Stars Powell, Fraser headline trials

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Former World 100 metres record holder Asafa Powell and World and Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser head the list of athletes down to participate at this weekend’s Jamaica Trials.

However, both athletes who are 100m specialist, have chosen to run the 200m.

“I am looking forward to the weekend trials. I just want to go out there and do my best,” said Powell.

Powell will line up against Ramone McKenzie, Steve Slowly, Oshane Bailey and Oral Thompson in the men’s 200m. In the women’s event, Fraser, who was second in last year’s 200m, awaits Rosemarie Whyte and Anneisha McLaughlin – a World Championships finalist at 200m.

Fraser, who said she was also looking forward to the weekend’s event, distanced herself from a time.

“Once I am in good shape I give of my best, and once I do that, good times will come,” said the 23-year-old.

Olympic 100m silver medalist Sherone Simpson, the top female sprinter in 2006, headlines the women’s short sprint, which will also feature McLaughlin.

In the men’s 100m, Michael Frater, Nesta Carter and Lerone Clarke will be the top contenders.

However, the women’s 400m promises the strongest field as World and Olympic silver medalist Shericka Williams, aims to dethrone defending champion Novlene Williams-Mills.

Former champion Rosemarie Whyte, Kaliese Spencer, Anastasia Le-Roy, Sonita Sutherland, Davita Prendergast, Christine Day and Clora Williams will all line up to make the women’s 400m race the strongest field at the trials.

In the men’s equivalent, quarter-milers Dwight Mullings, Ricardo Chambers, Adino Steele, Allodin Fothergill and Lanceford Spence, will all make this event a very competitive race.