Claxton Returns From IAAF World Indoor Championships
Heats Results | Semi-Finals Results | Finals Results
Heats Release | Semi-Finals Release | Finals Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—Over the weekend the University at Albany's track & field member, Grace Claxton, traveled to the IAAF World Indoor Championships. Claxton competed in the open 400-meter race, making it to the Semi-Finals, and representing her home country of Puerto Rico.
“This was a tremendous experience for Grace,” said Director of Men's and Women's Track & Field/Cross Country Roberto Vives. “She was running against the very best in the World. This was great exposure for her as she prepares for the NCAA and the Rio Olympics.”
Claxton qualified for the Semi-Finals, running a 53.97 in trials. She finished third in her trial heat and qualified 10th overall for the final. She led for the first 350-meters of the race after running 24.3 in the first 200 meters--her fastest time ever. In her heat, she ran with Ashley Spencer of the USA team, who was a former NCAA Champion and runner-up at last weekend's USA National Championships.
In the Semi-Finals, Claxton ran a time of 53.67. She placed sixth in her heat and 11th overall. In her heat, three of the athletes placed in the top six overall for finals.
Oluwakemi Adekoya, representing Britain ran a 51.45 and placed first overall in the Semi-Finals and Finals. She was the fastest woman in the 400-meter races for the meet. Ashley Spencer (USA) was second in 51.72,Quanera Hayes (USA) third in 51.76, and Stephenie Ann McPherson (Jamaica) fourth in 52.20.
With the Indoor season officially closed, Claxton will now join her teammates in the outdoor season at the Florida Relays on Thursday, March 31st through Saturday, April 2.
