Atlanta Track Club Elite made its presence known across the East Coast last weekend competing at the BU David Hemery Valentine Invitational in Boston and the Tiger Paw Invitational at Clemson University. The team set two facility records, one Club record and multiple personal and seasons bests, showcasing its continued strength as the indoor season progresses.
At Boston University, Luciano Fiore took down an 11-year-old facility record in the indoor 1,000 meters, clocking 2:16.74.
After his win, Fiore paid tribute to the former facility record-holder David Torrence in a post-race interview with Flotrack. "I hope [Torrence] is looking down with a smile... To be there up with him and passing his name, but giving respect at the same time, is an honor," he said.
At the same meet, Luke Houser qualified for the USATF Indoor National Championships, (Feb. 21-22 in New York City) and set a Club indoor record in the mile (3:53.19) - just two weeks after Shane Streich set the previous record. Meanwhile, at Clemson, Streich secured his spot at the Indoor Nationals with a season best of 1:47.18 in the 800 meters.
Clemson alum Laurie Barton returned to her hometown in dominant fashion, breaking the facility record in the indoor mile (4:27.83) - a mark previously held by teammate Yolanda Ngarambe). The time was also a personal best for Barton.
The success continued at Clemson the following day, where Camille Laus and Rachel Gearing posted standout performances in the 800 meters. Laus ran a personal best of 2:02.95, while Gearing clocked a season best of 2:02.93, just a fraction of a second off her lifetime best.
What's Next?
Several Atlanta Track Club Elite will now take the stage on the national level. At the USATF Indoor National Championships, Streich, Fiore, Gearing and Olivia Baker will compete in the 800 meters, while Houser, Barton and Aidan Ryan in the 1,500 meters. The same weekend, Yolanda Ngarambe and Camille Laus will compete in national and European Championships.
