USA’s Hilton upsets Smith in Morton Games 100-meter photo-finish

USA’s Coby Hilton (left) crosses the line to win the 100-meter dash at Dublin’s 2024 Morton Games on Friday. Hilton upset favorites like fellow American JT Smith and Vincentian Earl Simmonds (right) to win with a time of 10.30 seconds. Photograph by Beck Parsons.

DUBLIN – American Coby Hilton, 26, took first place in the 100-meter dash at Friday’s Morton Games with a time of 10.30 seconds. Hilton defied the odds to outlast fellow American JT Smith, who also posted 10.30 but finished just behind Hilton.

Smith, who was the pre-race favorite, got off the blocks well but was unable to separate from the field, ultimately losing a photo-finish to Hilton. Hilton and Smith were followed across the line by Vincentian Earl Simmonds, who finished third with a time of 10.36 seconds.

Hilton, who graduated from South Dakota State University in 2021, entered the race with a personal best of 10.14 seconds, 0.12 seconds slower than Smith’s best time of 10.02 seconds. Despite coming up just short, Smith was all smiles post-race.

“It wasn’t the best performance, but after a 26-hour travel and not fresh legs, I’m happy to come away with the results that I did,” said Smith after the race. “I’m grateful.” 

Hilton smiled on the podium with a bouquet of flowers in hand after the race, but did not offer any comments to reporters. Smith stuck around, signing autographs and taking pictures for a large group of young fans.

“It feels like home,” said Texas native Smith. “I appreciate all the support from the fans out here. Hopefully I can come back and just compete so I can feel the love again.”

JT Smith signs autographs and smiles after finishing a close second in the 100-meter dash at Dublin’s 2024 Morton Games. Photograph by Beck Parsons.

With the Morton Games over, Smith looks towards an upcoming meet in Lucerne, Switzerland. “After that I have a little training camp to get back in shape and compete for the rest of the season,” said Smith.