Sprint hurdlers in spotlight at G.C. Foster Classic

Sprint hurdlers will be in the spotlight today as athletes clash for the final time before the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs).

Top girls’ teams, including Edwin Allen High, Holmwood Technical, Hydel High and St Jago High, are set to compete at the G.C. Foster Classic, which kicks off at 8:30 a.m.

Several top contenders for sprint hurdles medals at Champs will go head-to-head in what promises to be thrilling matchups, with Class Four leading the way. Edwin Allen’s Amoya Howell and St Jago’s Shanice Williams clocked identical times of 10.49 seconds in the 70m hurdles final at Central Championships at the same venue. Howell was awarded the win in a photo finish. Another exciting battle is expected here, and the winner will gain a crucial psychological edge ahead of Champs.

In the Class Three 80m hurdles, Edwin Allen’s Tashana Godfrey has been in dominant form all season, clocking the five fastest times in the event. Her season’s best 11.16 – achieved three times – is the fastest this year. Her teammate Mackaila Gordon (11.39), and Holmwood’s Moya Oakley (11.44) are the second and fourth fastest this season and will be eager to challenge Godfrey.

Holmwood’s Keira Meikle, who clocked 13.38 at Central Championships, is the second-fastest athlete in the Class One 100m hurdles this season. She will renew her rivalry with Edwin Allen’s Santae Wilson who has a season’s best of 13.52, ranking third in the event. Wilson will be looking to redeem herself after a mishap at Central Champs, where she hit a hurdle mid-race.

Among the male competitors, St Jago’s Marquise Page, with a personal best of 13.83, is one of the top athletes in the Class Two 110m hurdles this season. He will be aiming to improve on his time in what is expected to be a highly competitive event at Champs.

As has been the case all season, the girls’ Class One discus will draw significant attention, as any of five athletes could take the gold at Champs. The lineup includes St Catherine High’s Able Mills, Edwin Allen’s Shamoyea Morris and Dionjah Shaw, Hydel’s Natassia Burrell, and outstanding shot putter Marla-Kaye Lampart of Clarendon College.

Following her standout performance at Central Championships, where she clocked an impressive 11.87 seconds to win the Class Four 100m, Edwin Allen’s Andriana Pine will be aiming for a fast time in the 200m. She will face stiff competition from Holmwood’s Adalia Simpson, who holds the season’s fastest time of 25.04 seconds in the half-lap event.

Senior athletes will also be in action today, with Olympic 400m hurdles finalist Roshawn Clarke of Swept Track Club making his much-anticipated season debut in the 400m. He will be joined by SprinTec’s Kadrian Goldson.

After strong performances in the 200m, former Kingston College sprinter Adrian Kerr, now representing Motorcade Track Club, will turn his attention to the 100m. He will be challenged by G.C. Foster College’s Michael Sharpe and Jevaughn Whyte, as well as Dynamic Speed’s Asanie Smith.

Events on today’s schedule include:

Field events: Long jump, high jump, discus, shot put, and triple jump.

Track events: High school athletes will contest all sprint hurdles, 400m hurdles, 400m, and 800m. Senior athletes will compete in the 60m, 100m, 200m, 400m, and 400m hurdles.