Australia clocks 9:17.56 for second at Penn Relays

Stopping the clock at 9:17.56, the Australian Flame quartet were narrowly edged out by Morocco(9:17.48), with the bronze medal won by America Red, led by Bernard Lagat, in a time of 9:18.09.

Heading out strong first was a returning Gregson, who across
1200m clocked 2:48.66.

His first competitive hit out since being forced to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games with a stress fracture, the Australian 1500m record holder passed the baton to the dual Commonwealth Games medallist Wroe (400m – 45.95) for one hot lap.

Lachlan Renshaw ran the penultimate 800m leg in a time of 1:46.29, before the Australian 1500m champion Riseley set out for one mile (1600m).

In the perfect position heading into the bell lap, Riseley trailed only America Red by less than a metre. A late surge by Morocco ensured a sprint finish, with Riseley unable to push past  the Continental Cup 1500m champion in Amine Laalou as he and his North African nation edged out Australia by an inch.

In other Penn Relays highlights this weekend, Jamaica, led by Asafa Powell, won the Men’s USA v the World 4x100m relay event, whilst local favourite Allyson Felix aided two American triumphs in the Women’s USA v the World 4x100m relay and 4x400m relay.

Powell was joined on the track by Michael Frater, Nesta Carter and anchor Steve Mullings, with the quartet combining for 38.33, the fastest time to date in 2011. Felix and her 4x100m relay team clocked a new meet record of 42.28 to take America’s winning streak in the event to seven years.

The oldest and most traditional event on the U.S track and field calendar, the Penn Relays have been held in Pennsylvania for 117 years with competition this weekend concluding Sunday afternoon U.S time (Monday morning AEST).

Australia’s international charge now moves to Shizuoka (JPN) as eight athletes get set to take to the track or field on Tuesday, May 3.

Returning to the blocks after a 11.27 (w: +2.6) 100m dash to win in Hiroshima (JPN) on Friday,Melissa Breen will start the women’s 200m in fine form. Joining her in the Land of the Rising Sun areMatt  Davies (200m), Linda Allen (long jump), Jessica Penney (long jump), Kevin Moore (400m),James Gurr (800m), Brendan Cole (400m hurdles) and Lauren Boden (400m hurdles).

 See results HERE

ENDS