Hannah Cunliffe takes fourth in 200m at IAAF World Youth Champs...



DONETSK, Ukraine--In the final day of competition at the IAAF World Youth Championships for athletes 16 and 17 years of age, Federal Way's Hannah Cunliffe (left/photo by Kirby Lee/Image of Sport) finished fourth, just missing a podium place.

Running on the outside in lane 8, Cunliffe crossed the line in a personal best of 23.44, eclipsing her previous PR, set last month at the World Youth Trials in Edwardsville, Illinois.

In remarks gathered after the race by USA Track & Field, Cunliffe, who runs for the Seattle Speed TC said, “It means a lot just to be here and represent Team USA. I’m thankful for the opportunity, and I did the best I could.”

This spring, Cunliffe, who is home-schooled, did not have the benefit of competing for a high school, as documented by Art Thiel of sportspressnw.com in this piece.

Irene Ekelund of Sweden won in a time of 22.92, a new meet record, with Angela Tenorio of Ecuador second in 23.13, and the USA's Ariana Washington third in 23.20.


JAX THOIRS FINISHES EIGHTH AT EURO U23s IN FINLAND

At the European Under 23 Championships in Tampere, Finland, University of Washington rising sophomore Jax Thoirs finished eighth with a best of 17-4 1/2 (5.30m).

After a first attempt clearance at 16-8 3/4 (5.10m), he cleared 17-4 1/2 on his second attempt, before missing all three tries at 17-10 1/2 (5.45m).

Russia's Anton Ivakin won the competition with a best of 18-4 1/2 (5.60m).


ALAKA SIXTH IN UK CHAMPS AT 200

In Birmingham, England, University of Washington senior James Alaka finished sixth in the finals of the 200 meter dash at the Sainsbury's British Championships.

After finishing third in the semi-final round in a time of 21.02, Alaka, a two time Pac-10/12 champion in this event for the Huskies, finished in a time of 21.01, as James Ellington won the UK title in 20.45.


TRACK & FIELD TAKES A HIT AS TYSON GAY TESTS POSITIVE

According to a report by Associated Press reporter Pat Graham, US national champion Tyson Gay has tested positive for a banned substance, and will withdraw from next month's world championships in Moscow.

Gay, who declined to reveal the substance, was told by the US Anti-Doping Agency that his sample from an out-of-competition test on May 16th came back positive.


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