Bloomfield, Thomas the rage on final day of Carifta Trials
KINGSTON College’s Akeem Bloomfield and Damion Thomas were the two most outstanding athletes after they were in sparkling form to win the Under-20 400 metres and Under-18 110m hurdles finals, respectively, at the JAAA CARIFTA Trials which ended at the National Stadium yesterday.
The two-day trials to select Jamaica’s track and field contingent to the March 26-28 Carifta Games to be held in George Town, Grenada, was highlighted by the devastating run from Bloomfield and the surprise win by Thomas.
Meanwhile, once again, the athletes had to compete with heavy afternoon showers, which also affected Saturday’s first day.
Bloomfield, who came into yesterday’s final with the fastest time in the Boys’ Under-20 400 metres, took charge from the gun, and by the time they got to the halfway stage, he covered the field with utmost ease to eventually win in a smart time of 46.51 seconds.
He said this was his second race this season and he wanted to see where he was fitness wise.
“I ran the first 200m very hard, and after covering the rest of the runners, I slowed down as there was no challenge for me,” he said.
Florida-based Thomas, who was competing in the Carifta Games for the first time, was a surprise package when he sped away to win the Boys’ Under-18 110 metres hurdles final in a time of 13.73 seconds, ahead of Oquendo Bernard of Jamaica College, who finished second in 13.97 seconds.
The 16-year-old Thomas, who was born in the USA, said the race was a good one and he is looking forward to representing Jamaica at this year’s Carifta Games.
“My father wants me to represent Jamaica, so I decide to come and take part in the trials to earn a place,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Trezequet James of Jamaica College had to be rushed to the University of the West Indies Hospital with a suspected broken wrist after hitting the hurdles in the Under-18 and under 110m hurdles final yesterday.
Shanice Reid from St Jago won the Girls’ Under-20 200 metres final in 23.85 seconds, while the Boys’ version was won by Angel Miller from Excelsior High, who ran 21.30secs.