With just about two weeks to go for the USA, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Track and Field Championships, athletes are gearing up to make their national teams to the Beijing World Championships. So it is no coincidence that the 2015 adidas Grand Prix set for this Saturday, June 13 at the Icahn Stadium, Randall Island New York has attract several elite athletes, who are set to factor Beijing. On the men’s side, the Meet is headlined by the 6-time Olympic gold medalist, Usain Bolt; American record-holder Tyson Gay and 800m world-record holder Kenya’s David Rudisha. Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter is schedule to compete in the men’s 200m. Bolt will seek to improve on his season best time of 20.13 seconds when he goes up against countrymen Rasheed Dwyer and Julian Forte. Panama’s Alonso Edward so far is having a good season and the talented Zharnel Hughes of Racers Track Club is also set to match strides with Bolt.
The recent exploits of American sprinter Justin Gatlin has led many to question Bolt’s ability to defend his sprint titles in Beijing. In anticipation of going sub-20 seconds in the 200m for the first time this season, Bolt will most likely use this event to make a statement. We cannot ignore that the last time Bolt competed at Icahn Stadium in May 2008, he ran 9.72 seconds to set the 100m world record.
Gay is back
After setting his season best 9.88 seconds in the 100m at the Prefontaine Classic two weeks ago, American Tyson Gay is set to improve on his time when he competes in the men’s 100m. Gay who is returning to the track after a brief suspension seems to be in great shape. Gay will battle the Jamaican trio of Nesta Carter, Nickel Ashmeade and Kemar Bailey-Cole. Trinidad’s Keston Bledman, South Africa’s Akani Simbine and the American duo of Trell Kimmons and DionDre Batson are also set to face the starter. Ashmeade and Bledman should provide the best challenge to Gay. Bailey-Cole so far this season seems to be a shadow of himself while Carter is gradually running himself into top form.
David Rudisha returned to the track after sustaining a minor injury in his last race. Rudisha is set to face the starter with an American contingent lead by 2015 Wanamaker mile winner Matthew Centrowitz, Robby Andrews, Duane Solomon, Leonel Manzano and Michael Rutt. With the absence of 800m world champion Ethiopia’s Mohammed Aman, Rudisha should easily dismiss his challengers in his pet event.
Cedenio to cool the “Fireman”
At age 36, Chris “Fireman” Brown of the Bahamas is having an incredible season. Hot off his 300m (31.99) national record performance last week in Birmingham, England, the Fireman will line up against a solid competition in the men’s 400m. The Fireman main competition is in the form of a man nearly half his age; 19 year-old Machel Cedenio of Trinidad and Tobago. Cedenio is having a great season so far in where he ran a personal best 44.36 seconds in the 400m at the Cayman Islands Invitational. He also defeated Olympian champion LaShawn Merritt at the Ponce Meet in Puerto Rico. Cedenio seems to be improving as the season progresses and has become a viable threat to Ian Morris 400m (44.21) national record. In addition to the Fireman, Cedenio will have to contend with veteran quarter-milers Jeremy Wariner, Tony McQuay, David Verburg and Renny Quow.
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