TOKYO (AP) — Anna Hall became America’s second winner of the world heptathlon title — joining Jackie Joyner-Kersee — by wrapping up a wire-to-wire endurance test and cruising into the finish line Saturday to celebrate her biggest victory.
It’s the first major title for Hall, one of the world’s most consistent performers in the seven-part event, after years of close calls and disappointments.
Three years ago at worlds, she won bronze. Two years ago, she lost the title by a scant 20 points, falling less than 2 seconds short in the last event, the 800 meters, from taking the gold. Then, last year, she was forced to rush back from an Achilles injury to get ready for the Olympics, where she finished fifth.
On a calm cool evening on Day 8 of the world championships in Tokyo, Hall finally made