Jamaica’s quest for medals got off to a good start in Birmingham, with the majority of the athletes on show, doing enough to advance.
One of the biggest names entered is multiple Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah who turned up for the heats of the 100m quite relaxed. She went on to register 10.99 in winning her heat and looked great for the upcoming round. Natalliah Whyte won her heat in 11.31, while Ramona Burchell was third in another heat with 11.48. All three will be in Wednesday’s semifinals.
The men were less impressive but Kemar Bailey-Cole ran 10.15 for 2nd in his heat, while Conroy Jones left nothing to chance and won his heat in 10.28. Nigel Ellis was not at his best, posting 10.41 for third and failed to advance.
Hansle Parchment looked good running 13.33 and Orlando Bennet 13.40 to finish 1-2 in a 110m hurdles semifinal/heat. However, whereas Parchment was visibly easy, Bennet had to work hard to keep the opposition at bay. In the other semifinal, Rasheed Broadbell posted a 13.16 SB and will be a definite favourite for a medal in the final alongside Parchment.
In the longer distances, Natoya Goule started her journey for a medal in the 800m, posting a good 1:58.39 in her heat.
Jaheel Hyde was Jamaica’s only representative in the 400mH. He won his heat in the fastest time overall, 49.60.
In the field, Shawn-D Thompson was the sole competitor in the men’s long jump and he qualified with a leap of 7.85m.
Danniel Thomas Dodd qualified easily in the shot put for women, topping her group with 18.42m while Lloydricia Cameron managed 16.61m. The pair of Travis Smikle 64.90m and Roje Stona 58.35m both qualified for the final of the discus for men.