Team USA’s Jordan Anthony made a statement on the first day of competition at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland on Friday as he bolted to gold in the men’s 60m.
Four champions were crowned on the opening day of action and Anthony was focused on closing the evening session with a win as he cruised to a 6.41 world lead in against a stacked group at Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena Torun.
“The final was a great race but I still have a lot left in the tank,” Anthony said about his international debut. “Most importantly, I did my debut right and I am bringing the gold medal back to the USA. I used to play college football and I performed in front of a lot more people but coming out here today made me a bit more excited. This felt easy for me. This proves to me I picked the right sport.”
Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson was second with a 6.45 personal best and Anthony’s teammate Trayvon Bromell took third in 6.45.
The gold medal magic stayed with the Americans as Chase Jackson took the women’s shot put title with a 20.14m toss to seal the win for her first indoor world crown.
“I wanted to come here and finish the collection of having the full set of world indoor medals,” Jackson said. “This has been one of those medals I have been chasing. I am really proud of it. I wanted a big result but I am really happy with what I did today. I adjusted my technique for indoors.”
Canada’s Sarah Mitton took second in 19.78m and Sweden’s Axelina Johansson was third with a 19.75 throw for a national record.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh leaped to a 2.01m in the women’s high jump, claiming the first gold of the competition. Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers took second in a season best 1.99, while Serbia’s Angelina Topić also jumped 1.99 and finished third.
“Before Torun, I had already collected the full set of World Indoor medals but, coming here, I realized how I’m hungry for the gold one,” Mahuchikh said. “I started my successful senior career in this arena in 2021 but today I had a different feeling.”
Italy’s Andy Díaz Hernández won the men’s triple jump in a world-leading 17.47m performance, with Jamaica’s Jordan Scott in second with a season best 17.33m and Algeria’s Yasser Triki took third in 17.30m.
