Paul Francis encouraged by 4×100 relay prep
TOKYO, Japan — For Jamaica’s relay coach Paul Francis, the upcoming 4x100m relays at the World Athletics Championships represent not just another shot at a medal, but also a chance to showcase the depth of the country’s sprinting quality.
And with a few crucial days of preparation under their belts, Francis believes the team is well-positioned to deliver a performance that will make Jamaicans proud.
“We have a few days between when the sprints are done and the 4x100m relays,” Francis explained. “We only have one person who is doubling so as a result, we have had a chance to get some good training sessions in and up to this point, I think they are looking quite good and it’s very encouraging.”
Jamaica has enjoyed rich success in both the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays at international championships but neither team medalled at last year’s Olympic Games in Paris. At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, the men’s team crossed the line in third place while the women rook the silver medal.
The pool of runners on the men’s side include 100m gold and silver medallists Oblique Seville and Kishane Thompson alongside, Akeem Blake, Ryiem Forde, Kadrian Goldson, and Rohan Watson.
The women’s pool consists of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, 100m silver medallist Tina Clayton, Tia Clayton, Shericka Jackson, Jonielle Smith and Jodean Williams.
However, the technical leader of the team can select members not named to the squad if needed.
“We believe that we have fixed in practice those issues we had,” he said. “Of course, there will always be an issue of togetherness, getting all the bodies in one space to get the familiarity going. Now we have a couple days, so we are making sure to utilise it as best as we can. I think once we go out there and execute properly I think the whole nation will be happy with the result.
“I think our country is rich with talent and we will appreciate whoever is put out there, and we will trust the judgement of the coaches involved.”
The heats of the men’s 4x100m will take place on Saturday at 8:25 pm (6:25 am, Jamaica time) with the women’s heats starting at 8:45 pm (6:45 am).
MVP Track Club coach Paul FrancisGarfield Robinson
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