Double Olympic sprint champion Elaine Thompson will not attempt the 200m at the forthcoming World Championships in London, as she was only entered for the 100m at the ongoing Jamaica National Championships.
Fans had already begun to anticipate a mouthwatering clash between the Jamaican, and defending champion over the distance Dafne Schippers, in London. The probable inclusion of the likes of Tori Bowie, Allyson Felix and Shaunae Miller-Uibo in the line up, would have made for an explosive showdown any day.
Thompson, the Beijing 2015 Silver medallist in the 200m, already has a wildcard entry in the 100m by virtue of her status as the 2016 Diamond League Trophy winner in the event.
On Thursday, she ran the overall fastest time of 11.20s to win Heat 4 of the women’s 100m at the Jamaica National Championships holding from June 22 to 25 in Kingston. She was followed by Simone Facey (11.22s), Jonielle Smith (11.23s) and Shashalee Forbes (11.34s).
Julian Forte was the fastest qualifier with a time of 10.14s to top the standings in the preliminary round of the men’s 100m as he raced to victory in Heat 2, finishing ahead of Senoj-Jay Givans (10.27s) and Nickel Ashmeade (10.34s).
Asafa Powell returned a time of 10.22s to win Heat 1 ahead of Raheem Chambers (10.35s) and Oshane Bailey (10.37s). Odean Skeen was the man to beat in Heat 3 as he crossed the finishing line in 10.17s. Yohan Blake dominated Heat 4 with a time of 10.21s, and was followed by Jevaughn Minzie (10.22s) and Kavean Smith (10.29s).
Ristananna Tracey booked her place in the women’s 400m Hurdles final with the overall fastest time of 54.56s. Other finalists include Janieve Russell (54.91s), Leah Nugent (54.90s), Ronda Whyte (54.93s), Nikita Tracey (55.01s), Sashel Brown (56.69s), Kaliese Spencer (55.38s) and Rushell Clayton (56.61s).
Meanwhile, defending champion in the men’s event, Annsert Whyte is out of the final after finishing 4th in his heat. Kemar Mowatt topped the 400m Hurdles standings with his time of 49.43s. He was followed by Jaheel Hyde in 49.46s.
They will be joined in the final by Shawn Rowe (49.50s), Ricardo Cunningham (49.54s), Roxroy Cato (49.69s), Sheldon Williams (49.83s), Andre Clarke (49.90s) and Javan Gallimore (50.05s).
Adrian Mitchell won the men’s Javelin throw with 67.16m, with Zaavan Richards and Orlando Thomas following in 2nd and 3rd respectively with marks of 64.38m and 63.41m.
The men’s Triple Jump was won by Clive Pullen with a leap of 16.83m. Wilbert Walker placed 2nd with 16.02m, while Clayton Brown finished 3rd with a distance of 15.97m.
