Despite the intermittent showers, the first day of the National Senior Track and Field Championships saw some commendable performances.
A few of the athletes that stood out yesterday at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora were sprinters Rupert Perry, Shanequa Powley, Devon Barrington and middle distance runners Andrea Foster and Cleveland Thomas.
Javelin thrower, Leslyn Baird also continued his dominance with the spear.
Here are a few highlights:
100m Men’s final
Known for his finishing kick, Perry changed gears on a fast starting Kevin Abbensetts to clearly win the men’s 100m final. The GDF product separated himself from the field at about the 60m mark and posted a brisk 10.21 seconds with Abbensetts snatching second spot in 10.30 seconds. Davin Fraser was third in 10.41s.
100m Women’s final
Perry’s club mate Powley was not to be upstaged and she posted a respectable 12.0s to win the women’s version of the event. Onika Eastman sprinted in second while former CARIFTA Games medalist, Tiranna Mitchell had to settle for the bronze.
Women’s 1500m final
Another CARIFTA Games medalist, Cassey George was also relegated on the podium. The celebrated athlete was upset by arch rival Andrea Foster of Running Brave Athletic Club in the 1500m final. George had to settle for the silver while Chontelle Hinds snared the bronze.
Men’s 1500m final
In the male version of the event, Foster’s club mate, Thomas (4m: 02s) held off the challenges of Ornesto Thomas and Kevin Bailey to take the gold.
Men’s and Women’s 400m final
Running Brave’s Barrington and Natricia Hooper reigned supreme in the quarter mile event. Barrington popularly known as Scooby, clocked 48.46s to convincingly win the 400m ahead of Arinze Chance (49.9s) and Quacy Simpson (50.46s).
Hooper (56.1s) raced ahead of Avon Samuels (56.75s) and Tiffany Carto (1m: 01s) to easily win the women’s 400m final.
In the field, Baird and Morris Gibson were the standout performers. Baird threw 58.31m to win the men’s javelin while Gibson leapt an outstanding 6.77m to triumph in the men’s long jump.
Day two will be highlighted by the 200m, 800m, 3000m and the 5000m events. Action starts at noon. (Emmerson Campbell)
