Fraser-Pryce, Weir and Gay headline Jamaican Invitational

Reigning Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will make her season debut in the 200m at the Jamaican Invitational today in Kingston. Fraser-Pryce fresh from leading her Jamaican 4x100 relay team to victory (42.42) in the USA vs. the World matchup at the Penn Relay last  Saturday in Philadelphia  will begin her focus this season on the 200m. Fraser-Pryce who is known for her bullet-like start has been focusing on the 200m recently where she has a lifetime best 22.09 seconds. She is set to face Penn Relay teammates Kerron Stewart, Sherone Simpson, Anneisha McLaughlin along with Shericka Williams and USA’s Bianca Knight. Olympic bronze medalist Warren Weir will also be making his season debut in the 200m after posting impressive performances in his previous two 400m races, where he lowered his personal best in the 400m from 47.07 seconds to 46.21 seconds. Weir will race against fellow-country men Nickel Asmeade, Marvin Anderson, Julian Forte and Mario Forsythe. USA’s Wallace Spearmon and Norway’s Jaysuma Ndure are also set to face the starter. Tyson Gay in the men’s 100 The absence of Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake has paved the way for Tyson Gay to compete in the 100m. Gay the former World champion in the 100m and 200m who has a lifetime best 9.69 seconds in the 100m will face a very loaded field in the men’s 100m. Gay’s countryman Doc Patton, who had a great indoor season and who recently ran a wind-aided 9.75 seconds in the 100m should provide the main challenge. Last Saturday, the 36 year old Patton also led his USA 4x1 relay team to victory at the Penn Relay in 38.26 seconds. Gay who has been injury-plagued over the last several seasons says he is finally healthy. Gay will also be heavily tested by a group of young and talented Jamaican sprinting core including Kemar Bailey-Cole, Jacques Harvey, Jason Young and a rejuvenated Dexter Lee.  Veterans Nesta Carter and Daniel Bailey will also add to the intrigue. Queen Harrison The reigning USA athlete of the week, Queen Harrison who has a world-leading 12.71 seconds in the women’s 100m hurdles will face Olympic silver medalist Dawn Harper, Andrea Bliss, Indira Spence, Vonnette Dixon, Kim Laing and Angelita Broadbelt. Harrison is in superb mid-season form and should repel the challenges of this competitive field.