ATHLETICS: Rising 400m hurdles star Janieve Russell for Rome meet

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

World Championships 200 metres silver medalist Elaine Thompson and rising 400 meters hurdles star Janieve Russell head a list of seven Jamaicans who are down to compete at Thursday's IAAF Diamond League in Rome, Italy. 

Thompson, who recently competed at the Eugene Diamond League, where she finished third in the 200 metres, will run in the 100 metres at Rome.

Thompson will face American English Gardener and Michelle Lee Ahye of Trinidad and Tobago in the event.

Russell, who is unbeaten in the 400-metre hurdles this season, will face compatriot Kaliese Spencer, along with Americans Cassandra Tate and Georganne Moline in the one lap obstacle event.

National record holder Rusheen McDonald is down for the men’s 400 metres where he will face 2015 World Championships gold medalist Wayde Van Niekerk from South Africa and Bralon Taplin of Grenada. 

Kimberley Williams and  Shanieka Thomas will contest the women’s triple jump while Frederick Dacres will compete in the men’s discus.