Wilson, Murphy Serve Notice With Blazing Fast 800s

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

Ajee' Wilson and Clayton Murphy gave an early indication that 2019 could be a big year for the U.S. in the 800 meters as the pair ran back-to-back flat track world records Saturday at the Camel City Elite Invitational in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Wilson sped away from a strong field and chased the clock over the second half of the race, finishing in 1:59.26. 

Running at the front of the chase group and ultimately finishing fifth was standout high school runner Athing Mu of Trenton, N.J., who moved to No. 4 all-time in prep history with 2:03.09. 

Minutes later, Murphy tore into the lead after rabbit Curtis Beach stepped off and he sped to 1:45.92. It's the fastest time in the world this year. 

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The standard deduction for a flat track is about 1.5 seconds compared to a banked track.

Edward Cheserek was the class of the field in the men's mile and ran virtually alone for a victory in 3:55.74. It was about two seconds slower than his winning time in 2018, which is the meet record.

Grace Barnett of Mammoth TC ran 4:33.94 and won the women's elite mile by more than two and a half seconds. 

High school runner Victoria Starcher of Ripley WV claimed sixth place in 4:45.14 for a US#2 performance this winter.

Emily Lipari won the women's 3,000 meters in 8:59.96, blasting past Sara Sutherland in the final 200 meters with her powerful kick. 

Patrick Tiernan took the men's 3,000 meters in 7:48.86.

Shadajah Ballard of Western Branch VA, already the national leader in the 55-meter hurdles, ran 8.33 seconds in the 60 hurdles to take over US#1 at that distance. 

Kate Hall won the women's long jump with 20-6 and also ran the fastest time of the day in the women's 60 dash with 7.34 seconds in the prelims.

Imani Oliver broke the JDL Fast Track facility record in the women's triple jump with a mark of 42-11 (13.08m).