PERFECT DAY IN EUGENE

Jamaica enjoyed a perfect day on the penultimate day of action at the World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, as all four relay teams, along with both throwers in the men’s discus, advanced to today’s finals following the preliminary-round action.

Both the men’s and women’s 4x100m relay teams remained on course to defend their titles after securing second- and first-place finishes, respectively.

In the women’s event, where Jamaica will be seeking a fourth consecutive title, the quartet of Samoya Brown, Theianna-Lee Terrelonge, Natrece East and Reneica Edwards stopped the clock at 43.61 seconds to finish second in their semi-final and qualify as the second-fastest team for today’s final at 3:05 p.m. Australia are the fastest qualifiers with 43.44 seconds.

With the United States failing to advance to the final after being edged by Nigeria in their semi-final, Jamaica’s path to the gold medal appears much clearer. The team is expected to go considerably faster in the final, with 100m silver medallist Shanoya Douglas and 200m finalist Sashana Johnson likely to be added to the line-up.

After ending a lengthy wait for gold in Lima, Peru two years ago, the men also remained on track to defend their title. The quartet of Kyle Bodden, Nyron Wade, Nathaniel Martin and Sanjay Seymore won their semi-final in 39.51 seconds to qualify as the seventh-fastest team.

The United States lead the qualifiers with 38.87 seconds, ahead of Switzerland with 39.32 and Great Britain with 39.38. Gary Card, the 100m silver medallist, is expected to be drafted into the team for the final, scheduled for 3:19 p.m.

4x400m relay finals

After disappointing results two years ago, when the women finished eighth and the men failed to reach the final, Jamaica will be hoping for a much improved showing in the 4x400m relays today.

The quartet of Daniella Dixon, Kristen Herbert, Davine Dickenson and Shanika Lindsay finished third in their women’s semi-final yesterday in 3:35.93, securing the ninth and final qualifying spot for today’s final at 4:12 p.m.

The United States lead all qualifiers with 3:22.66, ahead of Italy with 3:33.63 and Australia with 3:38.68. With Shameika McLean and Kevongaye Fowler, who ran a sub-53-second split in the mixed 4x400m relay that finished fourth, expected to be drafted into the team, Jamaica could be among the medal contenders.

In the final event of the championships, the men’s 4x400m final at 4:55 p.m., Jamaica will be hoping to secure a podium finish after failing to reach the final in Lima.

Yesterday, the quartet of Nishawn Walker, Jordan Rehudul, Jaiden Campbell and Jabulani McLeod booked their place in today’s final after finishing third in their semi-final in a season’s-best 3:06.44, which was also the third-fastest qualifying time overall.

The United States are the leading qualifiers with 3:04.55. With a well-rested Jason Pitter and Jabari Matheson expected to come into the team, Jamaica appear well placed to challenge for a medal as the country looks to end the championships on a high.

Joseph Salmon and Kimari Kennedy, competing in the qualifying round of the men’s discus, also advanced to today’s final at 2 p.m.

There were anxious moments for Salmon, the world number one and favourite for gold with a personal best of 67.55m, as it took his final attempt to qualify from Group B.

After fouling on his first two attempts, Salmon threw 62.10m with his final effort to top the group, attain the automatic qualifying standard, and advance as the third-best qualifier overall.

Earlier, competing in Group A, Kennedy threw 60.65m to finish seventh in his group and 12th overall. He was among the 13 throwers who advanced to the final after meeting the qualifying standard in a highly competitive event.