Fireworks expected in 100m at Camperdown Classics

There will be a feast of sprinting at today’s 20th staging of the Camperdown Classics, as more than 1,300 athletes are expected to compete in the 100 metres inside the National Stadium.

“We are excited about today’s staging, especially the entries in the 100 metres, as we have more than 1,300 athletes registered. It should be action-packed across the board,” chairperson of the Camperdown Classics, Camille Allen-Walters told The Gleaner yesterday.

St Jago High’s boys have been on fire all season in sprint events, and coach Davaon Spence expects fireworks from his team today.

“Fans can look forward to the highly anticipated season debuts of Rajaun Romelly and Jevaney Findlay in the 100m,” said Spence.

Both athletes clocked 22.55 and 22.56 seconds, respectively, in their 200m season openers last month at Jamaica College. They are also expected to contribute to a very strong quartet in the 4x100m relay.

Calabar High have looked extremely strong in all events this season, and they are expected to maintain that momentum. Their clash with St Jago on the boys’ side promises to be very interesting.

On the girls’ side, Hydel High have sent a strong message that they are serious contenders to dethrone defending champions Edwin Allen High at next month’s ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships. They are poised to deliver solid performances across the board, particularly in Class One, where athletes such as Jody Ann Daley, Abigail Campbell, Shemonique Hazle, and Aaliyah Mullings are expected to set the pace.

As usual, many of the country’s top senior male athletes from various clubs will make their season debuts, with the 400 metres taking centre stage. World champion Antonio Watson will lead his Racers Track Club teammates in the event including newcomers Xavier Nairne and Jevaughn Powell. Other top contenders include Malik James-King of Titans, Demish Gaye and Zanrion Barnes of SprinTec, as well as Delano Kelly and Bryan Levell of Optimum Track Club.

Former principal and past student of Camperdown High School, Cynthia Cooke, the founder of the meet, will be this year’s honouree.

Competition will begin at 9 a.m. with the Class Three boys’ high jump, and will conclude at 7:55 p.m. with the boys’ 4x400m open.