Bolt back on the track

Usain Bolt

Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer

World and Olympic triple gold medallist, Usain Bolt, opens his 2010 season this evening at the Camperdown Classic.

Bolt, who is down to run the 400 metres which is scheduled to start at 6:15 p.m. at the National Stadium, is still striving for full fitness but he says he is looking forward to the race.

"I am looking forward to it, because it should be interesting," Bolt said.

"I am not fully in shape yet, but it's my first 400m and coach (Glen Mills) wants to put me in to determine where I am."

Other members of the Racers Track Club will also be in action. They include Yohan Blake, Ricardo Chambers, Antigua and Barbuda's Daniel Bailey, who was a finalist in the 100m at last year's Berlin World Championships, Rosemarie Whyte, a 4x400m relay silver medal winner, Schillonie Calvert, Sonita Sutherland and Marvin Anderson.

New events

Meanwhile, more than 2,000 athletes from over 50 high schools and institutions are down for the meet, which offers prize money for some events.

Two new events - boys' Class Three 1500m and distance medley - have been added to this year's schedule.

Other track events are 100m, 800, 1500 and 400m open, along with the field events - high, long and triple jumps.

There will also be a special 4x200m for girls, along with the traditional 4x100 and 4x400m, all of which will carry prize money for winners.

The 4x100m winners will each collect $60,000 while $25,000 and $15,000 will go to second and third places. The top three teams in the girls' 4x200m will collect $30,000, $15,000 and $5,000, respectively.

Today's meet begins at 9 a.m. with the girls' Class Three 800m.