NATIONAL senior representative Zandrion Barnes produced a strong, season-opening performance to capture the men’s invitational 400m event during the Camperdown Classic at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Barnes, who is coached by Maurice Wilson at Sprintec Track Club, clocked an impressive 44.97 seconds to emerge as the overall winner from all four heats. His time marked the fastest season opener of his career, and Barnes admitted that he was surprised by the result. He holds a personal best time of 44.90s which he achieved in 2023.

“I didn’t expect this fast an opening time because running sub-45 this early in the season, I am really surprised by it,” he told the Jamaica Observer. “This is going to give me a lot more confidence, and I just want to stay injury-free and stay healthy throughout the season.” Reigning 400m world champion Antonio Watson, who missed last year’s Olympic Games due to injuries, clocked 46.03s to finish second overall in the event. Assinie Wilson of Titans was third with a time of 46.40s.

Watson is happy to be back on track, and his performance is an indication that he is injury-free and ready to compete this season.

“Last season was a rough one but this year I am back stronger, and today was an indication that I really overcame what happened last season,” he said. “I am just very proud of myself, despite the time, but I wasn’t really focusing on it. But I am very proud.”

Olympic Games 100m finalist Oblique Seville clocked 47.04s on his way to winning his heat but his time placed him sixth overall in the event.