NAIROBI (KEN) – Jamaica’s Kevona Davis will be a big favourite in both the 100m and 200m with times this year of 11.24 and 22.97 at World Under-18 Championships, set for July 12-16.
The Caribbean nation has a great record at junior-level championships and others in the team who are favourite are Tyreke Wilson (10.34 in the 100m) and Britany Anderson (13.04 in the 100m hurdles).
Cuba also has a fine tradition among juniors; Marisleisys Duarthe (65.44m world record in the javelin), Maikel Vidal (7.85m long jump), Jordan Diaz (16.66m – fourth all-time in the triple).
Potential distance stars in action include Kenya’s Edward Zakayo (7:53.8 for 3000m), Leonard Bett (5:28.42 in the steeplechase) and Mercy Chepkurui (6:27.6 in the girls’ steeplechase).
After his world record in the 400m hurdles of 48.84 this year, South Africa’s Zazini Sokwakhana seems a class apart.