Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer

THE University of Technology's Megan Simmonds and Calabar's Michael O'Hara were two of the outstanding performers on yesterday's final day of the Carifta Trials at the National Stadium on a day when the island's top juniors had to endure rain and heavy winds throughout the meet.

The pint-sized Simmonds was in impeccable form in the Girls' Under-20 100m hurdles. The vastly improved Simmonds, who got off to a flying start in the event, blew away the field to win in a wind-aided 13.23 seconds.

Her former IAAF World Youth Championships teammate, Chrisdale McCarthy of St Jago High, had to settle for second place, crossing the line in 13.62 seconds, with Holmwood's Osheen Erskine grabbing third in 13.90 seconds. The athletes ran in a positive 5.5 metres-per-second wind.

Simmonds was obviously very pleased with her winning effort, pointing to her technical improvements over the past few months.

"Despite the wind pushing me to run that fast, I am happy with my great improvement since attending the University of Technology as I have some outstanding coaches around me," said Simmonds.

CONFIDENT O'HARA

Calabar's outstanding Class II athlete, O'Hara, warmed up for next week's ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships with a show of power and confidence.

Competing in the Under-20 division for the first time, the talented O'Hara bested a strong field to clock a fast 20.78 seconds on his way to winning in a positive wind reading of 4.7 metres per seconds.

Bog Walk High's Jevaughn Minzie was second in 21.44 seconds with third going to Manchester High's, Oshane Burrell in 21.47 seconds.

Two other outstanding performances came in the final two events of the day - the Girls and Boys' Under-20 400 metre - with Vere Technical's Yanique McNeil and Calabar's Javon Francis coming out on top in their respective races

In the female event, it was Vere Technical's new wonder girl, McNeil, who stole the spotlight over experienced Holmwood Technical standout Chrisann Gordon. It was a keen rivalry as the two battled for some 50 metres down the straightaway before McNeil prevailed in the end to win in 53.38 seconds, forcing Gordon to settle for second in 53.68 seconds.

In the Boys' event, IAAF World Junior Championships finalist Francis of Calabar was tested by Manchester High's Lennox Williams for some 340 metres of the event before Francis showed his class to clock an impressive 46.55 seconds. Williams clocked 47.15 seconds for the runner-up spot. Hydel's Omari McDonald ran on strongly for third in 47.91 seconds.

Selected Results:

UNDER-17 GIRLS 400M

UNDER-17 GIRLS 100M HURDLES

UNDER-20 GIRLS 200M

UNDER-17 GIRLS Shot Put

UNDER-20 GIRLS SHOT PUT

UNDER-17 110M HURDLES BOYS

UNDER-17 BOys 200M

SHOt PUt UNDER-20 BOYS