KINGSTON, Jamaica – Some of the fastest female sprinters in the world will face each other in the 100m at the JN Jamaica Invitational Meet, to be held at the National Stadium, this Saturday, May 7.
The Sprinters are: Carmelita Jeter, United States of America (USA); Sherone Simpson, Jamaica; Kelly Ann Baptiste, Trinidad & Tobago; as well as Marshevet Myers and Shalonda Solomon of the USA.
According to Donald Quarrie, Athletes’ Liaison for the meet and Executive Member of the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA), the athletes listed were all in the top ten World Ranking List, last year.
Jeter is ranked as the number one, with a personal best of 10.64 seconds in the 100m. Meanwhile, Baptiste is ranked at number three with a personal record of 10.84. And, Myers is ranked at number four with a personal record of 10.93, followed by Simpson, who takes the number five spot with a personal record of 10.82. Solomon is, however, ranked at number nine with a personal record of 10.82.
In addition, Donald Quarrie pointed out that Kerron Stewart of Jamaica, who was ranked fifth fastest last year; but, due to injury, was unable to compete for most of the 2010 season, will also compete in 100m. And, there is the possibility that two-time Olympic 200m gold medallist and 2007 World 100m champion, Veronica Campbell Brown could participate in this race.
The 200m will also be an interesting race, as World and Olympic Champion Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce will compete in this event along with compatriot Shericka Williams; as well as, Bianca Knight of the USA and Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie of The Bahamas.
Donald Quarrie expressed satisfaction about the caliber and performance of the athletes confirmed so far for the Meet. “The list of athletes for 2011 is fantastic. The events will be more competitive than last year, and the possibilities of world leading performances are great,” he said.
Leon Mitchell, JN Group Marketing and Promotions Executive said that last year some 25,000 fans were in the National Stadium to witness the meet; and, it is anticipated that a larger audience would be in attendance this year. He also noted that the event was upgraded to an International Amateur Athletic Foundation (IAAF) Challenge Meet.
