March 24, 2006

Lindenwood University (Mo.) high jumper Donald Thomas earned a fourth place finish at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia, with a clearance of 7-3.75.

Thomas, who represented Bahamas, entered the competition at a height of 6-6.75, easily making that height as well as the next two, on his first attempt. He suffered a scare at 7-0.50, needing three attempts to clear. He then cleared 7-2.50 on his first attempt, and a set new personal best of 7-3.75, clearing on his second attempt. He then took three attempts at 7-5, but was unable to clear.

The high jump was won by Mark Boswell of Canada, who won with a jump of 7-5. Martyn Bernard of England was second, also clearing 7-5. Kyriacos Ioannou of Cyprus took third with a clearance of 7-3.75. Ioannou earned the higher finish over Thomas because he had less misses.

Thomas took the international track and field community by surprise at the Commonwealth Games with his unrefined technique and unorthodox use of sneakers instead of the traditional high jump spikes.

Thomas placed second at the 2006 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Championships with a height of 7-01.75, earning him All-American honors.

Complete results from the Commonwealth Games can be found at http://www.melbourne2006.com.au/