The national team to youth and junior championships will be well served by the current sprinting prowess of the West. The kids and their coaches do not have all-weather tracks to train on but they have managed to develop skills that can stand up with the best in the world. There was so much talent on show at the annual high school Western Championships to set tongues wagging. Both class one 100m finals lived up to expectations, with match races going to the wire. In the girls, 100m final, Alexis James of Petersfield high, started magnificently and was able to use the slight advantage gained to hold off a surging Carletta Bernard of Mount Alvernia high. Both demonstrated good technique as they pulled away from the field to post 11.24 and 11.34, respectively. Unfortunately, there was no anemometer present so the wind speed is unknown. Both will be solid contenders when the medals are on the line later this season. The class one boys did not disappoint. DeAndre Daley of Herbert Morrison was a picture of confidence as he used his good form to whittle away an advantage lost at the start. After 20 metres, he eventually got by an excellent Javorne Dunkley of Steths to win 10.50 to 10.55. Daley has run much faster and he will be happy to finish the race in one piece after his injury-marred his season finale last year. Lavanya Williams was the standout sprinter among the class two girls. Her form and size remind one of the great Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Lightening fast from the blocks, she turns over like a piston, even on the grass. She had absolutely no threat as she posted 11.90 easing before the line. Perhaps the most impressive sprinter of the day was the class two boys winner, Tremaine Todd of Steths. He has all the tools to go all the way, even from this early stage. This is his first year in the class but he could tower over everybody in the big races locally. Todd’s execution caught the eye. His legs turn over like a well-oiled wheel with knees coming up superbly. He looked like a man among boys. Once again, the absence of the time machine at the meet left many disappointed as he posted a crazy 10.53, easing some 20 metres out. Can’t wait to enjoy more from the speedy Todd and western sprinting posse.