McDonald for the relays makes sense

ALTHOUGH RUSHEEN McDonald couldn’t run his National Championships 400 metres semi-final, his recent performances suggest that he be considered for relay duty at the upcoming World Championship in Budapest, Hungary. His selection to the team on August 2 as a high-speed baton carrier makes perfect sense.

Since the Nationals, McDonald has shown his best form since he set the Jamaica record at 43.93 seconds in the first round of the 2015 World Championships.

In quick succession, the 2018 Commonwealth Games finalist sprinted to times of 44.83, 44.03 – his second fastest time ever -and 44.80 on July 14, 18, and 20 respectively. His fitness let him down at the Nationals, but this three-race demonstration of fitness proves that he will be an asset to our relay teams in Budapest.

The first day of the World Championships, August 19, includes the mixed 4x400 relay heats and final. The men’s 4x400 heats are set for the 26th, with the final closing the meet on August 27. Given Jamaica’s modest record in the mixed race, all hands and legs are needed on deck.

A similar situation occurred in 2004, with 2000 Olympic 100 metres silver medallist Tayna Lawrence unable to run the Nationals. Aware of her bullet start and skill with the baton, the selectors picked her for the 4x100, and the rest is history.

Lawrence exploded from the blocks, tore around the first turn and sent Sherone Simpson on her way with an adroit baton exchange. Simpson, Aleen Bailey, and Veronica Campbell finished the job and gave Jamaica its first Olympic gold medal in the event.

That race lives long in Jamaican sporting history. The third change was hesitant, so Aleen took Veronica’s outstretched hand and placed the baton securely and then closed her fingers around it. It was a priceless moment.

The images of Aleen’s composure under pressure come readily to mind. However, as time goes by, we can easily forget the wisdom of the relay selector in 2004. Lawrence regained her fitness after the Nationals, and her speed played a key role in that historic victory.

The same thing could happen in Budapest. Since the mixed 4x400 relay was introduced at the World Championships, Lane 8. He turns 31 two days before the Worlds begins, and a gold medal would be a brilliant belated birthday present for the man who is Jamaica’s fastest 400-metre runner.

He could rest and come back for the men’s 4x400, where a medal awaits Jamaica.

HUBERT LAWRENCE has made notes at track side since 1980.