Shelly runs 10.88 to light up Racers Grand Prix
The darling of Jamaican sprinting, Shelly-AnnFraser-Pryce brought the house down at the Racers Adidas Grand Prix with a blistering 10.88 to win the 100m in fine style.
Fraser-Pryce produced her usual bullet start and sped away for an effortless victory, to loud applause from the crowd.
Her country woman Jonelle Smith finished well for second in 11.20, just ahead of Michelle Lee Ahye, also in 11.20.
Fraser-Pryce was elated after the sensational effort.
“I just want to thank the crowd [as] they continue to encourage me,” said Fraser-Pryce.
“This year is about enjoying the process. It’s a joy to come out here not only as an athlete, but as a mom,” she added.
Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes won the men’s equivalent in 9.97 and defended his title. Jamaica’s Yohan Blake led for most of the way, but was relegated to second in 10.01. Kendal Williams of the US was third in 10.13.
Kemar Bailey Cole was fourth in 10.16, with Jamaica’s former world record holder Asafa Powell down in seventh with 10.31.
Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts leapt to a meet record 14.69m to win the women’s triple jump. Ricketts, the current world leader with 14.76, bettered her previous record of 14.31 set in 2017.
Liadagmis Povea of Cuba was second with 14.50m, ahead of American Keturah Orji with 14.45m.
Commonwealth Games champion Danniel Thomas-Dodd finished a close fourth on the women’s shot put with 18.00m, well below her season’s best of 19.48m. Yaniuvus Lopez of Cuba won with 18.23m, with Jessica Ramsey of the USA second with 18.19m. Monique Riddick, also of the US, finished third with 18.16m.
Earlier, American Ajee Wilson got things going on the track by winning the women’s 800m in a meet record of 1:59.22. The precious record of 2:00.23 was held by Jamaica’s Natoya Goule set in 2016.
Cuba’s Rosemary Almanza chased Wilson relentlessly, but had to settle for second in 2:00.32. Raevyn Rogers of the US was third with 2:01.08.
It was another win for the USA as Ashley Spencer sped to 54.49 to capture the women’s 400m hurdles. It was a lovely birthday gift for Spencer, who turned 26.
Jamaica’s Nikita Tracey ran well from lane eight and was rewarded with second in 55.25. Ronda White closed for third in 55.31 and fourth went to Jamaica’s 2017 World Championship bronze medallist Ristananna Tracey, the sister of Nikita.
Meanwhile, the men’s 400m event was delayed after American Quincy Downing protested his disqualication for false starting. The event was eventually won by Khaliffah Rosser of the US in 49.49. Cuba’s Leandro Zamora closed well for second in 50.07 and relegated Jamaica’s Jaheel Hyde to third in 50.35.
In the men’s 100m A race, Jamaica’s Ashanie Smith won section one in 10.28, ahead of Ramone Barnswell with 10.39. Hujaye Cornwall was third in 10.39.
Section two was won by Jamaican-born Andrew Fisher of Bahrain in 10.18 ahead of American Jalen Miller in 10.33. Jamaica’s Jevaughn Minzie was third, also in 10.33.
At press time, Jamaica’s Fedrick Dacres was leading the men’s discus with 65.04m from his first throw. It was also a meet record, bettering the 63.96 done by Travis Smikle in 2016.
But with his second throw Dacres upped the ante and threw a massive 68.01m.