Gwen Berry Retakes American Hammer Record in Chorzow, Poland

By Adam Kopet

Gwen Berry took back the American record in the hammer Friday at the Janusz Kusocinski Memorial in Chorzow, Poland. She lost the record to DeAnna Price last weekend.

Berry was the winner in Poland, beating the meet favorite, Anita Wlodarczyk, with an opening throw of 255-2 (77.78m). That broke Price's six-day-old record of 254-9 (77.65m) from the Iron Wood Classic.

Berry elevated to the No. 4 performer in history, with Price now sixth all-time.

RESULTS

Berry would not improve on her opening throw, but it was enough to hold off Wlodarczyk, the reigning world and Olympic champion and world record holder, who has struggled with her early season form, having her 42-meet winning streak snapped May 26 at Werfertage in Germany.

Berry did have a 253-3 (77.19m) throw in round four. That bettered Berry's personal best entering the competition. Berry's next competition will be the Golden Spike in Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Also in action were Allyson Felix in the 400 meters and Brittney Reese in the long jump. Felix finished second to Poland's Justina Swiety-Ersetic, running 51.35. Reese also finished second, jumping 22-6.50 (6.87m) to Canadian Christabel Nettey and her leap of 22-7 (6.88m).