The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

FOURTH-ranked Devynne Charlton sped to a national record for second place behind the top-ranked American world record holder Masai Russell as the two training partners clashed in the women's 100 metres hurdles at the Wanda Diamond League Final.

They were joined by Jamaica’s Megan Simmonds as the three competitors, coached by Bahamian Rolando “Lonnie” Greene at the University of Kentucky, went head-to-head in the marquee event on the final day of competition in the Memorial Ivo Van Damme at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium. 

While Russell took the tape in a meet record of 12.20 seconds - a week after she lowered the world record to 12.09 in Zurich - Charlton came through in 12.33 to improve on her own national record of 12.37. 

Simmonds finished third in a season's best of 12.43, surpassing her previous time of 12.47 with former world record holder Tobi Amusan of Nigeria in fourth in 12.54, well off her season’s best of 12.23.

Charlton, the 30-year-old world indoor 60 metres hurdles record holder, used her signature start to surge out front for the first eight flights of the 10 hurdles.

But Russell, the 28-year-old Olympic champion, caught Charlton on the ninth flight and took control on the 10th and final flight to seal the deal and secure the jackpot of $60,000 for the win to add to her series earnings of $30,000.

Charlton, cashing in $20,000 for second place and another $4,000 for her fourth place in the series, said she gave it her best shot. 

"I had an amazing start and I thought I was going to win," Charlton said. "Unfortunately, I hit a hurdle in the second half of the race and that kicked me back a little bit and cost me the win."

Despite falling short, Charlton said she’s still happy with the second place and the national record. For Russell, it was another victory to celebrate.