‘I’M THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN STOP ME’

NATIONAL CHAMPION and world leader Kishane Thompson was in a confident mood yesterday after he clocked a speedy 9.85 seconds to win the men’s 100m at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.

Thompson toppled a competitive field at the meet which serves as one of the events on the Diamond League schedule.

Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes was second in 9.91 with the United States’ Trayvon Bromell, third in 9.94.

Ackeem Blake, the other Jamaican in the lineup, was fifth in 10.03.

Thompson said as long as he continues to improve his race execution, he feels capable of achieving greatness.

“I’m the only one that can stop me,” he said. “I don’t say that to brag, but to be honest, once I better my execution, amazing things are going to happen.

“It’s not just one component, it’s putting all of them together, from the start to the finish. Because I can work on one component, but if I can’t put them together it doesn’t make sense.”

He continued, “It’s work – mental and physical. You got to trust yourself, trust the process, trust the team, trust the coach, and so forth.”

Thompson also believes testing himself against strong competition will be key to his continued improvement.

“It was a fierce competition, they run me to the line,” he explained.

“I’m really appreciative of it, it will help me to get better, step by step, and vice versa for everyone.”

IMPRESSIVE SEASON

In the women’s 100m, Melissa Jefferson-Wooden continued her impressive season, winning in 10.75, just outside her personal best of 10.73.

She was raced all the way to the line by Olympic champion, Julien Alfred, who was second in 10.77.

The duo was far ahead of the pack with Marie-Josee Ta Lou-Smith, 10.90, finishing third. Jamaica’s Tina Smith finished fourth in 11.02.

World champion Sha’Carri Richardson, who was running just her second race this year having come back from injury, had to settle for ninth in 11.19.

The sprinter, speaking ahead of the race, had stated her intent was to have a healthy race under her belt as she looks to recover from a delayed start to her season.

Ackera Nugent made another statement this season, winning the women’s 100m hurdles as she got the better of a field, which included world record holder Tobi Amusan and former world record holder Kendra Harrison.

Nugent led the duo across the line in 12.32, with Amusan second in 12.38, and Harrison, third in 12.50.

Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, who was also in the field, was fifth in 12.51.

Newly crowned Jamaican men’s discus throw champion Ralford Mullings enjoyed a special Diamond League debut, finishing second with his best effort of 68.98 metres.

He finished behind world record holder Mykolas Alekna, 70.97, and ahead of Daniel Stahl, 68.59.

Reigning Olympic champion and record holder Roje Stona was fourth with a day’s best effort of 65.62.