NATIONAL sprinter Tia Clayton’s former coach, Michael Dyke, expects her to win a medal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. The championships will be held September 13-21.

Clayton, 20, clocked a world-leading 10.92 seconds to take victory in the women’s 100m during the Jetour Diamond League in Doha, Qatar, on Friday. Her twin sister Tina, a former World Under-20 100m champion, followed closely behind with a time of 11.02 to secure second place.

Their countrywoman and three-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, one of the most decorated sprinters in history, finished fourth in the event in a season’s best time of 11.05.

DYKE…when Tia is in this sort of mood it is going to take a lot to really beat her (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

“Tia is the more talented one of the two,” Dyke, who coached the twins at Edwin Allen High School, said. “She had some issues going into Class Two and Class One. She basically couldn’t do any strength work at that time because of a back problem.

“We tried to correct it but it happened, so we didn’t pressure her. We knew that once everything was fixed she would return to her normal self.”

Dyke credits Tia’s recent form and rapid improvement to the guidance she’s receiving under MVP Track and Field Club’s Head Coach Stephen Francis.

He believes her trajectory puts her firmly in contention for a place on the podium in Tokyo — and possibly even a career-best time.

Tia Clayton pauses after completing the final of the women’s 100m sprint at the Paris Olympic Games last August. (Naphatali Junior)

“Based on what I have seen I am expecting her to at least medal, if she doesn’t win. She is that good,” Dyke said confidently. “And when Tia is in this sort of mood it is going to take a lot to really beat her. Once she starts getting confident, she will do well. I think if everything goes well she could go down to a 10.70 — and that is very possible.”

Despite acknowledging Tina’s discipline and hard-working nature, Dyke stressed that it is Tia’s raw talent that sets her apart.

“Tina will work hard and beat you if you play around,” he said. “But talent-wise, Tia is the better one.”