TAMPERE, Finland – Mixed results for Jamaican athletes on Thursday’s (12 July) opening session of the 16th IAAF World U20 Championships here at the Tampere Stadion.
Malik James-King and Leonardo Ledgister qualified with the ninth and 12th best times in the men’s 400m hurdles respectively.
James-King was easy, shutting it down about 50 metres out to cross the line in 51.54secs.
Ledgister, who went out fast in his heat, worked a bit harder to finish second in 51.65secs.
Ledgister could do better in World U20 Championships 1st round
“I could do better, but in the semis, look for a better run,” promised the STETHS schoolboy Ledgister, who admitted he went out early because he was unaware of his opponents strategic.
Xavier Nairne finished heat 3 of the men’s 200m, in the fifth position with a time of 21.32.
Nairne said he’s “a bit race rusty right now” while adding “came out here and tried to execute the race, but things didn’t go as planned.”
He, however, promised a better showing in the semi-finals. “In the semi-finals, I will try to better it (time),” said the Wolmer’s student.
In the field, Ackelia Smith and Susan Francis both missed out of the long jump final.
Smith, who if from Edwin Allen, recorded 5.90m while Holmwood’s schoolgirl Francis best effort was 5.47m. American Tara Davis led the qualifiers with 6.40m.
