Adrian Kerr makes big statement ahead of Champs

LAST YEAR, the inaugural Sprint Fest uncorked notable seasons for Sandrey Davison and Greg Prince. Lightning may have struck again on Friday at the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sport as Adrian Kerr broke Davison’s meet record in the Class One 100 metres. Known more for his speed over 200 metres, Kerr smoothly reached the finish in 10.43 seconds.

The time and the ease with which he achieved it marks the outgoing Kingston College senior as a potential medallist at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs).

Kerr built his pace effortlessly throughout heat four of the Class One 100 and looked to have something in reserve when he crossed the line. His new personal best outdid Davison’s 2022 time of 10.59 seconds.

“I’m feeling quite great,” Kerr said moments after the run.

“You know, my season has been starting off very good. I’m making a comeback so, yes, look out for that,” he said, hinting at the injury he suffered in the 2022 Champs 200-metre final.

He recovered well enough to book himself a place on Jamaica’s team to Cali, Colombia and the World Athletics Under-20 championships where he ran a fine anchor leg on the runner-up 4x100 team.

GREAT EXPERIENCE

“That was a great experience to participate with my teammates and also participate for my country,” he cheerfully recalled.

The silver-medal team was Mark-Anthony Daley, Bryan Levell, Bouwahjgie Nkrumie and Kerr.

In Cali, his Kingston College (KC) teammate Nkrumie got silver in the 100 metres, with Champs double winner Levell, the Edwin Allen High standout, reaching the 200 final. Fans are anticipating their clashes this season with Carifta Games winner DeAndre Daley of Herbert Morrison High.

Though his Sprint Fest time had fans buzzing at G.C. Foster, Kerr isn’t looking too far ahead.

“I haven’t set any goals as yet. I’m just going with the flow of my body and the results of the season,” said the 19-year-old sprinter.

His Friday blast has put him well ahead of his 2022 schedule, given that his old 100-metre personal best, 10.45 seconds, was set at the National Championships last year in June.

He has won individual gold, silver and bronze medals in a Champs career that started in 2017, with his winning Class Three 200 metres time - 21.69 seconds in 2018 - surviving as the record to this day. His two silvers came in Class Three, behind teammates Terrique Stennett in 2017 and Nkrumie in the 100 in 2018, 10.81 to 10.79 seconds.

The bronze was his reward for a 2021 Class One 200 effort behind Antonio Watson and Levell.

With 2023 being his last season in his school’s purple and white, he hopes KC will successfully defend its team title. “Everybody is united,” Kerr assessed.

“… and I hope it stays that way because, if it stays that way, we’re going to win Champs again.”