Price overcomes weather woes to grab hammer gold at Pan American Games

SANTIAGO – Day three of track and field at the 19th Pan American Games at National Stadium offered unwelcome weather but Team USATF came through with three more medals, including a gold from a former world champion.

A rain-soaked ring and blustery conditions couldn't stop 2019 world champion DeAnna Price from adding Pan American gold to her résumé in the women's hammer. Price, who earned bronze at the World Championships in Budapest, hit 72.34/237-4 on her opening attempt and never relinquished her lead, matching that distance on her final throw to seal her victory. Last year's world champion, Brooke Andersen, wasn't as fortunate with the conditions and had three fouls.
 
"Today was high energy and exciting and I adore it," Price said. "You always want energy at a competition, and for me to bring home the gold is amazing. Yes, it was a bit chilly in Chile, but the energy that was radiating from the stands was amazing. People here have been phenomenal. I felt like there was some more distance in me, and I had a foul out the left sector that was around 75 meters. But I'm happy."
 
Team USATF's hurdlers captured a pair of medals. Houston's De'Vion Wilson came away with silver in the men's 110 hurdles, clocking 13.78 with a slight headwind, with Dylan Beard sixth in 14.15. 
 
"I'm so glad I got a chance to run internationally before I start my college season," Wilson said. "Now I know I can compete in bigger meets and bigger arenas against professional athletes. The crowd was electric, it was really loud."
 
In the women's 100 hurdles, Alaysha Johnson ran cautiously from the gun before bearing down over the final barriers as she held on for bronze in 13.19. Johnson said, "I'm so happy to be chosen to represent the USA here because we are so stacked with talent in the event. I was nervous about getting out of the blocks in the rain, so I think I played it a little bit too safe. I hit a few hurdles but pushed through. I am learning how to compete and not just worry about times."
 
Erin Marsh won the 100H and 200 on the way to a 3,520-point total to lead the women's heptathlon after day one over teammate Jordan Gray, who had 3,423. Gray won the high jump at 1.73/5-8 and the shot put at 13.11/43-0.25.
 
In the day's other final with American interest, Richard Johnson was sixth in the men's 400 in 48.66. Semifinals on the track included the men's 400 hurdles, where James Smith snagged the last berth in the final with a 51.42 that placed him fifth in section two. Evan Miller was disqualified in semifinal one of the men's 200.
 
TEAM USATF MEDALS (8)
 
Gold (2)
Kasey Knevelbaard, men's 5000 (14:47.69)
DeAnna Price, women's hammer (72.34/237-4)
 
Silver (1)
De'Vion Wilson, men's 110 hurdles (13.78)
 
Bronze (5)
Ednah Kurgat, women's 10,000 (33:16.61)
Tiffany Flynn, women's long jump (6.40/21-0)
Mixed 4x400 relay (Demarius Smith, Honour Finley, Richard Johnson, Jada Griffin) 3:19.41
Ryan Talbot, men's decathlon (7,742 points)
Alaysha Johnson, women's 100 hurdles (13.19)

Fans can watch at panamsportschannel.org and follow results here.