Ahye, Cedenio star on final day
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — Michelle-Lee Ahye completed the sprint double while Machel Cedenio raced to a new championship record in the 400 metres, to headline the final day of the National Championships here Sunday.
The 24-year-old Ahye, who 24 hours earlier had captured the 100 metres, clocked 22.33 seconds to win the 200 metres ahead of Semoy Hackett who was second in 22.61, and Reyare Thomas, who finished third in 22.72.
Four-time Olympian Kelly-Ann Baptiste finished fourth in 22.79, but still joined the top three in reaching the Olympic qualification standard.
In the men’s equivalent, Rondell Sorrillo raced to a time of 20.24 to clinch victory, and a spot in the event at the Rio Olympics in August.
Richard Thompson, who captured the 100 metres title on Saturday, finished second in 20.54 seconds, while Guyana’s Winston George was third in 20.64.
Cedenio dominated the men’s 400 metres, clocking 44.45 seconds for the win, with Olympic silver medallist Lalonde Gordon clinching second in 44.69 to book his spot at the Rio Games.
Renny Quow, a bronze medallist at the 2009 World Championships, finished down in fifth in 45.85 seconds.
The women’s event was won by Vincentian Kineke Alexander in 52.33 seconds with Grenada’s Kennika Beckles claiming second in 52.61.
Meanwhile, reigning Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott edged out Shakiel Waithe to win the men’s javelin with 80.45 metres, with Waithe measuring 79.53 metres.
Leslain Baird of Guyana was third with 67.60 metres.
Former 400 metres hurdles World champion, Jehue Gordon, had a disappointing evening, finishing second in 50.44 seconds to be outside of the Olympic qualifying standard.
The race was won by Puerto Rico Eric Alejandro in 50.17.