Great Britain sprinter Zharnel Hughes has been around for so long you would think he’s Jamaican. The Racers Track Club athlete, who finished high school in Jamaica and still has the 100m class one record (10.12), started the season businesslike with a good run over 200m at the John Wolmer Speed Fest on March 18. Hughes posted 20.25, arguably the best performance overall and, based on the manner of execution and drive that he demonstrated through the line, he desperately wants to break barriers this season. He negotiated the curve like a man possessed and had a clear lead in the straight. And instead of backing off, he piled it on moving further away for a facile win.

The most competitive race among the seniors was the men’s 400m where four men broke forty-six seconds, with all four finishing within a tenth of a second. Assinie Wilson looked like he had control 10m out, but he shortened slightly and a wall of runners came with Antonio Watson using brute strength to finish just ahead in 45.78. Wilson ran 45.80 with Deandre Watkins 45.81 for third, all three getting personal bests. Fourth was Anthony Cox in 45.86!

This tight picture would have pleased the late Anthony McKnight who was rated as one of the best technicians with the electronic timer. May his soul rest in peace.

Fans also got a chance to see Oblique Seville in his first flat 100m for the season. The diminutive sprinter ran well for 10.13, giving coach Glen Mills valuable information about his well-being.

It was also a real pleasure to see sprinter Julian Forte hustling hard and completing a race fit and healthy. The MVP athlete finished with 10.27, a win that should give him confidence as the business end of the season approaches. Sachin Dennis, who has been injury-prone himself, finished 2nd with 10.32.

Honourable mention goes to intermediate hurdler Rushell Clayton who posted 53.78 to win her 400m heat. In the same race, quadruple Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah ran the first 300m and then backed off to come home in 1:00.88.