Alaka Wins Europe U23 Sprint Title
July 15, 2011 | Track & Field
July 15, 2011
OSTRAVA, Czech Republic - Sophomore James Alaka is still going strong this summer, as the Husky All-American grabbed the gold medal in the 100-meter dash at the European Under-23 Championships today. Alaka later would advance in the heats of the 200-meter dash as well.
The London, England native had qualified for the championships by winning the England U23 Championships last month, which included a new career-best of 10.23 seconds.
"This is my first international final, so really just to enjoy the experience and try and execute the race as best I could," was the goal for Alaka. "It didn't go to plan, but I won, and that's the most important thing."
Alaka's plan probably included a faster time, as he ran just 10.45 in the final, but that was running into a -1.5 headwind. It was enough to edge Italy's Michael Tumi, who ran 10.47, and Alaka's countryman, Andrew Robertson, who was third in 10.52.
"It's the icing on the cake that's been a very good season," said Alaka post-race. That season was highlighted by his sweep of the Pac-10 titles at 100-meters and 200-meters in Tucson back in May, becoming the first Husky to win either title since Ja'Warren Hooker also pulled off the double in 2000. He then qualified for the NCAA final site in the 200-meter dash, earning All-America honorable mention, and second team All-America status as part of UW's 4x100-meter relay.
Later in the day, Alaka advanced through the first heats of the 200-meters, running 21.25 seconds. The semifinals and final of the 200m will be run tomorrow.
