Day Three was a mixed bag, with Jamaica hitting the medal table with three, two silver and a bronze. All three medals came from established stars who have been there before and continue to add to their collection
Defending Olympic champion Hansle Parchment (13.07) recovered from an ordinary start to grab silver in the 110m hurdles won by American Grant Holloway in 12.96, his third title in succession. More silverware were expected later in the day from women’s 100m and they duly delivered. Perhaps not the exact medals that Jamaica craved, but medals none the less. Shericka Jackson looked surprised when she saw American Sha’Carri Richardson flash by on the outside to take the win in 10.65 CR. Jackson was second in 10.72 with veteran and five-time winner Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce 10.72, taking unfamiliar bronze.
Earlier, Jamaica lost out on what should have been a sure medal in the triple jump, possibly gold when world leader Jaydon Hibbert, who spanned 17.70m in qualifying, picked up an injury in his first attempt in the final. Sad way to end the season by a spectacular young athlete who gave so many incredible performances this season. At only 18 yrs old, he should be back many more times in the future.
Arguably, the most spectacular performance by a Jamaican athlete on the day came from 19 yr old Roshawn Clarke who broke the 30 year old national record of 47.60 by Winthrop Graham in the 400mh. Clarke ran like a man possessed, chasing the world record holder Karsten Warholm who eventually won the semifinal, with Clarke second in the magical 47.34. This was also a new world junior record. Jaheel Hyde ran 48.49 in another semi but did not qualify for the final.
Only one Jamaica woman, Candice McLeod, (50.62) made the final of the 400m. Collegians Nickiesha Pryce and Cherokee Young ran like a lioness but folded badly in the home stretch.
Neither of Jamaica’s discus throwers hit the sweet spot as they finished far from the medals. Fedrick Dacres was 5th with 66.82m while Travis Smikle could only manage 61.90m.
Rushell Clayton (53.97) Andrenette Knight ( 54.21) and Jenieve Russell (54.53) all advanced in the 400mh for women.