FILE – The Philippines’ Kristina Marie Knott celebrates after winning in the women’s 200m final during the athletics competition in the 30th Southeast Asian Games at Athletics Stadium in New Clark City, Tarlac province, northern Philippines on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)
MANILA, Philippines — Kristina Knott clocked a season-best 7.39 seconds in the women’s 60-meter dash of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Friday at Stark Arena in Belgrade, Serbia.
However, the Filipino-American sprinter’s season-best performance was only good for eighth place in the second heat, failing to reach the semifinals.
Despite the early exit, Knott beat her previous 7.42 seconds in the World Tune-up–Adam Sanford Pro finals in New York two weeks ago.
Mujinga Kambundji of Switzerland ruled the women’s 60-meter world championship, clocking 6.96 seconds in the finals. Mikiah Brisco of United States settled for silver, finishing in 6.99 seconds while her compatriot Marybeth Sant-Price placed third with a time of 7.04 seconds.
Pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who didn’t receive an endorsement from Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (Patafa) in time for the world tilt, expressed his admiration over Knott’s latest stint for the country.
“Whilst I am understandably disappointed by my exclusion from today’s World Indoor Championships in Belgrade, there is a time and place to put aside such feelings and put our country first,” Obiena wrote. “My teammate Kristina proudly represented Philippines in the Women’s 60 meters. Whilst she didn’t advance to the semi-finals, in one of the world’s most competitive events, she ran valiantly for our flag.”
“I am proud to call Kristina a teammate and friend and I want to thank her for making our nation proud,” he added.
Obiena believes his fellow olympian will retain her gold medals in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam in May.
“SEA Games are next and I am sure Kristina shall defend her Gold Medals in Hanoi! Like you said, this is only the beginning! Thank you Kristina,” Obiena said.