Torun,Poland, 21 March (H.S.):
America flexed its muscle Friday at the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy-Pomorze 2026, scooping up two gold medals across four gripping finals to kick off the three-day showdown in electrifying fashion here at the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena.
In the men's 60m sprint, 21-year-old Jordan Anthony of the United States blazed to victory in 6.41 seconds on Friday evening, claiming his first global title in his international championship debut and outpacing seasoned rivals like teammate Trayvon Bromell.
The Arkansas alum, fresh off beating Olympic 100m king Noah Lyles at the US trials, clocked a world-leading mark that ranks equal fourth all-time indoors, proving his meteoric rise with three rounds in one day: a 6.54 prelim win followed by a 6.43 semi triumph.
Chase Jackson then doubled the US joy in women's shot put, hurling 20.14m for her maiden indoor world crown on Friday — a first for the two-time outdoor global champion who turned heads with her outdoor pedigree now thriving under the roof.Her throw capped a dominant session, edging out the field in the evening final.
Ukraine's Olympic high jump queen Yaroslava Mahuchikh ruled the women's event with a flawless 2.01m leap late Friday, the only athlete to clear that height and marking her latest triumph after Paris glory last year.
Three jumpers shared silver at 1.99m: Australia's Nicola Olyslagers, Serbia's Angelina Topic, and Ukraine's Iryna Huliachenko, injecting drama into the medal chase.
Cuba's Andy Diaz defended his triple jump crown in style Friday, soaring 17.47m to become the first man since 2004 to go back-to-back indoors, a testament to his enduring class amid fierce competition.
These Friday clashes set a blistering tone, promising more nail-biters through Sunday as 674 athletes from 118 nations vie for supremacy.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
