Fraser-Pryce faces Diamond League test in Gateshead

Twelve Jamaicans are listed to compete at the Wanda Diamond League opener at Gateshead today, with Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who lines up in a mouth-watering women’s 100m clash, leading the way.

Fraser-Pryce, who will be competing in her first 100m race this year, will come up against the red-hot American Sha’Carri Richardson, who has set the world alight both with her on-track fireworks, including a world-leading 10.72 seconds, as well as her fiery attitude.

Richardson, who has also clocked 10.74 and 10.77 seconds in recent back-to-back races, is heavily favoured to continue her impressive form here and continue to build her reputation heading into the Olympics.

Now under the guidance of Reynaldo Walcott, Fraser-Pryce, who has so far only competed in two 200m races this season, will be looking to pick up from the 10.86 seconds clocking that she ended 2020 with.

Two other Jamaicans, Natasha Morrison, who recently blazed to a new personal best of 10.87 seconds in Florida, and Natalliah Whyte will contest the event.

An extremely exciting contest

Doha World Championships bronze medallist Dina Asher-Smith of Great Britain and Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare, who has so far posted 10.97 this season, along with the Ivory Coast’s Marie-Jose Ta Lou, guarantee an extremely exciting contest.

Olympic and World Championships 400m bronze medallist, Shericka Jackson, and training partner Stephenie-Ann McPherson will take on the United States duo of Kaylin Whitney and Kendell Ellis in the Women’s 400 metres.

Janieve Russell will battle the likes of Great Britain’s Jessica Knight and Sara Slott Petersen in the Women’s 400 metres hurdle event, while Megan Tapper will contest the Women’s 100 metres hurdles.

Julian Forte is the only Jamaican male on the track, where he will contest the Men’s 200 metres against the likes of Andre DeGrasse of Canada, Kenneth Bednarek of the United States and Great Britain’s Adam Gemili.

World Championships long jump gold medallist, Tajay Gayle, will lead the country’s charge in the field events. With a season best of 8.27 metres already under his belt and the number three spot on the world ranking, Gayle will be expecting to continue his good form here.

Shanieka Ricketts, a silver medal winner in Doha, will feature in the Women’s triple jump, along with fellow Jamaican Kimberly Williams.

Commonwealth Games champion Danniel Thomas will contest the Women shot put event with the likes of the United States pair of Ewen Maggie and Ealey Chase, as well as Christina Schwanitz of Germany.

Jamaican Schedule:

12:09 p.m. Tajay Gayle – Men long jump

12: 32 p.m. Janieve Russell – Women 400MH

12:38 p.m. Danniel Thomas Dodd – Women shot put

12:42 p.m. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Natasha Morrison, Natalliah Whyte – Women 100M Heat

1:03 p.m. Shericka Jackson, Stephenie McPherson – Women 400M

1:37 p.m. Megan Tapper – Women 100MH

1:45:p.m. Shanieka Ricketts, Kimberly Williams – Women triple jump

2:24 p.m. Women 100M Finals

2:40 p.m. Julian Forte – Men 200M