At West End, the Outdoor Throws saw nine categories decided and 27 medals handed out. Among them was Ukraine’s Natalia Radionova’s bronze in the Women’s (50-54) Hammer. It was her second medal of the games. She won silver in the Women’s (50-54) Weight Throw on Monday.
“I dedicate both medals to the people of Ukraine,” said Radionova. “My hometown is completely destroyed, and I am now training in France. It’s a big deal. It’s important to show the people of the world that we are still alive.”
Radionova’s teammate Tetiana Nasonova won the country’s first gold medal on Tuesday in the Women’s (45-49) Weight Throw.
“It means everything,” said Nasonova. “My son’s town is under occupation and in the line of fire. Every day there is bombing, and I am so grateful to come to the United States and win gold for him and my country.”
Broken records
The host nation continued to load up on Outdoor hardware. Angela Herzner, of Team USA, won gold in the Women’s (50-54) Hammer. Amy Haapanen set a record in Women’s (40-44) Hammer at 56.88m, giving the U.S. its second gold of the day in Outdoor Throws.
By early afternoon two more world records were broken in the Women’s (70-74) 3000m and Women’s (75-79) 3000m.
Nora Cary’s time of 12:24.36 and gave the U.S. its first long-distance medal of the day and seventh world record in four days of competition. Great Britain’s Sarah Roberts, and her time of 12:28.82, gave the Union Jack its first world record of the week.
Clare Elms, also of Great Britain, set a record in the Women’s (60-64) 3000m at 10:49.83. Michelle Rohl, of the U.S., also set a record in Women’s (55-59) 3000m at 10.21.17. The last broken record of the day went to Ellie Stevens, of Great Britain, in Women’s (40-44) 3000m with a time of 9:43.13.
A total of 48 medals had been handed out in the Triple Jump, High Jump, Long Jump and Pole Vault on Wednesday. Tomarris Bell, of Team USA, set the record in the Men’s (35-39) Triple Jump at 15.11m. This was followed by fellow American Wendell Beck, who added a record to his resume in the Men’s (55-59) Pole Vault, with a height of 3.70m.
Team USA leads medal count
As the WMA’s hits the midway point, 53 different countries have earned medals. Team USA leads the way with 206 total, followed by Great Britain’s 44 and Germany’s 25.
Thursday morning, at 9 a.m., the Women’s 3000m Race Walk takes place at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center. During that time the Indoor Jumps and Indoor Throws begin with the Women’s (80+) High Jump and Women’s (70-74) Weight Throw.
At 1:45 p.m., the heats begin in the Women’s 200m with the (65-69) category hitting the track. At 3:45 p.m., the finals in the Men’s 200m gets underway with the (90+) category firing off the blocks. At West End, at 9 a.m., the Outdoor Throws continue with the Men’s (50-54) Javelin followed by the Men’s (65-69) Discus and the Men’s (45-49) Hammer.
In addition, on Thursday, Gainesville Band “Mindwalk” takes to the stage, in the Athletes Village, starting at 8 p.m.
*There are changes to the 10K Race Walk on March 30.
8:00 - W60+
9:45 - W35,40,45,50,55
11:15 - M70+
13:00 - M60, 65
14:30 - M35,40,45,50,55
Out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of the athletes, the WMA and Local Organizing Committee with the advice of the chief medical officer, have announced due to anticipated weather, if a race is interrupted due to weather, it will not re-start.
Key Event Highlights:
- Competition Dates: Thursday thru Sunday
- Locations: Alachua County Sports and Events Center, Celebration Pointe
- Open 5K Road Race: March 29, 2025, following the WMA 10K Road Race at Celebration Pointe (registration at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Gainesville/CelebrationPointe5K
Deadline is Thursday, March 27th at 5 p.m.. - Volunteer Opportunities: Available throughout the week (sign-up at www.wmaci2025.com)
- Admissions: Free for spectators
- Athlete Village: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with live entertainment vendors and more. Vendor opportunities can be found at https://wmaci2025.com/vendors/
Media Information:
- Local media are invited to attend. Media credentials can be requested through the official event website: https://wmaci2025.com/media-accreditation/
- The Media Center will be located at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center and open to credentialed media throughout the competition.
- General Schedule and competition details are available at www.wmaci2025.com
