Hooker 5.95, Vili 20.09, Powell 45.94 in Sydney

February 28, 2009

Steve Hooker's 5.95m in the Pole vault, Valerie Vili's over 20m Shot put performance and Asafa Powell's 400m effort took the main attention at the Sydney Track Classic meeting.

The event, that has opened the international outdoor season, featured world class athletes and produced some excellent results.

After his superb indoor performances, Australia's Olympic pole vault champion has arrived home to go on winning. Hooker had hoped to attack successfully Sergey Bubka's world record. Though it did not happen this time, his 5.95m winning mark is proving he continues being in shape.

The clash between the number one and number two of the current World Rankings of the Men's Pole Vault had promised a close battle, but Russia's Yevgeniy Lukyanenko was perhaps too tired of the long trip and was a no factor against Hooker.

"Initially it was really tricky, warming up when the wind is playing around," Hooker said. "But I'm really happy with how I jumped." "I went for 6.10m because I wanted a PB (personal best) and also it's 20ft. It would have been a good milestone."

Valerie Vili was close to her own world leading mark; she won the Shot put with a 20.09m toss.

A week ago Usain Bolt ran a world leading 45.54 seconds on 400m. What is Asafa Powell's answer to this performance - was the main question before the start of the one-lap event.

Well, the answer is here! Although Powell finished only fourth - behind events specialist Australian Sean Wroe, American Xavier Carter and another Australian Kurt Mulcahy - he bettered his personal best by over a full second and finished the race in 45.94. It is less good than Usain Bolt's mark, but the huge personal best is an indication to Powell's form. The Bolt-Powell rivalry is probably the most expected highlight of the upcoming outdoor season.

(Powell on lane 2)