Ewa Swoboda captivated her home audience with a stunning victory in the 60m final at the ORLEN Cup, a highlight of the World Athletics Indoor Tour Bronze series in Lodz on Saturday, January 27. Swoboda, the European indoor silver medalist, achieved her seventh win at this meeting with a world-leading time of 7.04 seconds for the early season. Italian sprinter Zaynab Dosso pushed her to the limit, setting a new national record of 7.09 in the heats and closing in with 7.05 in the final.
Pia Skrzyszowska of Poland clinched the title in the women's 60m hurdles. She clocked a remarkable time of 7.85 seconds, mirroring her performance in the heats. In the men's 60m hurdles, Italy's Lorenzo Simonelli triumphed with a record-breaking national time of 7.50 seconds. He was closely followed by Jakub Szymański, who secured a time of 7.53 seconds, and Damian Czykier, finishing at 7.67 seconds.
In the pole vault event, Sam Kendricks from the USA, a two-time world champion, demonstrated his exceptional skill by clearing a height of 5.82 meters, securing the top spot. Meanwhile, the shot put competition was headlined by Italy's Leonardo Fabbri, the world silver medallist, who led the field with a formidable throw of 21.26 meters. He was closely challenged by Chukwuebuka Enekwechi from Nigeria, who managed a throw of 21.14 meters, Jamaica's Rajindra Campbell with a throw of 21.13 meters.
Over at the Meeting Elite Nantes Metropole, Wilhem Belocian shone in the 60m hurdles. The 2021 European indoor champion registered 7.54 in the heats and triumphed in the final with a time of 7.55 seconds, leading Finland's Elmo Lakka.
Belgium's Eliott Crestan and Naomi Van Der Broeck also put up remarkable performances. Crestan led the 800m with an early season world-leading time of 1:45.96.
The women's 60m hurdles in Nantes saw French athlete Solenn Compper win in 8.01 seconds, edging out Laura Valette.
Lorene Bazolo, at 40, showcased her incredible prowess in the women's 60m flat, outperforming younger competitors to win in 7.25 seconds. She was closely followed by Delphine Nkansa of Belgium and Asha Philip of Great Britain.