Douglas shines at Sprint Fest

Muschett High School’s Shanoya Douglas, the bronze medallist in the 200 metres at last year’s World Under-20 Championships, was the star performer at yesterday’s Sprint Fest at Ashenheim Stadium, Jamaica College.

Competing in the Class Two half-lap event, Douglas, running her first race since her World Under-20 performance, clocked the fastest time among females, 23.62 seconds, to win her heat. She easily defeated Wolmer’s Girls’ Natriece East, who finished a distant second in 25.10. East’s teammate Tiana Marshall secured third overall in 25.51.

Douglas expressed satisfaction with her season opener.

“I am very pleased with the win in my opening run of the season. I was not under any pressure to run a fast time, as I just did what I had to do by winning,” she said.

When asked if her performance in Peru motivated her, she replied: “Not really. I just followed the instructions given to me by my coach as I have been training hard for the upcoming season.”

Abigail Wolfe of Wolmer’s recorded the second-fastest 200m time among females winning the Class One event in 25.00. She edged out Tianna Rhooms of St Mary High, who was second in 25.42 while Rochelle Wint of Hydel claimed third with 25.57.

Shayon Smith of St Mary High impressed in Class Three, posting a personal best 25.81 to top the class. Danielle Dixon of William Knibb was second in 25.95 while Ashara Creary of Wolmer’s finished third in 26.15.

Salonica Graham of Merl Grove delighted her supporters by winning the Class Four event with a personal best of 26.78. She was ahead of Hydel High’s duo, Amelca Harker (26.87) and Keneisha Robinson (26.98), who took second and third, respectively.

In the boys’ events, Ian Baker of St Catherine High signalled his readiness for the season by winning the Class One race in 21.44. It was a close finish. Sanjay Seymour of William Knibb also clocked 21.44 but had to settle for second when the finish line photo separated them. Keano Charles of Calabar High took third in 21.50.

Malique Dennis of Jamaica College brought joy to the home crowd by winning the Class Two event in 22.05, ahead of Byron Walker of Calabar (22.15) and St Jago’s Rushane Richards (22.50).

Jevaney Findlay of St Jago emerged victorious in Class Three with a 22.55 clocking. His teammate, Rajaun Romelly, was second in 22.56 while Calabar’s Rajeve Allison claimed third in 23.28.