Two familiar names will return for this month’s Drake Relays. Des Moines native LoLo Jones run the women’s special 100 hurdles. The former Des Moines Roosevelt standout has won the event twice and set a record in 2005. She won the U.S. title in the 60 meter hurdles during the indoor season.
Jones says that was a validation, as she could finally say she is a U.S. champ, but Jones says it also kept her hungry as it was not a world or Olympic team. Jones grew up near Drake Stadium but says the renovations gave it a new feel last year.
Jones says it had a different feel, not the old track feel it had when she grew up. Jones says the track has a more professional feel that’s "awesome."
Shot putter Christian Cantwell returns after breaking a 35 year old record in the event last year. His indoor season was plagued by injury. Cantwell says he’s had problems with his quadriceps and his biceps and hasn’t been able to throw in several weeks.
Cantwell says while he is working his way back into shape he expects to post a good number at Drake. He says he’s had a lot of different Drake experiences where he didn’t feel well and threw well, and felt well and threw well. Cantwell says he’s been in rainy conditions and gotten sunburn, and it’s his favorite meet.
The Drake Relays are April 25th through the 28th.