INFLEXIBLE DATE
Contrary to rumors that the National Senior Trials has been deferred to July, it is in fact. set for this week, between June 20 - 24. Apparently, there was no adjustment made to the National Senior Trials consistent with the one-month delay of the World Championship. As to why this was not done, is a mystery to me. Clearly, the US like Jamaica, had fore-knowledge of the one-month delay of the World Championship, and made the necessary adjustment to the start date of its National Senior Trials. Therefore, why did not the JAAA do same? Anyway, it is what it is, and so coaches must adjust the training regime of athletes, to peak them for National Senior Trials, and then later, for the World Championship.
Notwithstanding the inflexible date for the National Senior Trials, I am very anxious to see our athletes on show. Personally, I am very anxious to see which Yohan Blake will report for the National Senior Trials. I do hope, that, the Blake of old will return. My advice is, Blake should do only the 100m.This should be his singular focus in 2019, and depending on how well he delivers, he should then double next year, at the Olympics.
The Wonder Girls
The women's 100m should be a mouth-watering affair. In the women's 100m, I am anxiously waiting to see the Elaine Thompson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce clash, as I am, the "minor" battle between Kevona Davis and Briana Williams. And the inclusion of Kiara Grant and Jonnielle Smith and company, should make things really fiery and interesting. The question on everyone's mind though is, will Thompson be allowed to double at the National Senior Trials, by the MVP guru, Stephen Francis? Will Jamaica's best ever female 100m sprinter be allowed to compete in the short sprint at the World Championship in Doha, Qatar?
The Heir Apparent
Akeem Bloomfield in the men's 200m, should provide some fireworks as he seeks to defend Bolt's and Jamaica's honor at the World Championship in
Doha, Qatar. I am hoping that the twenty-one-year-old with personal best of 19.81 over the distance, reports fit and healthy for the National Senior Trials. If he does, a sub 20 clocking is assured, probably, a sub 1980 clocking will be on the cards.
The Queen of Sprinting
Elaine Thompson should stamp her class and authority in the women's 200m. Undoubtedly, the twenty-six year old, with personal best of 21.66, should start as favorite at the National Senior Trials, this week-end.
The "TRINITY"
The men's 110mH and the women's 100mH should produce very fast times. In the Men's 100mH, reigning Olympic and World Champion, Omar McLeod along with Ronald Levy and Hansle Parchment, should make the sparks fly, assuming that McLeod runs, as he should get an automatic spot as defending World Champion. Actually, I would not be surprised if there was a 13.00 clocking or even a sub 13 clocking at the National Senior Trials.
The Promise
The men's and women's 400m, should provide some intrigue, and insight as to what awaits Jamaica in Doha, Qatar. I am not particularly fired-up. However, we might see the changing of the guards in this event for men and women.
The Rising Stars
Finally, the men's long jump, Discuss and Shot Put, should provide some interesting results. Wayne Pinnock should go head to head with Shawn Thompson and Demar Forbes. Frederick Dacres should be unchallenged for the top spot in the men’s Discus. And if things run true to form, O'Dayne Richards should grab the top spot in the men's Shot Put.
Henley Taylor (Sensenya Ben Nyah)
Yohan Blake picture courtesy of Joe Swift Photography