A review of the 2019 IAAF World Relays - Yokohama, Japan

The just concluded World Relays that was held in Yokohama, Japan, was a good experience for some Jamaican athletes, ahead of the Jamaica National Senior Trials, and ahead of the World Championship to be held in Doha, Qatar. However, many opportunities were squandered. Overall, the results were disappointing for Jamaica, a global powerhouse in track athletics. Jamaica performed below expectations, and well below its performances at the 2017 IAAF World Relays that was held in Nassau, Bahamas. In fact, Jamaica ended the Championship without winning one single Gold medal.

Lack of Preparation
To think, not even the likes of Elaine Thompson nor Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce made a difference to Jamaica's fortune. Indeed, it was a wanton waste of precious resources. The tangible benefits derived do not justify Jamaica's spend nor participation. And what is worse, there was poor deployment of the athletes with respect to selected events they were made to participate in. For one, Shelly and Elaine should have been on the 4 x 100m, to join the rapidly improving Jonnielle Smith, who ran a blistering anchor leg. That team would have been unbeatable! But instead, Stephan Francis again played cheap self-serving politics with his "under-prepared" athletes (abysmally poor baton exchange), being more committed to chasing the proverbial birds in the bush, and abandoning the one in hand. It was a case of trading "sure" for "unsure". 

It is clear, Francis was more content with going for club glory in breaking the 4 x 200m record, rather than doing what was in Jamaica's best interest. Surely, if other more rational beings were in charge of the contingent, Jamaica could have easily won at least two gold medals that were on offer, namely, the women's 4 x 100m and 4 x 200m.  

At the end of the Championship, I was left to ask, what kind of team did we take to Yokohama? Surely, the team did not fire on all cylinders! Nevertheless, there were some bright sparks. 

Takeaways

Firstly, it was great to see Elaine Thompson running silky smooth and quick, and looking a fine specimen of an athlete. 

Secondly, it was equally great to see Akeem Bloomfield and Nathon Allen looking healthy and fit, and showing fight and determination. 

Thirdly and lastly, I was impressed to see Jonnielle Smith running like a woman possessed. She will be awesome at trials.
 

Written by : Henley Taylor (Sensenya Ben Nyah)

Photo courtesy of  Joe Swift Photography