Jaida Ross Returns to Hayward Field as Records Fall

Record-Breaking Day at the Pre Classic

On a day filled with record-breaking performances, the 50th edition of the Pre Classic track and field meet saw several national records fall. The event, held at Hayward Field, was a highlight for athletes competing in the hammer throw events, where both men’s and women’s records were set.

Rudy Winkler Shatters American Record

Rudy Winkler made a strong start to the meet by resetting his American record in the men’s hammer throw. On his third attempt, he launched the hammer 272 feet, 10 inches, surpassing his previous record of 271-4 set during the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2021. This performance also set a new Pre Classic meet record.

Winkler, a three-time Olympian, expressed surprise at his performance, stating that he had not expected to do well. “My training this week was very bad, so I kind of came into this with zero expectations,” he said. “So I was super surprised by that today.”

Canada’s Ethan Katzberg, the Paris Olympics gold medalist, finished second with a throw of 268-1.

Camryn Rogers Sets New Standards

In the women’s hammer throw, reigning Olympic champion Camryn Rogers set a new Canadian, meet, and Diamond League record with a winning throw of 258-9. This was her best performance in two years and marked a significant achievement at a venue where she has historically excelled.

“I just love it here. It’s a great circle, everyone’s always super nice,” Rogers said. “I’ve been coming to Hayward since I was 15, so it feels so familiar.”

Brooke Andersen initially broke the meet record with a throw of 249-9, later improving to 252-5 to finish in second place. Annette Nneka Echikunwoke, the Paris silver medalist, placed sixth with a throw of 238-9.

Jaida Ross Makes a Strong Return

Jaida Ross, a former Duck, achieved a personal best in the women’s shot put with a throw of 66-½. This performance placed her third in a competition that saw five athletes surpass 20 meters (65-7½). Chase Jackson led the way with a meet-record throw of 68-8½.

Ross expressed her excitement about the event, calling it an "insane competition." She praised the athletes for pushing each other daily. Sarah Mitton from Canada finished second with 66-10¾, while Maddison-Lee Wesche of New Zealand set a personal best with 65-9¾.

Joe Kovacs Dominates Men’s Shot Put

Joe Kovacs claimed victory in the men’s shot put with a world-leading throw of 73-9. His performance highlighted the competitive nature of the event.

Valarie Allman Breaks Discus Record

In the women’s discus, U.S. Olympic champion Valarie Allman broke a 12-year-old meet record with a winning throw of 231-10. This surpassed the previous record of 227-5 set by Croatia’s Sandra Elkasevic in 2014.

Allman’s performance was a culmination of her hard work throughout the year. “That 70-meter mark has just been on my mind all year,” she said. “To be able to do it today at such a historic meet is something I’m grateful for.”

Cierra Jackson, an American athlete, threw a personal best of 222-6 to finish in second place. Jorinde van Klinken, a former Duck, placed fourth with a throw of 217-2.

A Historic Day for Track and Field

The Pre Classic proved to be a memorable event for athletes and fans alike. With multiple records broken and exceptional performances, the meet showcased the talent and dedication of competitors from around the world. From the hammer throws to the shot put and discus, the day was filled with moments of brilliance that will be remembered for years to come.