THE incumbent Dr Warren Blake was returned as president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and chosen to run its affairs for the next four years after winning 170 votes at the Annual General Meeting at the National Arena last night.

Blake survived to defeat Olympian Grace Jackson and lawyer Lincoln Eatmon, who were also vying for the position in the historic election which marked the first time that three candidates were running for the top post in one of the most bitterly-contested battles in the history of the local track and field body.

“People talk about change, but why change something that is headed in the right direction?” Blake asked the media after the winner was announced.

Eatmon secured 120 votes, while Jackson earned a meagre 28. Over 90 per cent of the 379 eligible voters turned up for the AGM.

The remaining positions on the executive were to be voted upon at press time.

Blake’s ticket includes Kingston College principal Dave Myrie for the post of first vice-president; athlete Michael Frater for second vice-president; as well as Garth Gayle, Deon Hemmings-McCatty and Vilma Charlton.

The election campaign proved to be one of the most contentious and potentially fractious, and in one instance, threatened to blemish the reputation of one of Jamaica’s track and field icons, Donald Quarrie, over charges and counter-charges between himself and veteran coach Glen Mills.

Blake’s plans for the four years include floating an international bond to raise funds for the association and naming an international ambassador.

Athletes votes were said to be influential in this election and among those spotted last night were Danny McFarlane, Anneisha McLaughlin, Markino Buckley, Ricardo Chambers, Juliet Campbell and Maurice Wignall

The voting was administered by the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ).