The Millrose Games, which holds the distinction as the longest annual ongoing event held at Madison Square Garden, took center stage on Friday night for its 103rd installment as some the top track and field athletes in the world provided an enthusiastic audience with memorable performances.
On the men’s side, headlining the schedule was Bernard Lagat. Born in Kenya, the 35-year-old who became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2004, achieved an unprecedented eighth victory in the storied Wanamker Mile, clocking a time of 3 minutes, 56.34 seconds, surpassing the legendary Eamonn Coghlan, a seven time champion between 1977 and 1987. Lagat said his milestone “ranks among the top,” of his career feats which encompasses seven Olympic and world championship medals. Rounding out the top three was Asbel Kiprop of Kenya (3:58.03) placing second and Great Britain’s Andrew Baddeley (3:58.09) taking third.Another showcase event was the PSAL Boys 4 x 400 meter relay. Boys and Girls High School won in a rousing finish as the quartet of Daniel Simon, Khamani Parker, Rohan Stewart and Robert Rhodes powered across the finish line in 3:32.27, just a blink of an eye ahead of Midwood (3:32.36) and Medgar Evers (3:32.37). Campus Magnet, Springfield Gardens and Dewitt Clinton secured the next three spots respectively.”This is a big win for us,” said an excited Parker. “We came in here with a lot of confidence and things came together for us tonight.”Not so for the DeWitt Clinton contingent, whose high expectations were dashed on the opening leg when a dropped baton doomed their chances for a victory.”When the stick fell and we couldn’t make up the distance,” said Denvor Hawthorne of the disappointed Clinton team.”Native Long Islander Grady Bussey, now residing in Raleigh, North Carolina, traveled north with his son Jakobe Bussey so the youngster could compete in the Boys’ 50 Meter Dash Fastest Kid. Although he placed third in 8.25 seconds behind champ Jonathan Grant (7.61) and runner up Manuel Ayarza (8.11), the younger Bussey was thrilled simply for the opportunity.”I had a great time, this was really fun!” he exclaimed. “I wasn’t nervous at all. I hope I can do it again.”Terrence Trammell, a two-time Olympic silver medalist, proclaimed “I feel as strong as ever,” after earning first place in the men’s 60-meter hurdles, clearing 7.49 seconds.Complete Millrose results are posted at www.millrose-games.com/events-results/Full-Results/