KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jabari Matheson could become the first athlete from William Knibb Memorial to win a 400m gold medal at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships since Usain Bolt more than 20 years ago, after he had the fastest time in Wednesday’s semis in Class One event at the National Stadium.

Matheson cruised to a personal best 46.54 seconds, under the 46.60 seconds he ran at the COCAA Western Champs a month ago, winning his heat.

Matheson, who was third in Class Two last year, will however face the might of Kingston College’s defending champion Marchino Rose who ran 46.84 seconds and his teammate, Tajh-Marques White, who ran 46.70 seconds.

Excelsior’s Kishawn Hoffman, who ran 46.76 seconds and Holmwood Technical’s Omarie Williamson- 46.90 seconds, also advanced.

Kingston College’s Jason Pitter, the bronze medalist in Class Three last year, leads the qualifiers in Class Two with 47.91 seconds, followed by Denbigh High’s Chanton White, who ran 48.29 seconds.

Excelsior High’s Gregory McFarlane (48.41 seconds) and Munro College’s Oneil Brown (48.82) will also be seeking medals.

Russea’s High’s Tiene Barrett led the Class Three 400m qualifiers after he ran 49.98 seconds, St Jago High’s Khieme Campbell was second best with 50.86 seconds and Calabar High’s Rajeve Allison ran 51.36 seconds.

Lacovia High’s Nicholas Jones, who ran 50.86 seconds, and Calabar’s Justin McKoy (51.23 seconds), also advanced.

– Paul Reid

Kingston College’s Jason Pitter leads the qualifiers in the Class Two 400m at the ISSA/Grace/Kennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships with 47.91 (photo sanzy_lifestyle)

Defending Class One 400m champion at the ISSA/Grace/Kennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships Marchino Rose (photo sanzy_lifestyle)

Excelsior High’s Gregory McFarlane competes in the Class Two 400 m at the ISSA/Grace/Kennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (photo sanzy_lifestyle)

Tajh-Marques White, who ran 46.70 seconds to qualify for the Class One 400m final sat the ISSA/Grace/Kennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships (photo sanzy_lifestyle)