The sprinters were out in full force at Velocity Fest #13, held at the National Stadium last Saturday, desperately seeking to put up impressive numbers as the season moves into high gear.

World champion over 200m Shericka Jackson did not hold back as she ran a world-leading 10.82 to win the 100m. And Jackson, who has a personal record of 10.71 over the distance, was not totally pleased with her performance. “I was hoping to run a little faster but I’m grateful,” the MVP star told Athleticsja.org. “I’m sure I made some mistakes that my coach will find. We have been paying close attention to the start and I thought tonight was pretty good,” she announced. Natasha Morrison continued her good form with 11.09 for second, with Anthoniqie Strachan of the Bahamas 3rd with 11.11.

The men’s 100m final proved quite dramatic. Ackeem Blake looked to have grabbed a fast start and held his form well to beat the field handily. Spectators waited patiently for the results of what looked like an excellent time. To everyone’s disappointment, it was then announced that Blake had false started, but the race was not recalled. He was disqualified and Zharnel Hughes, who had finished second, was promoted and given a hand-timed 9.9h.

Blake will have better days in the short run, however, as he looked in control posting 9.99 to win his heat earlier. Julian Forte also clocked in at 10.03 and Hughes at 10.04.

There was good speed on show over the barriers as well. Kerrica Hill, in only her second professional start, demonstrated good form and excellent composure to fight back from an ordinary start and overhaul the experienced Megan Tapper. She posted 12.75 to Tapper’s 12.99.

Zandrian Barnes produced a personal best to win the 400m with 45.41 crossing the line with national record holder Rusheen McDonald who registered the same time, in second.

Rasheed Dwyer won the 200m with 20.68.

In the field, Fedrick Dacres produced 65.65m to win the discus.

In the United States, Ashanti Moore took the spotlight by winning the 100m at the Michael Johnson Invitational in 11.12 over American Abby Steiner who posted 11.19. The order was reversed in the 200m with Steiner posting 22.30 to Moore’s 22.62.

There were at least three Jamaican winners at the John McDonnell Invitational as Ackera Nugent won the 100m in 11.13, Roje Stona took the shot put with 20.08m and Ralford Mullings won the discus with 60.71m.