Former Armory Champ Headlines In London

The two Americans who made the biggest splash at the Aviva London Grand Prix at the Crystal Palace on Saturday were both champions of the old National Scholastic Indoor Championships here at The Armory.

Christian Taylor — who triple jumped beyond the 58-foot mark (17.68 meters) — was a rare triple winner at the NSIC in 2008. Representing Sandy Creek High in suburban Atlanta, Taylor won the 400-meter dash (47.42), the long jump (7.79m, 25-6 3/4) and the triple jump (15.62m, 51-3). His long jump remains the Armory high school record.

Meanwhile Sanya Richards Ross looked like the favorite at the World Championships later this month by winning the 400-meter dash in 49.66. Back in 2002, competing for St. Thomas Aquinas High in Pembroke Pines, Fla., she set Armory records in both the 200- (23.22) and 400-meter dashes (52.10). Both marks have stood the test of time nine years later.

Four other Team USA members won Saturday in London — a Diamond League stop. Walter Dix claimed the 200m (20.16), Leonel Manzano the mile (3:51.24), Carmelita Jeter the 100m (10.93) and Laura Fleshman the 5k (15:00.57). Manzano put on a furious charge to just nip eight-time Millrose Games champion Bernard Lagat.