Houlihan shines in loaded 1,500, with Stefanidi returning to championship form in the pole vault; Harvard star Thomas successful in 200, but former LSU standout Hobbs scratches 100

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Gabby Thomas announced her arrival on the international scene. Katerina Stefanidi showcased an impressive comeback to return to Diamond League glory. And Shelby Houlihan reminded the rest of the world that even when not feeling her best, her kick is as strong as ever.

Whether it was an Olympic gold medalist, U.S. national champion or collegiate record holder, they all had their moments in the spotlight Thursday at the annual Diamond League meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Houlihan moved from third to first in the final 100 meters of the women’s 1,500, surging past Great Britain’s Laura Muir and Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands to prevail in 3 minutes, 57.34 seconds, elevating to the No. 4 performer in American history and No. 39 all-time in the world.

Houlihan also improved to No. 2 in the world this year, trailing only Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba (3:56.68).

“I didn’t have many expectations coming into the race today and was actually a bit worried as I was not feeling very well,” Houlihan told the IAAF. “I had to talk to myself during the race to stay in a comfortable position and the incredible crowd here brought me home during the last 200 meters. The crowd is really awesome here and when I saw it packed, I did my best to focus and think my win shows I was able to do that.”

Muir, who is aiming for an 800 and 1,500 double at the European Championships, ran a season-best 3:58.18 to improve to No. 4 in the world this year and Hassan clocked 3:58.39 for fifth on the global list.

South Africa’s Caster Semenya, who was unbeaten in 17 races this year ranging from 400 to 1,500, placed sixth in 4:00.44. Semenya had prevailed in 22 consecutive races overall since a third-place finish in the 1,500 at last year’s IAAF World Outdoor Championships in London.

Stefanidi, who had a 19-meet winning streak snapped in the pole vault with her third-place finish at the World Indoor Championships in March in Birmingham and hadn’t achieved a victory in her previous three Diamond League appearances, cleared 15-9.75 (4.82m) on her second attempt.

Jenn Suhr, who was uncertain about competing after her poles went missing during Wednesday’s travels, also cleared 15-9.75 on her second attempt, but Stefanidi earned the victory based on no misses at earlier heights.

“All I can say is I am happy to be pole vaulting again,” Stefanidi said. “It started in Athens at the Street Pole Vault, but the stadium event is where you prove it to yourself and others that you are back.”

Stefanidi won twice in June in competing in her native Greece, but she stopped the recent momentum of Americans Sandi Morris and Suhr by securing her 12th career Diamond League victory.

“I suffered a bit with injuries at the start of the season,” said Stefanidi, who is scheduled to compete next July 20 in Monaco.
“I am grateful to my team who really helped me recover well. I am going to take it one step at a time.”

Thomas, who is entering her senior year at Harvard, won the 200 meters in a wind-legal 22.47 against a field of professional competitors in her international debut.

“This is my first overseas race and I am delighted with a win,” Thomas said. “I would love to beat the 22-second barrier this season. At the same time, I want to enjoy competing in Europe.”

Shamier Little, who captured the 400 hurdles title June 24 at the USATF Outdoor Championships in Iowa, ran a season-best 53.41 to edge Jamaica’s Janieve Russell (53.46) and fellow American Georganne Moline (53.90).

“I am exhausted. This race took a lot out of me, it was a very tough race. But a season best is all I could ask for. For us, USA Champs was the peak of the season, but now I have to recalibrate the season,” said Little, who ranks second in the world this year behind former Kentucky standout and recently turned professional Sydney McLaughlin (52.75).

“The focus now is the Diamond League and if I get to compete at the Diamond League final, that will be amazing.”

Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser followed her victory in Paris by winning the 400 in 49.78, making her unbeaten in five Diamond League races this year, including the past four performances under 50 seconds.

Despite Semenya deciding to run the 1,500 instead of the 800, U.S. national champion Ajee’ Wilson wasn’t able to secure a victory, taking second in 1:58.20 behind Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba (1:57.80).

Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou ran a wind-legal 10.90 to win the 100, with American Jenna Prandini third in 11.00. Former LSU star Aleia Hobbs, the reigning NCAA Division 1 and USATF Outdoor winner, was scheduled to make her international debut after recently signing a pro contract with adidas, but wasn’t feeling 100 percent in warmups and scratched the race.

Germany’s Malaika Mihambo and Serbia’s Ivana Spanovic both produced wind-legal long jumps of 22-7.75 (6.90m), but Mihambo secured the victory based on a better second mark.

Nikola Ogrodnikova of the Czech Republic won the javelin with a third-round throw of 213-4 (65.02m), with American Kara Winger producing a season-best 206-9 (63.02m) to finish fourth.