media_artricles :: 2015

Fraser-Pryce to defend both sprints in Beijing

Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce will defend both her sprint titles at this month's World Championship in Beijing. This was confirmed yesterday after the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association announced a 53-member team to compete at the August 22-30 showpiece.

The 28-year-old had said she was unsure of defending the 200 metres title, and was determined to focus solely on her pet event, the 100 metres. Fraser-Pryce heads the contingent along with sprint king, Usain Bolt, who will also be defending both his titles he won in Moscow two years ago.

Bolt has been in lacklustre form from this year and heads into the Games with several question marks over his ability to make a successful defence of both crowns.

Last month at the London Diamond League meet, he emerged from a sluggish start to win the 100 metres in 9.87 seconds, which was perhaps his best showing this year.

The Jamaica team also includes former World 100m and 200m champion Veronica Campbell-Brown, along with former World 100m record holder Asafa Powell; 2013 World 200m silver medallist, Warren Weir; and Hansle Parchment, the Olympic Games 110m hurdles bronze medallist. Sherone Simpson, who won gold at the recent Pan Am Games in Toronto, and Kerron Stewart, both Olympic medallists, will also take the trip to the Chinese capital.

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