By Noel ‘Bravo’ Francis, Special to TrackAlerts.Com
Men’s 200m
The men’s 200m event at the Prefontaine Classic will be one of the feature events on May 30th, 2015. Jamaica is strongly represented by the familiar trio of Nickel Ashmeade, Julian Forte and Rasheed Dwyer. Ashmeade and Forte have swapped positions in previous meetings this season and another keen tussle is on the cards between both men. This season, Rasheed Dwyer has been trying his best to be consistent and at the same time hoping for an improvement on his season’s best of 20.28 seconds done at the Jamaica International Invitational Meet. Dwyer, the Commonwealth Games 200m champion is due a big run. The Hayfield track is known to produce fast times and the Jamaicans will be hoping to cash in.
Defending Diamond race champion Alonso Edward of Panama has taken the early lead in the 2015 Diamond Race with victory in Shanghai and will be determine to continue that winning trend. He however will need to be on top of his game in Eugene as the line-up is a little stronger than the Shanghai field.
Since announcing his intentions of possibly doing the sprint double at the World Championships, American Justin Gatlin, has singlehandedly-heightened expectations for the Beijing games. Gatlin produced the fastest 200m time last year when he ran a lifetime best of 19.68 seconds at the Monaco Herculis Diamond League meet. This season, Gatlin has carried forward that tremendous form. He seems to be in sub-20 seconds shape and with his confidence at an all-time high; he should start as the overwhelming favourite in this event.
South Africa’s Anaso Jobodwana could be a spoiler in this event. The 22-year-old won the Cayman Invitational 200m in 20.06 seconds, to set a new South African record. Qatar’s rising star Femi Ogunode (20.06 PB) will be making his first appearance in the United States. He will be hoping to make a big impression on this fast track.
Interestingly, only one athlete so far Dedric Dukes (19.99), has run below 20 seconds this season. This event is crying out for a fast time, will the competitors and conditions oblige in Eugene on Saturday?
Some other potentially interesting events not mentioned in my earlier preview series happening on super Saturday include:
Men's 100m – Nesta Carter, Tyson Gay, Mike Rodgers, Richard Thompson, Kim Collins & Ryan Bailey
International Women's 100m – Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Jeneba Tarmoh, English Gardner, Barbara Pierre, Kimberlyn Duncan, Kaylin Whitney
Men's 800m – Featuring Mohammed Aman, Nigel Amos, Alfred Kipketer, Job Kinyor
Women's 800m – Eunice Sum, Ajee Wilson, Abeba Aregawi, Brenda Martinez, Janeth Jepkosgei, Alysia Montano ……
Women's 1500m – Jenny Simpson, Sifan Hassan, Axumawit Embaye
Men's High Jump – Mutaz Essa Brashim, Ivan Ukhov, Andriy Protsenko, Derek Drouin
Women's Triple Jump featuring Colombia's Caterine Ibarguen unbeaten for 2 years.
Pole Vault – Featuring World's Best practitioner, Renaud Lavillenie of France.
Please find schedule below:
Saturday May 30th, 2015
Jamaica time
2:21 p.m. — Women’s triple jump
2:26 p.m. — Men’s pole vault
2:41 p.m. — Women’s 400m
2:49 p.m. — Men’s 800m
2:56 p.m.. — Men’s high jump
3:03 p.m.. — Men’s 400m hurdles
3:11 p.m. — Men’s 3000m steeplechase
3:30 p.m. — Women’s javelin
3:33 p.m. — Women’s 100m
3:42 p.m. — Men’s 100m
3:49 p.m. — Men’s 400m
3:55 p.m. — Women’s 800m
4:05 p.m. — Men’s 110m hurdles
4:12 p.m. — Women’s 5000m
4:32 p.m. — Men’s 200m
4:40 p.m. — Women’s 1500m
4:49 p.m. — Men’s Bowerman Mile
About the Author:
Noel ‘Bravo’ Francis is a very exciting and creative freelance sports writer specializing in the fields of athletics and cricket. His colourful down to earth yet professional personality makes him a favourite amongst athletes and fans. Readers are often exposed to his detailed knowledge and passion which usually increase their interest in the athletes, events and the sport overall. He has a first degree in Banking & Finance and works in the financial industry. Contact Noel at nanthonyfrancis@gmail.com