VCB reigns supreme! – Cops sprint double after easy win in 200m
VERONICA Campbell-Brown reclaimed her crown as undisputed sprint queen of Jamaica after dismissing the competition to capture the women’s 200m on the final day of the four-day Supreme Ventures/JAAA National Senior Championships at the National Stadium yesterday.
Campbell-Brown, who on Friday captured the 100m title, ran a brilliant curve, after being pushed by Sherone Simpson to power away to a 10-metre victory in the fourth fastest time of the year, 22.44 seconds to finish ahead of World Championships silver medallist Kerron Stewart in 22.63 and Simpson in 22.73.
“My objective is always just to execute. I’m just so pleased that I came out and won the 100m and I’m still healthy. I’m very thankful,” Campbell-Brown said.
Meanwhile, after a season hampered by injury and a declaration of only wishing to make the World Championships team, Novlene Williams-Mills claimed the 400m in fine style battling from behind to overtake Rosemarie Whyte in the final 100m and secure victory in a meet record equalling 50.05 seconds.
“I went up with some great ladies and thank God I came out with the victory. I came out with a great time, so I’m very pleased,” she said.
Whyte posted 50.40 and was ahead of Olympic Games and World Championships silver medallist Shericka Williams in 50.81. Kaliese Spencer who was the fastest qualifier from the semi-finals did not show up for the final.
Former Manchester High schoolgirl Natoya Goule, who on Saturday finished second in the 800m, was seventh in 53.18 seconds.
Indira Spence proved the naysayers wrong and successfully defended her 100m hurdles title, posting 13.08 for victory ahead of Vonette Dixon in 13.12 and World championships bronze medallist Delloreen Ennis third in 13.13.
Spence, who won last year in the absence of the leading hurdlers, said she was not bothered by any negative comments about her ability to beat the top guns.
“Last year was not so bad, but this year was a bit intense so it feels good,” she said.
World champion Brigitte Foster-Hylton advanced with the seventh fastest time after finishing second in semi-final two in a time of 13.54 seconds but did not show up for the final of the event.
Edwin Allen schoolgirl Kimberley Williamson achieved the unlikely after finishing second at the national junior trials with a height of 1.80m, captured the national senior high jump title with a height of 1.83m.
Wiliamson told the Observer she was happy to be doing well among the big girls:
“Junior trials I didn’t get to train because of the rain but this time around I have a lot of training. I think it’s a good achievement knowing I can perform with the seniors better than I do with the juniors even though most of my competitions are with the junior athletes. I’m happy with the win,” she said.
Sheree Francis claimed silver with a height of 1.80m, while Krista-Gay Taylor finished third with 1.75m.
National record holder Olivia McKoy won the javelin with a throw of 52.33m.
Kateema Riettie threw 51.10m for second, while Veliesha Walker finished third with a throw of 39.03m.
Sasha-Kay Matthias secured the triple jump with a leap of 13.10m to place ahead of Melissa Osbourne with 13.08m and Shantel Thompson’s 13.00m.

