Thompson and McPherson capture gold at indoor meet

 Elaine Thompson captured gold in the Muller Indoor Grand Prix
Elaine Thompson captured gold in the Muller Indoor Grand Prix

BIRMINGHAM, England, CMC – Double Olympic gold medalist Elaine Thompson continued her rehabilitation from an Achilles injury by winning the 60 metres, while compatriot Stephenie Ann McPherson won gold in the 400 metres at the Muller Indoor Grand Prix here Saturday.

The 26-year-old Jamaican sensation sprinted to victory in a time of 7.13 seconds, her fastest time over the distance since 2017.

In a three-way photo-finish, British sprinter and former World Youth 100m champion Asha Phillips, was second in 7.14  seconds, while Marie-Josee Ta Lou of  Cote de’Ivoire took third in 7.15.

Two other Jamaicans were also in the race. Ramona Burchell, who made the final in the event at the World Indoor Championships last year was fifth in 7.21 and Gayon Evans, the Commonwealth Games 100m bronze medallist, was seventh in a time of 7.28.

McPherson was also in winner’s row, capturing the women’s quarter mile in 52. 24 seconds. Britain’s Eilidh Doyle was second in 52.43 while Lisanne De Witte of the Netherlands came third in 52.61 seconds.

Another Jamaican in Tajay Gayle claimed silver by leaping to a personal best in the men’s long jump with 8.10 metres.

His effort was only bettered by Cuban star jumper, Juan Miguel Echevarria, who produced a jump of 8.21 metres on his final attempt to grab the first position.