KINGSTON, Jamaica — Calabar’s Christopher Taylor showed no real signs of injury but was rather tentative in his 48.40-second clocking in the heat of the 400m at the 109th staging of the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Stadium a short while ago.

Taylor, running from lane four, left the blocks well but unlike his usual self, sat some ways off the pace before finally coming through off the curve to complete victory almost slowing to a walk at the end.

There were uncertainties surrounding the young prodigy’s fitness after he stumbled during his 200-metre heat yesterday the opening day.

During that event, Taylor showed signs of an injury with a slight grimace when coming off the curve, but defied the feeling and went on to win in 21.69, securing a spot in the semi-finals scheduled for Thursday.

OBSERVER ONLINE was informed by reliable source that the 19-year-old made a trip to the doctor this morning ahead of competition, but the claim was denied by a member of the team.

Taylor, who ran the 400m with tight straps around the knee area, will be critical to Calabar’s chances of winning an eight straight boys’ title at these championships, especially with a renewed threat from Kingston College.

Sherdon Cowan