By Jonathan Hawthorne
Omar McLeod may be new to the international 110-meter hurdle scene, but things are working out just fine for the 22-year-old.
Earlier this month, he broke 13 seconds for the first time, and then Saturday he dominated the race in the Prefontaine Classic, winning in 13.06 seconds.
McLeod beat runner-up David Oliver (13.38) and third-place finisher Jeff Porter (13.48). All three times were off their season bests.
“It was a really crappy race for everybody except for Omar,” said Oliver, who was one of four Americans in the event. “It was shocking, to be honest, to get second with 13.3.”
Oliver, who was visibly upset with his time, said he will need to shave off a considerable amount before the U.S. Olympic Trials.
“Well, I better be able to about 3 or 4 10ths better than today,” Oliver said. “Of course it’s cool to get second out here or whatever, but our performances as a whole – I am very surprised.”
Porter praised the stacked field, which included current world record holder Aries Merritt, who is coming back from a kidney transplant and finished fourth in 13.51.
“What else could you want?” Porter said.
McLeod is racing in his first season as a professional after graduating from the University of Arkansas. He said he’s happy with the win and time. He finished in 12.98 in Shanghai earlier this month, just off his personal best of 12.97.
“It’s more about the win,” McLeod said. “I never dwell on times. I never think about it. When the right time comes, it will come. I’m happy I was able to run 13.0 again. At least I’m consistent.”
McLeod has traditionally always taken eight steps before he reaches the first hurdle. Most others in the field take seven. He said that puts him at a disadvantage, so he has to emphasize an explosive start. He said he hasn’t considered changing to seven steps: “I didn’t want to risk it in an Olympic year. Maybe in an off year we’ll try it, but we’re in no rush, to be honest.”
The 22-year-old could become just the second Jamaican to win a medal in the 110 hurdles. He’s already earning the attention of others in the field.
“He represented very, very well,” Oliver said of Porter. “He’s really on fire.”
Should Oliver find his way onto the podium in Rio, he will join Hansle Parchment in an elite club. Parchment took bronze in 2012.
“That’s my dream,” McLeod said. “I’d love for both of us to get a medal. When that happens, I’ll be the happiest person. I will freak out.”
Porter, who raced for Team USA in 2012, said the meet at Hayward Field helps Americans adjust to the upcoming Olympic Trials.
“It’s a different beast, and everyone will bring their “A” game,” Porter said of the trials. “It’s nice. We’ll call it the U.S. Olympic Trials pre-meet.”
Though both Porter and Oliver were content with their showings on Saturday, Oliver was not. He struggled to diagnose his race.
“That was probably the best field you’ll see outside the Olympic Final,” Oliver said. “Maybe that’s what it was. All that pressure.”
