KC’s McLeod set for long jump gold
KINGSTON COLLEGE’S Carey McLeod will have gold on his mind when he enters today’s final of the Class One boys long jump on day two of the ISSA-GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Stadium.
McLeod eased to a personal best 7.70m in yesterday’s qualifying rounds. It was by far the longest jump. His teammate Shakwon Coke will enter today’s final with the second best jump of 7.36m ahead of Vere Technical’s Tasrico Bell (7.27m).
The other leading qualifiers for today’s final are Tajdre Stevens of Herbert Morrison (7.11), Jamaica College’s Safin Wills (7.06), Ardenne’s Kavouhn Lewars-Smith (7.00m), Gabriel Allen of Calabar (7.00m) and Dameon Creary (Wolmer’s) (6.94m).
Petersfield High’s Kevin Nedrick led the qualifers into the javelin final with a National Junior record throw of 63.73m. The Champs record, 64.08m, was set by a senior, Devon Spencer of St Elizabeth Technical in 2014.
KC’s Aval Denton (58.59m), Petersfield’s Devonery Gordon (54.19m), Munro’s Rajheim Carby (51.73m) are the other leading qualifiers.
Calabar’s Kimar Farquharson turned in a blistering to run to break the Class Two 800 metres record. He clocked 1.51.26 to erase the previous mark of 1.52.27.
Kingston College’s Tarees Rhoden (1:56.55), Kobe Simpson of Manchester (1:58.09) and Rushane Fullerton (1:59.20) are the other leading qualifiers going into the semi-finals. FASTEST QUALIFYER
Calabar’s star sprinter Christopher Taylor is the fastest qualifier for the Clas One 200 metres semi-finals.
Taylor won heat one in 21.07. His main rival, KC’s Jhevaughn Matherson, clocked 21.12 to win heat three.
Another medal contender, Tyreke Wilson of Calabar, clocked 21.33 to win heat six.
Wilson who was injured last year said he is now fully fit and is ready to give of his best.
“Physically, I have recovered fully, but mentally I have a way to go,” said Wilson.
Four finals will be contested on today’s second day of competition. They are the boys Class One and Two long jump events. The girls’ finals are the Class One discus and Class Two shot put.