ahead of American Natasha Hastings (11.51).
“It was a bit unfortunate it was cold tonight,” Pearson said.
“I’m in good shape and it would be nice to be able to come out and run like I train.
“But at the same time it’s a win and I was surprised by the time tonight given how I was feeling.”
Earlier in the meet, Pearson won her favoured event, the 100m hurdles, in 12.83secs.
American Duane Solomon won the men’s 800m in 1:45.17.
Reigning world champion David Oliver was one of several big-name Americans to win their events.
Despite struggling to hear the starter’s pistol, Oliver was untroubled in claiming the 110m hurdles in 13.57.
LaShawn Merritt clocked 46.32 to take the men’s 400m ahead of Australian John Steffensen, while Hastings was a dominant winner of the women’s 200m in 23.35.
World championships silver medallist Mercy Cherono of Kenya won the women’s 1500m in 4:08,57, with compatriot and world champion Eunice Sum winning the women’s 800m in 2:02.99.