The American Women Continue to Dominate the 100m Hurdles

By Scott Bush

The fifth stop on the Diamond League tour took place Sunday, as track and field action took place in Birmingham, UK. While many of the top American remained stateside, training for USATF Outdoors at the end of the month, the ones who did make the trip showed well, including big performances in the sprints. 

Here's what we learned.

America Dominates the Women's Short Hurdles

12 of the top 14 fastest performances in the women's 100m hurdles this year held by Americans. Those 12 top performances have been run by five different women, which means the race at USATF Outdoors is going to be simply ridiculous. On Sunday, Dawn Harper-Nelson showed the slow start to her season was planned, coming on strong to win in a season's best time of 12.58, just ahead of Brianna Rollins. Jasmin Stowers, who owns the top three fastest times in the world this season, was disqualified, but it's easy to tell the coming clash of Stowers, Harper-Nelson, Rollins, Sharika Nelvis and Kendra Harrison (assuming she runs this event) is one of the premier matchups we'll see in Eugene. 

Can Anyone Beat Perkovic?

Sandra Perkovic (CRO) continues to dominate the world in the women's discus. Fans talk about Valerie Adams and her dominance in the shot put, which is completely justified, but Perkovic is nearly as unbeatable. Perkovic lost all of once in 2014 and on a tear once again in 2015. The Croatian superstar easily won Sunday's contest with a meet record toss of 69.23m (227-1.5), well ahead of runner-up Dani Samuels (AUS) and her mark of 64.89m (212-10.75). Perkovic now has four of the top five marks in the world this year and is not looking back. 

Bracy Breaks Through With Big Win

Justin Gatlin has thoroughly dominated the discussion this season in the 100m, and rightfully so, but it was Marvin Bracy making a statement in Birmingham. Bracy crushed a new personal best of 9.93 to beat a tough field (sans Gatlin), a time that leaves him tied for sixth fastest in the world this season. Bracy adds even more depth to the field at the upcoming USATF Outdoor Championships and was a big Diamond League victory for the young pro. 

Garcia Shines in the Steeple

Coming off a 4:05.39 1,500m personal best in South Carolina last week, American Stephanie Garcia showed well in the steeplechase Sunday, running a new seasonal best of 9:27.92 to finishe fourth in a strong field. Garcia has quickly become one of the top two U.S. contenders in the event this season, really only trailing Emma Coburn at this point. Her Birmingham performance left her just over three seconds shy of her 9:24.28 personal best and now ranks top ten in the world. While she's still a ways off from challenging Coburn for the top spot in the United States, she now has to be considered a strong favorite for runner-up in Eugene later this month.

Tarmoh Edges Felix - Wow!

After her big win over 400 meters at the Nike Prefontaine Classic, it was easy to get the feeling that Allyson Felix may not lose many races (if any) this year. The superstar sprinter looked dominant, is fully healthy and ready to regain her status as the queen of the sprints. However, her training partner Jeneba Tarmoh had other plans Sunday, outleaning Felix at the line to win the 200m event, as both athletes clocked 22.29. This was Tarmoh's second consecutive Diamond League victory after scoring a win in Rome three days prior. Someone's confidence is growing!

Taylor Continues to Impress, But Can He Beat Pichardo?

Christian Taylor's magnificent 2015 season continued on in Birmingham, as the Olympic gold medalist easily won the men's triple jump with a leap of 17.40m (57-01). Taylor's victory was the third farthest leap he's made this season, leaving him with three of the top eight marks in the world. The question that remains is if he can edge Cuba's Pedro Pablo Pichardo, who owns four of the top five marks in the world and beat Taylor head-to-head in Doha last month. Regardless, the clash between these two will be one to watch all season long. 

Next Up...

The Diamond League moves on to stop six, the Bislett Games in Oslo, Norway. The big event, topped by the Dream Mile, takes place this Thursday, June 11.