David Oliver dips to 12.93 sec in Zurich - Samsung Diamond League (© Getty Images)
Sizzling runs by David Oliver and Jeremy Wariner were but a pair of sensational performances that highlighted the Weltklasse Zürich – Samsung Diamond League - on a night when 15 Diamond Race Trophy winners were decided.
With half of the season-long Diamond Race Trophies up for grabs, this year’s Zurich edition, staged yet again before a sell-out crowd of more than 26,000 boisterous fans at Letzigrund Stadium, exuded the feel of a major championship as the primary season target of most athletes was on the line. And in event after event, the world’s best didn’t disappoint.
Oliver powers to 12.93
Among the most impressive displays of the evening came in the men’s 110m Hurdles with David Oliver’s parade toward the Diamond Race Trophy, and it’s accompanying $40,000 cash prize.
From the second hurdle, there was little doubt that Oliver would extend his winning streak to 12 with his first triumph in Zurich. But the ferocity with which the powerfully-built American ran and attacked the barriers made it evident that he was after more than just another victory. Closing with a low extended lean and dip at the line that even confused the timing equipment, Oliver stopped the clock in 12.93, a scant 0.01 off the meeting record set by former World record holder Roger Kingdom 21 years ago.
“I cannot ask for more,” said Oliver, who’s produced seven of the season’s eight quickest performances. “I’m not the perfect hurdler. That’s why I’m missing the world record. But I’ll fix that mistake one time.”
Jamaican Dwight Thomas won the race for second, edging American Ryan Wilson 13.25 to 13.26, to finish behind Oliver in that same order in the series.
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