The Women’s 60M Finals took center stage on day two of the WMA Indoor Championships. The Men’s and Women’s 800M Finals rounded out the afternoon before giving way to the Men’s 60M semi-finals.
The Women’s 60M Finals saw 11 gold medals awarded to nine nations including Panama, Canada, Germany, Italy, Chile, Australia, Romania, Nigeria and the United States. Overall, 16 countries took home 33 total medals in the event.
“I guess this means I am faster than an alligator,” said Adina Gheorghiu (Romania), gold medalist and new championship record holder in the Women’s 60M (50-54) category. “It’s my first time here (America). This place is amazing. I believe in the values of sport, and I am very grateful for everyone around me.”
The first gold medals of the day belonged to France’s Florian Roy and Team USA’s Peter La Barge. Roy took top billing in the Men’s 45-49 Indoor Shot Put with a throw of 14.25M. La Barge’s 23.83M throw put him atop the podium for Men’s 85-89 in Discus.
As Monday afternoon ended, 22 categories handed out medals in the Men’s and Women’s 800M. The 75-79 category for Men’s and Women’s saw records fall. All three women broke the previous championship record, but it was Great Britain’s Sarah Roberts who led the pack with a record time of 3:04.51. Sarah Harvey and Jeannie Rice of Team USA finished second and third. Tarmo Tupala, of Finland, also set a record with his time of 2:41.78. David Clarke, of Great Britain, also set a championship record with a time of 2:21.00 in the Men’s 65-69 category.
At West End, five Discus, three Javelin and two Hammer events were decided. Five different nations wore gold including Trinidad & Tobago, The Czech Republic, Canada, Finland and United States. Seven countries and territories took home silver and bronze. They were Israel, Denmark, Mongolia, Germany, Costa Rica, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Monday also saw nine heats and 12 semi-finals take place in the Men’s 60M with Rock & Roll Band Whiskey Jones wrapping up the second day in the Athletes Village with a live performance.
Tuesday morning will see multiple competitions in two locations. At 9 a.m., the Men’s and Women’s Indoor Pentathlon continues at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center with Women’s 35-39 and Men’s 35-39 categories starting the day. The Men’s 60M finals will follow. The Men’s Shot Put and Weight T picks up again at 9 a.m. At 11:45 a.m., the Men’s 3000M gets underway with the 85+ category. At West End, at 9 a.m., the Outdoor Throws continue with the Women’s 75+ Javelin beginning the day followed by Women’s 65-69 Hammer and Men’s 45-49 Discuss.
Key Event Highlights:
- Competition Dates: Today thru March 30, 2025
- Locations: Alachua County Sports and Events Center, Celebration Pointe
- Open 5K Road Race: March 29, following the WMA 10K Road Race at Celebration Pointe. Deadline is Thursday, May 27th at 4 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 will be open to credentialed media throughout the competition.
- General Schedule and competition details are available at www.wmaci2025.com
For more information and to contact the on-site media liaison, contact Seth Harp at 251-281-5013 or info@wmaci2025.com.
