Track & Field: Kroyter claims high jump title at nationals

The 16-year-old high jumping wonder cleared 2.19 meters in his third attempt at Hadar Yosef Stadium.

By ALLON SINAI
high jump 88 (photo credit: )
high jump 88
(photo credit: )
Dmitri Kroyter claimed what will surely prove to be the first of many Israeli Athletics Championship titles on Wednesday. The 16-year-old high jumping wonder cleared 2.19 meters in his third attempt at Hadar Yosef Stadium to make the most of the absence of injured Olympic jumper Niki Palli. "I'm happy to be crowned Israel champion for the first time, but I'd have preferred to do so with Niki here," said Kroyter, who will compete at the World Youth Championship in Italy next week. "Everyone knows that had Niki not been injured he would have won. I began the season well and now I'm hoping to win a medal in Italy." Dmitri Glushenko can proudly call himself Israel's fastest man after winning the 100m in 10.49 seconds on Wednesday. "I'm very happy to be the Israeli champion as I'm new in the country and everything here is new for me," said Glushenko, who started Hebrew ulpan just last month. The women's 100m competition was won by Rita Pogarelov in a time of 12.02s. The 38-year-old Irina Lansky claimed the 100m hurdles race once more on Wednesday, crossing the line after 13.06 seconds. "Age isn't important," Lansky said. "The only question is do you have the strength to win." Lansky's daughter, Olga, finished third in the 100m race. Other Israeli champions include: Michael Ayalin (110m hurdles, 14.51s); Victor Zaginaiko (men's hammer, 63.53m); Rotem Batat (women's long jump, 5.94m); Evgenia Zvolotni (women's hammer, 51.38m); Sliman Dua (women's 1500m, 4:40.72m); Yosef Gizacho (men's 1500m, 3:45.30m); Anastasia Kirilov (women's 400m, 56.23s); Taras Shcherenko (men's 400m, 47.58s); Moran Azizi (women's pole-vault, 3.92m); Igor Besov (shot put, 15.12m). The event continues on Thursday with the second day of competition which will include Alex Av erbukh in the pole vault.