KINGSTON, Jamaica – Stephenie-Ann McPherson of MVP Track Club and Javon Francis claimed the women’s and men’s 400 metre national crowns, respectively, on the final day of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA)/Supreme Ventures Limited (SVL) National Senior Championships at the National Stadium on Sunday.

McPherson, the 2014 Commonwealth Games champion, won in a season’s best time of 50.04 seconds in a well-paced run as she staved off the challenge of her World Championships 4X400m relay teammates, who also ended in season’s best times.

Christine Day (50.29s) of Cameron Blazers was second with Shericka Jackson (50.42s) of the University of Technology (Utech) third.

The decorated Novlene Williams-Mills (50.64s) was fourth and should also make the team to Rio for the relays.

On the men’s side of action, Francis, running unattached, was too strong for the field coming off the curve and ran away to win in a fast 44.95 seconds.

Fitzroy Dunkley (45.35s) of Louisiana State University was second and will represent Jamaica at his first Olympics, while Nathon Allen (45.52s) was third, but failed to get below the qualifying standard of 45.40s.

However, Allen, though not eligible to participate in the individual event, could still book a spot on the team for the relays.

National record holder Rusheen McDonald (45.61s) was fourth and should secure the third spot for the individual event.

Meanwhile, Calabar’s young sensation Christopher Taylor was seventh in a time of 45.88 seconds.

Sherdon Cowan