Any country that can produce the fastest man and woman in the world at the same time has earned the right to be called the sprint capital of the world.

It used to be the United States. Heck! They produced their fair share of the 'World's fastest man and woman' over the years. But now they must look south if they want to see what the fastest people are doing.

Asafa Powell has, over a relatively short period, etched his name among the fastest who ever lived. Perhaps even the fastest. And he has picked the best period of time to dominate the world, given the importance of the events over the next three years.

Should he dominate the 2007 Worlds, the 2008 Olympics and the 2009 Worlds, while throwing in a world record or two in between, or even no more world records, he would get many votes - including mine - for being the greatest sprinter who ever lived. But that's a long way away and many hurdles to negotiate. However, given the pace at which he is going, the fact that he was able to come through such a long season injury-free and the experience that coach Stephen Francis is acquiring, it's not farfetched to speak of the possibility.
Right now, Jamaica should simply celebrate the fact that the Americans can't touch us.

Powell hype

In all the Powell hype, we must not forget that Michael Frater won the 100 metres silver medal at the World Championships last year. And Dwight Thomas, who is, arguably, yet to compete at his true potential, was a finalist in that race.
Throw in the returning and resurgent Steve Mullings and the sprint relay would be within grasp in Japan next year, or in Beijing the next.

Jamaica's male quarter-milers are not as dominant as the short sprinters. This is an area that one could say is in transition. Michael Blackwood is hanging on, while Jermaine Gonzales is improving slowly. This area will need support and attention over the next three to four years if Jamaica is to regain its lofty position.

Sadly, there is nothing on the horizon in events longer than 400 metres. One lap is the farthest that you will get a Jamaican to run.
This is another large area that the JAAA must look at and seek international assistance for. It's easy to say that talent is limited, but without the best help, we will never know. Just 90 miles away, Cuba continues to produce world-class talent in the middle distances - why can't Jamaica?

Our male hurdlers continue to hold their own in mid-pack, while the multi-eventers are improving at a rapid rate. Maurice Smith could be a threat in the decathlon at the 2008 Olympics should he remain motivated.

Sherone Simpson

Sherone Simpson is now ranked as the No 1 sprinter in the world after posting 10.82 secs and 22.00 secs. She, too, has the opportunity to etch her name among the best who ever lived - should 2007 and 2008 be as successful as this year was.
Easy it will not be, as there are at least three people who are within range in each of her events. A slight mistake would be multiplied many times.

Usually, one doesn't have to look in the shadow to see a reigning double Olympic sprint champion! But that's where Veronica Campbell currently lurks. This year was not one of her best, being saddled with final year studies at the University of Arkansas (she graduated with a degree in marketing) and then came a season-ending injury and the unfortunate legal troubles of her coach who has worked with her for the past six years. It was that bad.

In other words, it is unlikely that she will see another year as challenging as 2006. At least we hope not. If she is able to put all of these behind her, Jamaica could throw up a one-two punch in the 1-2 sprints next year.

And if reports coming out of the MVP camp are anything to go by, quarter-mile standout Sherika Williams might be running neck and neck with these two and the rest of the world in the 200 metres when the big events are run off over the next three years.
Maybe a rebirth of the great sprint triangle of Merlene Ottey, Grace Jackson and Juliet Cuthbert. Wow!

Over 400 metres, Novlene Williams and the aforementioned Sherika are moving up the ladder with great alacrity. Novlene has gone sub-50 on more than one occasion this year, while the less experienced Sherika has threatened, but will hold off until next year.

Mile relays

Given the vast improvement of the former Holmwood star, it's not farfetched to believe that Jamaica will be there when the medals are handed out for the mile relays over the next few years.
Add rising star Schillone Calvert to the Simpsons, Campbells and company and Jamaica should be able to own this event for the foreseeable future - if the requisite effort is afforded and the girls are committed.

Many potentially great quartets have come and gone without success, as they lacked the commitment that is necessary to achieve the ultimate team goal - while they sought individual glory. Luckily, they will have the experience of the gold medal team of two years to draw on.
The lone ranger in the middle distance is Kenia Sinclair, who has improved tremendously over the past two years to be resting under sub-1:58s.

With this performance, she finds herself in grabbing distance of the medals. Performances like that at the Commonwealth Games earlier this year will hopefully get her over the hump at the bigger international events.

Jamaica has high hopes in the sprint hurdles as usual. Bridgette Foster carries the flag in what is undoubtedly the most competitive area in sprinting. A good day and a great run and she could win. A good day and a good run and she could finish fourth or fifth. That's how tough it is at this juncture, and it won't get any easier over the next three years as most of the ladies are in the prime of their careers. Only a brave man would bet here.

MVP camp

Improving youngsters Melaine Walker and World Junior champion Kaliese Spencer carry Jamaica's hopes in the intermediates. Of the two, Kaliese has the advantage in terms of height and she works out of the MVP camp. Enough said.

Unfortunately, the only participant in the field events that one can look forward to in terms of medals at the international level over the next year or two is the current world champion Trecia Smith.
She did not enjoy a great deal of success in 2006, but could bounce back in what is an extremely competitive event. Again, I say we need help to introduce the events at the early stages of development.

But we must give credit where it is due. The effort of the JAAA to concentrate on coaches and youths is bearing fruit. Another talented athlete comes to the fore almost every day. In three years' time we will be mentioning names in articles like these who no one knows at this time.

There's no doubt that Jamaica's track and field is on the crest of a grand wave. With the talent that we now possess and the hunger in the bones, we look forward to the next three important years in the sport with glee. Jamaica is sitting pretty to, as we say, "eat some food".

Executive Class

Gardens with Gravel

Death to the Mullet!