media_artricles :: 2013

Baptiste eyes 100m success in London today

T&T’s Kelly-Ann Baptiste will renew rivalry against the top sprinters in the world when she line-up in the women’s 100 metres today, on the second day at the Anniversary Games in London. Yesterday, Usain Bolt returned to the site of his last Olympic triumph, winning the men’s 100 in his best time this season after recovering from a slow start. Baptiste, who ran the world leading time of 10.83 seconds earlier this year, will need to come good in the second semifinal when she will be challenged by the likes of Murielle Ahoure of Ivory Coast and Nigerian Blessing Okagbare.

Carmelita Jeter of the United States and Jamaicans Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica Kerron Stewart highlight the other semifinal. Bolt failed to leave the blocks promptly, but powered through the field to finish in 9.85 seconds at the stadium where he won three gold medals last year in the London Games. “It (the start) was horrifying for me. I think it is just race rust and I just need to get a few races in,” said Bolt who holds the world records in the 100 and 200. “The rounds in the world championships will help that and get my legs freer and a bit lighter. Hopefully the coach will figure out what I need to do to get me more explosive out of the blocks, I guess”.

American Michael Rodgers was second in 9.98, and Jamaica’s Nesta Carter was third. Kim Collins of Saint Kitts and Nevis faded to finish fourth after a fantastic start. “For the first time, I think, in a long while I was slightly nervous. Initially, I was excited to come out because I knew it was going to be a big crowd,” said Bolt. “But when I got out there and I saw that it was ram-packed and the energy was still like the Olympics, it was just wonderful, so I was slightly nervous but I loved the energy of the crowd”. In the 200, Warren Weir of Jamaica, who won bronze a year ago, edged compatriot Jason Young by 0.1 to win in 19.89. Wallace Spearmon of the United States was third in 20.18. And, Olympic champion Kirani James of Grenada comfortably won the 400 in 44.65, beating Tony McQuay and Jonathan Borlee. (CMC)

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