Jamaicans dominate marquee events at Millrose Games

CMC

Monday, January 31, 2011

NEW YORK CITY, USA (CMC) — Sprint darling Veronica Campbell-Brown led the Jamaican invasion of three marquee events at the Millrose Games on Friday.

The reigning women's World Indoor sprint champion opened her season in reassuring style, when she extended herself in the last 20 metres, and clocked 7.11 seconds to win the 60m dash at Madison Square Garden.

"It's early season, and there's lots of room for improvement," said Campbell-Brown, who endured a 36-hour travel delay from her home in Atlanta.

"I believe track is 90 per cent mental, and if you're mentally weak, you cannot win. I'm always mentally prepared."

Campbell-Brown was just behind Lauryn Williams out of the blocks, but overtook the American by halfway and cruised to the finish.

Williams took second in 7.22 secs, and fellow American Lisa Barber ran 7.23 to take the other podium position.

Trisha-Ann Hawthorne and Vonette Dixon, two other Jamaicans, finished at the back of the field.

Earlier, Dixon had covered herself in glory, when she posted the fastest time in the world this season, with a surprise victory in the women's 60m hurdles in eight seconds flat.

American Danielle Carruthers, who ended the 2010 season ranked ninth in the world, was the runner-up in 8.03 seconds, and Canadian star Perdita Felicien was third in 8.05.

Trinidad & Tobago's Aleesha Barber brought up the rear in a time of 8.35.

"I could see Danielle out of the corner of my eye," said Dixon, "... and I wanted to get in front of her.

"It's my first race of the season, and I just wanted to see where I was. I wasn't expecting to be this fast."

Nesta Carter continued to enhance his resume, with a world-leading time of 6.52 to win the men's 60m.

Carter held off a late-race challenge from the American pair of Mike Rodgers and Trell Kimmons, who ran 6.56 and 6.57, respectively, to ensure that the United States won the two-way duel with the Jamaicans 23-17.

Two other Jamaicans, Lerone Clarke and Oshane Bailey, were the back markers with times of 6.67 and 6.71, respectively.

"I tend to think Jamaica is still the sprint capital of the world," said Carter about losing the United States vs Jamaica duel.

"I thought it was a good race. I stumbled at the start, and I was a bit confused at the finish, but I'm happy to come out with Mike and Trell, and be ready to go."

Trinidad & Tobago's Renny Quow also distinguished himself, when he won the rarely contested 600 yards, with a time of one minute, 11.82 seconds. It was the second time he has won the event at the Millrose Games.

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Jamaicans dominate marquee events at Millrose Games