Allyson Felix for Golden Spike Ostrava
Allyson Felix

POINTE-A-PITRE, Guadeloupe – World-class T&F athletes continue to travel to the French Caribbean island for the annual International Meeting Region de Guadeloupe; this year on May 12th.

Now in its 14th year, the organizers have invited and confirmed one of the most decorated Olympic medalists in history, the USA’s Allyson Felix.  

This will be Felix’s first trip to the French overseas region which has caused a ripple of excitement and fans on the island. Each year the stadium is packed with fans of all ages who eagerly support Track & Field.

In 2017, some 25 Olympic athletes who competed in the Rio de Janiero 2016 Olympic Games, descended on the island.  

In 2018, the organizers have confirmed 10 Olympic and World Championship medalists:

Yulimar Rojas (VEN) – Olympic Silver medal, Women’s Triple Jump

Will Claye (USA) – 2 x Olympic Silver medal, Men’s Triple Jump 2016, 2012

Nelson Evora (POR) – Olympic Gold medal, Men’s Triple Jump 2008

Tianna Bartaletta (USA) – Olympic Gold medals, Women’s Long Jump / 4x100r 2016

Michael Tinsley (USA) – Olympic Silver medal, Men’s 400m hurdles, 2012

Kristi Castlin (USA) – Olympic Bronze medal, Women’s 100m hurdles 2016

Margaret Wambui (KEN) – Olympic Bronze medal, Women’s 800m 2016

Bershawn Jackson (USA) – Olympic Bronze medal, Men’s 400m hurdles, 2008

Donald Thomas  (BAH) – World Championship Gold Medal, Men’s High Jump 2007

Kori Carter (USA) – World Championship Gold Medal, Women’s 400m hurdles 2017

In last year’s meeting, the USA’s Brittney Reese (Long Jump), Will Claye and Kori Cater all achieved World Leading performances in their prospective events in Guadeloupe.

Previous highlights include 2012 Olympic gold medalist Kirani James of Grenada running 44.15 in the 400m event, Jamaica’s Asafa Powell near run under 10.00 in the 100m and US Olympian English Gardner setting a new meeting record in the women’s 100m in 11.04.

The track in the Stadium de Baie Mahault has been re-surfaced making the 8 lane track lightning fast for all the events scheduled this year (100m, 400m, 800m, 110H and 400H).

The jump runways have all been resurfaced hoping to help the athletes soar to record distances in both the long and high jumps.

Venezuelan Olympic silver medalist Yulimar Rojas set a new meeting record in the women’s triple jump in 2017.  She returns to Guadeloupe once again to start her outdoor season.

USA’s Mike Rodgers, who has a personal best of 10.85, is tipped to produce the first sub-10 here.

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here