Records fall and personal bests are set at 2009 Simplot Games

by Lucas Martin

Pocatello, Idaho- The Simplot Games offers athletes a chance at competing on a unique wooden track. This track is not only unique, but it’s fast…really fast.

“The track is fast! And the competition is always here,” says Turquoise Thompson, a member of the Gardena Core team out of Gardena, Calif., that won the 4x200- and 4x400- meter relays.

This once-a-year opportunity for athletes produces plenty of excitement, competition, personal best, and records. This years Simplot Games was no exception. The athletes entertained and ignited the crowd with outstanding performances, including

• Two meet records set by Track E.C. of New Bern, N.C.— A thrilling run of 3:26.28 in the 1600 sprint medley relay set a new Simplot Games record, the current #1 U.S. time, and #10 mark of all-time. The TEC team also set a meet record in the 4x200 with a time of 1:27.60.
• Anna Jemlini, a senior from Bakersfield, Calif., has the new U.S. #1 mark in the shot put with her winning throw of 51’ 5’’. The throw also ranks her #9 all-time.
• Trinity Wilson of Oakland, Calif., set a new national freshman record in the 60-meter hurdles with her winning run of 8.45 seconds.
• Ashton Purvis, a junior from Oakland, Calif., won the 60 meters and 200 meters with times of 7.47 and 23.99 – the second year in a row she achieved that double.
• Kyle Macintosh from Highlands Ranch, Colo., also doubled in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.95 and 400 meters at 48.06 – and was part of the winning ATS Elite Track Club’s winning 4x400-meter relay team.