Former Boone/FSU star Marvin Bracy continued his stellar season at the 2014 IAAF World Indoor Championships. After rattling off three straight victories in the 60 meter dash, including wins at the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston, Millrose Games, and the USA Indoor Championships in New Mexico after running a personal best time of 6.48, Bracy was off to Poland to compete against the world's best. Bracy cruised through the qualifiers and finished the weekend with a second place showing and silver medal with a time of 6.51. Richard Kilty of Great Britan won in 6.49.
Flotrack's Isaac Wood was in Sopot and spoke with Bracy following the race.
Bracy's training partner Gerald Phiri of Zambia was 6th in the 60 meter event. Other athletes with Florida ties include University of Miami alumni Murielle Ahoure; running for the Ivory Coast. She was second in the women's 60 meter dash behind Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Price. Tianna Bartoletta who trains under Loren Seagrave at Bradenton's IMG Academy was third behind Ahoure'.
Joanna Atkins, who trains in the Clermont area with Coach Derrick White and Life Speed made the finals for Team USA in the 400. She placed sixth in 52.55. Atkins then teamed up with Natasha Hastings, Francena McCorory, and Cassandra Tate to bring home the first of two relay golds for the Americans. Their time of 3:24.83 crushed the old American record, was a new world leader, and over a second faster than second place Jamaica.
On the men's side, former Freedom High School (Tampa) and University of Florida sprinter Calvin Smith followed in the footsteps of his Olympic father. Smith was a member of the indoor world record setting 4x400 meter team. The Americans crossed the line in 3:02.13 to beat out Great Britain by more than a second.
Men's 4x400m Relay Interview
In the field events, former Florida Gator Shara Proctor (representing Great Britain) was fourth in the long jump with a mark of 6.68 meters.
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