Allen Johnson claims M35 American Record at 110H
Tonight in Zurich, Olympic champ Allen Johnson ran the 110 hurdles in 13.13 into a 0.9 mps wind — his season best at age 35 and nearly a world age-group record. (The M35 best remains Colin Jackson’s 13.11 in 2002. The listed M35 American Record is 13.26 by Greg Foster in 1994.) Czech spearchucker Jan Zelezny, meanwhile, failed to up his own M40 world record, throwing a pathetic 79.60 meters — 261-2. (Hang ’em up, Jan!) He threw 281-11 earlier this summer.
Here’s how Bob Ramsak reported AJ’s race on the IAAF site:
Thrilling hurdles races spice up the crowd
On a night that would close with a celebration and look back at this hallowed athletics shrine, it was perhaps fitting that it was Allen Johnson who brought the meeting to life with his sterling victory in the 110 metre Hurdles.
Johnson, who had won in Letzigrund on six previous occasions, showed his class again with a solid 13.13 victory, well ahead of this year’s Cuban revelation Dayron Robles, who crossed the line in 13.20.
“I really need that win for a lot of reasons,” said Johnson, who has raced just once since a sore hamstring knocked him out of June’s U.S. championships in the semi-finals. “I was really, really happy with that win.” His enthusiasm, almost likened to an adolescent’s as he crossed the line, was infectious, stirring the crowd.
American Aries Merritt was third in 13.28, with none others managing to dip under 13.30.
Me again:
In other news, submasters Asafa Powell tied his WR in the 100 with a 9.77, and Marion Jones reportedly tested positive for EP at the Indy nationals in June.
