SACRAMENTO, CA – Illinois 400m hurdler David Kendziera concluded his run at United States Track and Field Championships with a 12th place finish, timing 50.10, in the semifinal round on Saturday afternoon. Concluding action for the three Illini in Sacramento, Kendziera was joined by U.S. discus champion Gia Lewis-Smallwood and high jumper Kandie Bloch-Jones. Full results for the meet can be found here.
Racing in lane two, Kendziera finished eighth in heat two with a time of 50.10. With the top four finishers in each heat advancing, the Illini hurdler was eliminated from competition. Kendziera advanced to the semifinal round with a time of 50.06, fourth in his heat and 14th overall, on Friday night.
On Thursday, former Illini Gia Lewis-Smallwood won her fourth United States discus title in five years with a 205'6" (62.65m) mark on her fifth attempt Thursday evening. A 2001 All-American in the event and Big Ten champion, Lewis-Smallwood will compete at World Championships in London in August. In 2012, the former Illini thrower competed in London at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Graduating senior Kandie Bloch-Jones also competed at U.S. Championships, but was unable to clear the opening height of 5'10.75" (1.80m). She leaves Illinois as a four-time All-American, 2014 Big Ten indoor champion and ranks second all-time in Illinois history with a mark of 6'0.5" (1.85m).
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Illinois Schedule of Events:
Thursday, June 22
1. Gia Lewis-Smallwood, discus, 205'6" (62.65m) – Advances to
Friday, June 23
14.David Kendziera, 400m hurdles, 50.06q
-- Kandie Bloch-Jones, high jump, NH
Saturday, June 24
12. David Kendziera, 400m hurdles, 50.10
