Kenneth Bednarek Delivers Statement with 19.67s PB in 200m Victory at Doha Diamond League
Kenneth Bednarek sent a clear message to his Olympic rivals with a personal best and world-leading time in the 200 meters, leading an all-American podium at the Diamond League meeting in Doha on Friday despite windy conditions.
Wearing a headband emblazoned with the words "Fear no one," Bednarek, in lane seven, stormed to victory with a time of 19.67 seconds, claiming the win and reaffirming his status as a strong contender for Olympic gold. Courtney Lindsey took second with a time of 20.01, and Kyree King placed third in 20.21.
""I came out here wanting the world lead. I wanted to have fun because we got three of my teammates in the same race so it's all fun and games."
"My ultimate goal this year is an Olympic gold medal," said Bednarek, the Tokyo Olympics silver medallist. "I know I have the talent and the training to achieve it. Running this fast this early is a great sign that I'll be even faster come the Olympics. Time doesn't matter; my focus is on competing and getting the job done."
Men's 400m Hurdles:
Alison Dos Santos set a meet record and world-leading time of 46.86 seconds to win the men's 400m hurdles at the Doha Diamond League meeting for the second time. CJ Allen finished second with 48.39, followed by European silver medallist Wilfried Happio of France (49.10).
Alison Dos Santos:
“I’m really excited. It’s a great way to start. It’s still early in the season, so we have a lot of work to do, but this result gives us good vibes for the rest of the season.”
Women's 100m Hurdles:
European indoor champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland won her first Diamond League race with a time of 12.49 seconds (+1.7 m/s). Tonea Marshall was a close second in 12.51, with Pia Skrzyszovska from Poland (12.53) and Amber Hughes from the USA (12.54) following.
Ditaji Kambundji:
“I’m totally satisfied with the result. I’ve never been to Doha before and love the atmosphere. We still have to compete through June, July, and August, so I’m excited for the rest of the season.”
Men's Discus Throw:
World champion Kristjan Ceh of Slovenia threw 70.48m in the fourth round to win the men's discus throw in his season debut. Last year's Diamond League champion Matthew Denny of Australia took second place with a throw of 69.02m.
Kristjan Ceh:
“I was surprised to throw over 70 meters, but I’m not in great shape yet. I aim to peak for the European Championships.”
Men's Javelin Throw:
Jakub Vadlejch won the men's javelin throw with a mark of 88.38m in the third round. Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra finished second with a throw of 88.36m.
Jakub Vadlejch:
“It was a close fight, and I’m pleased I won. I strained my ankle during warm-up, so I had to be careful. This season is important, with the European Championships and the Olympics.”
Women's Pole Vault:
World indoor champion Molly Caudery cleared 4.73m to win, beating world outdoor gold medallist Nina Kennedy on countback. Kennedy needed two attempts at 4.53m, while Tina Sutej of Slovenia placed third.
Molly Caudery:
“The competition was tough today, and the wind was strong, but we handled it well. I enjoyed the competition and am happy with the result.”
Women's 100m:
Daryll Neita edged Tamari Davis by 0.01 seconds to win the women's 100 meters in 10.98 seconds, with Celera Barnes in third (11.02).
Daryll Neita:
“I’m happy today. Winning in the Diamond League, especially in Doha, feels good. I didn’t expect such a loud crowd, but it was wonderful.”
Women's High Jump:
European U20 champion Angelina Topic from Serbia cleared 1.94m to win her first Diamond League event. Iryna Gerashchenko placed second with 1.91m, beating Eleanor Patterson on countback.
Angelina Topic:
“I’m happy with the result, but I aimed for a PB at 1.98m. At 18, I’m excited to call myself an Olympian.”
Men's Long Jump:
Carey McLeod from Jamaica leaped to a wind-assisted 8.52m (+5.2 m/s) to win the men's long jump. Olympic champion Miltiadis Tentoglou took second place with 8.36m.
Carey McLeod:
“The result was good despite the wind. To win, I needed something amazing, and 8.52m is amazing.”
Men's 400m:
Olympic champion Steven Gardiner from the Bahamas won his first Diamond League race of the season in 44.76, beating Muzala Samukonga from Zambia (45.07).
Steven Gardiner:
“It was windy, but I’m happy to be back after two years. I took control from the start.”
Women's 5000m:
Beatrice Chebet of Kenya won the women's 5000m in 14:26.98, beating Ejgayehu Taye from Ethiopia (14:29.28).
Beatrice Chebet:
“I didn’t expect to win tonight, but it was great. The cheer from Kenyan fans was amazing.”
Men's 1500m:
Kenya swept the men's 1500m, with Brian Komen winning in 3:32.43, followed by Timothy Cheruiyot (3:32.67) and Reynold Cheruiyot (3:32.96).
Women's 1500m:
Freweyni Hailu of Ethiopia held off the chasing pack to win in 4:00.42, ahead of Australia's Jessica Hull (4:00.84).
Women's 800m:
World champion Mary Moraa won the women's 800m in 1:57.91, beating Jemma Reekie (1:58.42).
Mary Moraa:
“The wind was strong, but we tried our best. This race is dedicated to the fans.”
Men's 3000m Steeplechase:
Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu won the men's 3000m steeplechase with a world-leading 8:07.25.
Men's High Jump - "What a Gravity Challenge":
Mutaz Essa Barshim won the special high jump event, “What a Gravity Challenge,” clearing 2.31m. South Korea’s Woo Sang-Hyeok also jumped 2.31m but placed second on countback.
