National Trials: McDonald wins 400m with his fastest time in two years
KINGSTON, Jamaica – National record holder Rusheen McDonald won his first men’s senior 400m title on Sunday, clocking 44.85 seconds to take the event in an upset at the JAAA national championships at the National Stadium.
Despite creditable performances through the first two rounds, the 32-year-old McDonald was not seen as a favourite to win. However, he produced his fastest time in two years to take the title.
He led by several yards with about 20 metres to go and almost gave it away after celebrating ahead of the finish line, but did enough to hold on to victory over the chasing Delano Kennedy, who was second in a personal best 44.91 seconds. Jevaughn Powell was third in 50.08 seconds.
Zandrion Barnes was fourth in 45.22 seconds, followed by Shaemar Uter in 45.55 seconds and last year’s winner Deandre Watkin, who was sixth in 45.82 seconds.