Cole wins 400m at McDonnel Invitational

Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer

FORMER Holmwood Technical outstanding sprinter, Nyoka Cole, scored a good win in the women's 400 metres while competing for the Victor 'Poppy' Thomas-coached Lincoln University, at the John McDonnel Invitational Track and Field Meet in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Saturday.

After placing fourth earlier in the 200 metre in 23.90 seconds, Cole showed her best form in the one-lap event, covering the distance in 54.46 seconds.

A one-time University of Technology (UTech) student, Cole returned later to play an important role in her team winning the 4x100 metres relay in 45.20 seconds.

Annakay campbell performs

It was also a good meet for former St Andrew High School jumper, Annakay Campbell. Campbell, competing for Lincoln University, registered a first and third-place finish in her events.

After capturing the long jump with a leap of 6.08 metres, she returned to clear the high jump bar at 1.70 metres for her third-place finish.

Meanwhile, Steve Banton, the former St Elizabeth Technical High School hurdler, stopped the clock at 51.26 seconds for victory in the men's 400-metre hurdles, while competing for Lincoln.

Former Edwin Allen hurdler, Andrea Sutherland, notched the best finish among Jamaican athletes at the Oregon Invitational Meet in Oregon. Competing for Texas A&M University, she captured the women's 400 metres hurdles in 59.19 seconds.

At the same meet, there were second-place finishes for former St Jago High athletes - Natasha Ruddock and Sashakaye Matthias.

Competing for Texas A&M, Ruddock clocked 13.12 seconds in the women's 100 metres hurdles, as she was narrowly beaten by teammate Gabby Mayo (13.10) seconds.

Matthias registered a best leap of 6.10 metres in the women's long jump.