Florida is well represented at the USATF Outdoor T&F Championships this weekend in Sacramento, California. Day one featured over a dozen former Sunshine State alumni as well as a handful of others that call their training homes here.
Women's 100m First Round
Olympic silver medalist Tori Bowie, who trains with the Pure Athletics group and Coach Lance Brauman in Clermont clocked the fastest overall time with an even 10.9. Former Oak Ridge High School graduate Barbara Pierre won her heat and also cracked 11s with the third best time of the day in 10.99s. Lake Highland Prep class of 2014 graduate Deanna Hill nabbed the 16th and final spot with a time of 11.17.
Teahna Daniels (The First Academy c/o of 2014) just missed out with an 11.18. Other notable Florida alums who failed to advance were Shayla Sanders & Kayla Whitney.
Men's 100m First Round
Dennis Mitchell's Star Athletics group had a big day as well. Isaiah Young and Justin Gatlin won their respective heats in 9.97 and 10.0. Former Florida Gator and South Lake High School star Jeff Demps advanced with his time of 10.03. Chamberlain High School alumni Dentarius Locked was the last one in to move onto the semifinals.
Notable athletes who missed out include Tyson Gay who trains in Florida as well as former state stars Trayvon Bromell and Brandon Carnes.
Women's 400m First Round
(Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
St. Thomas Aquinas class of 2014 standout and USC star Kendall Ellis clocked the fastest time of any athlete in women's 400m dash, 50.89s. Fellow South Florida alumni and Shakima Wimbley won heat two in 51.58s. Two athletes Quanera Hayes of Life Speed and Jessica Beard of Adidas also have Florida ties as they train in Clermont.
Robin Reynolds, the winningest athlete in Florida state meet history, and former Florida Gator failed to advance to the semifinals.
Men's 400m First Round
Two Florida Gators advanced in Tony McQuay and Calvin Smith. Smith won his heat in 45.31s, but the story was rising junior Tyrese Cooper who ran 45.45 to get the 14th of 16 available spots to Friday's semifinals.
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