5 women who lit up the 2016 Diamond League

#3 Kendra Harrison

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 22: Kendra Harrison of The USA celebrates after setting a new world record in the womens 100m hurdles on Day One of the Muller Anniversary Games at The Stadium - Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on July 22, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images ) — Kendra Harrison was impressive in the 100m hurdles, but missed out on the Olympics

One of the biggest disappointments of the Rio Olympics was not getting to see Kendra Harrison compete. Despite dominating the 100m hurdles throughout the season, Harrison could only finish 6^th in the US Olympic trials, meaning she missed out on a place on the team.

It was undoubtedly a crushing blow for an athlete who had run a national record and world-leading time of 12.24 just weeks previously.

Fast forward 14 days and Harrison responded in the best way possible. The setting was the Diamond League event in London and in front of a packed crowd the American created a moment of history. The clock originally stopped at 12.58 until her real time of 12.20 was revealed, prompting a huge standing ovation from the crowd.

Harrison may not have been heading to Rio, but she had become the world record holder, breaking a mark that had stood for 18 years. She’ll be looking to replicate her performance inside the same stadium next year at the IAAF World Athletics Championships.

Edited by Staff Editor