KINGSTON, Jamaica — Abigail Campbell of Hydel High made a good start in the defence of her girls’ Class One 400m title after leading the preliminary rounds on Tuesday, running 53.94 seconds at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Stadium.

Campbell won the second heat while Edwin Allen High’s Kellyann Carr, who was second in Class Two last year won the first heat with the second fastest time of the round — 54.60 seconds.

Vere Technical’s Shevaughn Thomas, a Class Two finalist last year, ran 54.67 seconds followed by Holmwood Technical’s Kristen Herbert — 54.83 seconds; her teammate Abrina Wright ran 55.61 seconds and Immaculate Conception’s Davine Dickenson ran 55.68 seconds.

Vere Technical’s Jesena Williams ran the fastest time in Class Two when she clocked 54.66 seconds, ahead of Holmwood Technical’s Maddison Campbell — 55.64, followed by the Hydel High pair of Nastassia Fletcher — 55.78 seconds and Sashana Johnson — 55.81 seconds.

Pre-championships favourite Shameika McLean of Foga Road High led the Class Three qualifiers after running 56.79 seconds to win the first heat with St Jago High’s Jamilia Alves running 57.02 seconds and Holmwood Technical’s Ashley Wynter timed in 57.11 seconds.

Alyssa Carty of St Jago who ran 57.75 seconds and Shaniel Henry of Hydel with 57.80 seconds, also advanced.

— Paul Reid