C’down’s Johnson takes U17 shot put at Carifta Trials

The 2020 Carifta Trials started out on high for Camperdown High’s thrower Britannie Johnson at the National Stadium yesterday. She registered the first win on the opening day of the three-day meet after taking the Under 17 girls shot put with a throw of 13.69 metres. Hydel High’s Shericka Christie, 13.59m, was second while third went to Rochelle Salmon (13.46m) of Edwin Allen High.

This weekend’s meet is being used to select the top Under 17 and Under 20 athletes to represent the country at next month’s Carifta Games in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Yesterday on the track there was preliminary round action in the 100m and 400m for both males and females in both age groups while also on the track there was first round action in the boys’ Under 20 1500m. Due to insufficient entries the 1500m for Under 17 boys along with Under 17 and 20 girls will be run as straight finals.

In Under 17 girls 400m, Rickiann Russell of Holmwood Technical led the way as she clocked 54.01 seconds to win heat two to emerge the fastest qualifier for today’s final. Clarendon College’s Dehjanea Oakley (54.78), Edwin Allen’s Kacian Powell (55.32) and Hydel High’s Alliah Baker (55.34) were the other top qualifiers.

Rusea’s High’s Aaliyah Francis was the top qualifier among the Under 20 girls. She won her heat in an impressive 53.90 seconds to lead home Petersfield High’s Shaquena Foote, 54.17, Hydel’s Oneika McAnnuf, 54.31 and Vere Technical’s Nickeisha Pryce with 54.46.

Favourite Taj Hamm of Holmwood Technical was best among the Under 17 boys. He won his heat in 48.46. Ferncourt High’s Derrick Grant, 48.84, Jamaica College’s Tariq Dacres, 49.18 and Edwin Allen’s Delano Kennedy, 49.89, were the next best.

Bovel McPherson showed his class in the Under 20 boys event. The athlete who is one of the favourites to take the Class One event at this month’s ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships clocked an impressive 46.86 seconds to win his heat. Vere Technical D’Andre Anderson finished second in 47.28 to be the next best to advance. Jamaica College’s Javair Brown 47.54, Vere Technical’s Tyrice Taylor (47.84) and Excelsior High’s Demar Francis with 47.92 also advanced. There was disappointment for Petersfield High’s Antonio Watson who pulled up in his heat at the 200m mark and failed to finish. Edwin Allen’s sprint star Kevona Davis cruised to an 11.35 seconds clocking to win her heat of the Under 20 girls 100m to emerge the fastest qualifier. In the Under 17 100m, the fastest qualifier was Edwin Allen’s Serena Cole with 11.60. Her teammate Tia Clayton was next best with 11.65 while Hydel’s Alana Reid (11.71) and Tina Clayton of Edwin Allen with 11.72 closed out the top four qualifiers.