Briana Williams misses out

THE LATE approval of Briana Williams by Commonwealth Games organisers yesterday means the young Jamaican sprinter will not participate when the track and field events jump out of the blocks in Birmingham, England, today.

According to track and field team manager Ludlow Watts, Williams, who was a late entry to replace Shericka Jackson, was only approved late Sunday and the athlete would not get to England until today and could possibly miss her event.

“They agreed for Briana to compete but unfortunately that approval came late and she will not be getting to England before the day of her event.

“So with that in mind, we thought it was not feasible for her to come. She might not even make it to the stadium for the event, so we decided she should no longer participate because of that late information. She would likely miss her race, so it made no sense,” he disclosed.

Williams was down to replace world 200m champion, Jackson, who handed in a late withdrawal.

There were also late withdrawals from 4x100m team member Natasha Morris, who pulled out without explanation, while 400m hurdler Kemar Mowatt picked up an injury.

However, with track and field competitions schedule to start today, Watts emphasised that there can be no late inclusions at this stage.

“We have everybody here now. There is an injury to Mowatt, so he had to withdraw. That happened today (yesterday). Three hurdlers were selected but Jaheel Hyde would be the only person competing in the hurdles. Shawn Rowe was one of those whose entry was not accepted,” he said.

Morris’ withdrawal means the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) will have to look within the squad to find her replacement for the sprint relay.

“We will have to work with the people who are here. We cannot do anymore. So we will be looking at persons within the team to replace those persons. There can be no other replacements at this late stage,” he said.

He noted also that Adelle Tracey was not entered on the list of athletes for the games, as the JAAA request to have her represent Jamaica despite her former ties to Great Britain was not granted.

However, Junelle Bromfield, who was being named as one of the possible withdrawals, remains a part of the team and will be competing in the 400m and 4x400m events.

Despite the uncertainty of the last few days, Watts says the team remains in high spirits

“The whole process took time to make the decision and once there are withdrawals, it naturally affects the strength of the team.

“But there is still great morale in the team. All the persons here expect to do well, they want to do well, and will be trying to do well,” he said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

JAMAICANS IN ACTION

Lawn Bowls 2:30 am

Men’s Singles Sectional Play

Fairul Izwan Abd Muin vs Robert Simpson

Athletics (4:00 a.m.)

Men’s Long Jump Qualifying round (4:00 a.m.)

Shawn-D Thompson (Group A)

Men’s 100m Round 1 (4:40 a.m.)

Nigel Ellis (Heat 2, Lane 3)

Kemar Bailey-Cole (Heat 4, Lane 6)

Conroy Jones (Heat 8, Lane 6)

Women’s Shot Put (5:00 a.m.)

Lloydricia Cameron (Group A)

Danniel Thomas-Dodd (Group B)

Men’s Discus Throw (5:35 a.m.)

Traves Smikle (Group A)

Roje Stona (Group B)

Women’s 800m Round 1 (5:50 a.m.)

Natoya Goule (Heat 2, Lane 2)

Women’s 100m Round 1 (6:15 a.m.)

Elaine Thompson Herah (Heat 2, Lane 7)

Natalliah Whyte (Heat 6, Lane 1)

Remona Burchell (Heat 7, Lane 7)

Boxing (7:45 a.m.)

Over 67kg-71kg (Welterweight) Round of 16

Tyler Jolly (Scotland) vs Daniel Hylton (Jamaica)

Netball (8:00 a.m.)

Jamaica vs Scotland (Pool A)

Weightlifting 12:30 p.m.

Women’s 87Kg Final

Yvgeni Henderson