EUGENE, Oregon:
The Jamaican men’s quest for a resurgence in the 100 metres began as national champion Yohan Blake, Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake secured qualification to the semi-finals as the World Athletics Championships began yesterday in Eugene, Oregon.
Blake finished second in 10.04 seconds in heat five, behind winner Letsile Tebogo of Botswana who won in 9.94 in a new World Under-20 record. Blake’s training partner Ackeem Blake also qualified from his first round heat, clocking 10.15. Ackeem said that despite the nervousness of his first World Championship appearance, he was able to channel his thoughts to execute on the day.
“At first I was a little nervous but I couldn’t let it get the better of me. I had a little rust on me but come tomorrow I will be great,” Blake said.
Seville had the fastest time among the Jamaicans clocking 9.93 beating Olympic champion Lamont Jacobs in his heat. Seville said that he felt relaxed in his run despite struggling with a toe problem.
“I felt very comfortable. The track is fast but it is tough. With my toe, it is a bit troubling. It is easing up but I will do my best tomorrow,” Seville said. The semi-finals will be tonight at 8:00.
There will be a new men’s long jump champion this year as reigning title holder, Jamaica’s Tajay Gayle, failed to qualify for the final, with three consecutive fouls in the first round. Gayle was doubtful to compete after coach Stephen Francis had expressed concerns about his sprinting during his final training session on Thursday. Gayle said that he was glad that he was able to give it a try, noting being able to sprint yesterday.
“The fact that I was able to run was a pleasing sight for me. I was able to compete even though I didn’t get what I want. I just have to accept it,” Gayle said.
LEFT TO PINNOCK
The country’s medal hopes will rest on national champion Wayne Pinnock who qualified for the final with a leap of 7.98m in his first senior championship appearance.
World Championships silver medalist Danniel-Thomas-Dodd will have a chance of returning to the podium in the women’s shot put final at 8:25 p.m. Thomas-Dodd needed one attempt to make the automatic qualifying standard, with a throw of 19.09m. Thomas-Dodd said that compared to her injury-plagued season last year, her first-round attempt was a mental lift.
“I struggled with a lot of injuries last season and for me, it took a huge mental toll on me. Right now I am in good physical shape so it’s just for me to trust myself and trust my body that I’m where I want to be. The body is always ready but it is just to get the mind there and today (yesterday) helped,” Thomas-Dodd said. Llodricia Cameron’s best effort of 17.65 was not enough to make it to the final.
Middle distance runner Adelle Tracey finished sixth in her first round 1500m heat in 4:05.14 minutes, booking a spot in tonight’s semi-final at 9:05 p.m.
Today’s second day of the championships will start at 12:30 p.m. with the women’s triple jump featuring 2019 world championship silver medalist, Shanieka Ricketts and world championship debutant Ackelia Smith in Group A while Kimberly Williams will be in Group B with defending champion Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela. Lamara Distin and national champion Kimberly Williamson will compete in the women’s high jump at 1:10 p.m. while the men’110m hurdles first round will get underway with Tokyo Olympic champion Hansle Parchment, Orlando Bennett and Rasheed Broadbell. The men’s 400m hurdles first round will have Kemar Mowatt, Shawn Rowe and national champion Jahell Hyde
The second session will see the Jamaican women get their 100m campaign started at 7:10 p.m. as four-time World champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will begin the defence of her title. She will line up in heat two, while national double sprint champion Shericka Jackson will be in heat one. Double sprint Olympic champion Elaine Thompson Herah will be in heat three while Kemba Nelson will be in heat four.
daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com