The Birds Delivered at USA Track Nationals!
The US National Championship meet (whether USA's or the Olympic Trials) is always one of Oiselle's highlights of the year. The ups and downs of every US Track and Field athlete lead to this one meet, where the combination of hard work, talent, and good luck unite. We were so honored by our athletes in Des Moines. You fill our hearts!
Kendra Chambers bounced back from a really tough spring, fighting hard in the 800m to finish just 2 spots out of advancing to the semi-final. She is just getting on her feet and looks to get in more racing this summer!
Her first time competing in Oiselle, Bethany Drake beasted for an incredible 4th place in women’s javelin with a PR throw of 54.20! Possible singlet effect? :) We can't wait to see how the rest of her summer goes as she brushes up her technique in Germany.
Our #steeplepeople delivered big time! All four of our steeplers made the final, with Alexina Wilson 11th, Megan Rolland 6th, Emily Oren 5th, and Mel Lawrence with the BIG third place finish and a shiny new PR, finishing in a time of 9:33.30! AMAZING!! All four of our steeplers will continue to race, with Megan, Emily, and Mel representing the US at the NACAC meet in Toronto in August (Oiselle steeple takeover!), and Alexina racing in the US. Mel heads overseas soon to chase more PR's in Europe. After the NACAC meet, Megan is returning home to train for her next competition: being a mom to triplets! Megan's wife is currently 20 weeks pregnant; Megan will no doubt put her hurdling skills to use as she wrangles all of those babies!
Maria Michta-Coffey cruised to an incredible 42nd National title in the 20k Racewalk (that's 50 laps on the track!) in a time of 1:35:21. She lapped all of the competition early, and then maintained her solo focus for the remainder of the race to break the finish tape with a smile. You are the gold standard of race walk, Maria!
Jasmine Blocker accomplished a remarkable feat: qualifying for a US final in the 400m. The US is so deep in that event, making the final is a truly noteworthy accomplishment. She finished 7th in the country, running 51. twice in the process. Jasmine is pumped to be representing the US at the World Cup in London next month! Congratulations, Jasmine!
Megan Clark cleared 4.30m in the pole vault, finishing 13th. It wasn't what she hoped for for her USA's performance, but her speed and strength looked great and she will keep honing her technique at meets in Europe this summer!
And our friend Riley Cooks (you may know her from #birdswim fame) sported the Oiselle Blackbird crop and buns in the women's heptathlon. She finished 8th in the country in a PR of 5825 points. Amazing job, Riley!
Saturday night we got to enjoy a team family dinner, which was a great reminder of why we are involved in elite athlete support. It was so fun to meet everyone's loved ones! Big thank you to Lauren Fleshman (and baby giggler Zadie), photographer Heather McWhirter, and entertainer/life coach Jungle Chicken for making the weekend so memorable. And thank you to all of the Volée for your support of this team in their dream-chasing.
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