Danielle Williams to win third national title

AFTER her unexpected victory at the World Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Beijing last year, where she won the women's 100 metres hurdles, Danielle Williams will be hoping for more success at the Olympics this year.

Before that, she will have to qualify next week at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships.

Williams, who also crowned her World University Games champion in the event last year in Gwangju, South Korea, has not been at her best this year.

However, she clocked a season best 12.77 seconds when finishing second at the Racers Grand Prix recently to be the top Jamaican going into the trials.

She won the National Championship in 2013, repeated last year, and will be gunning for her third title, this time starting as the favourite.

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Among her main contenders will be former Immaculate Conception High athlete Monique Morgan, who defeated Williams in a close finish two years ago. She also represented the country at the World Senior Championships last year and will be seeking another title.

Morgan has a season best of 12.80 seconds, done in Clermont, Florida, and is expected to be very competitive once again.

Also, it has been a dream season so far for the unlucky Megan Simmonds as the pint-sized athlete has gone under 13 seconds twice, with her best coming at the Racers Grand Prix, where she finished third in a career best 12.86 seconds.

Simmonds could use her early speed to steal a march and create an upset.

Shermaine Williams, the sister of Danielle, was a finalist at the Beijing World Championships last year but has not been at her best so far this season. She will have to improve big time on her season best of 13.10 seconds if she hopes to continue her good record at these National Championships, where she has been a top- three finisher.

Despite not being at the top of her game so far this season, Danielle should win her third title, while it should be very close for the two remaining spots. Top three predictions:

1. Danielle Williams; 2. Megan Simmonds; 3. Monique Morgan