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News24 Jul 2000


Ottey may yet make Sydney 100m

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AFP

24 July 2000Kingston, Jamaica - Jamaican athletics star Merlene Ottey missed out on an automatic 100-metre berth at the Sydney Olympics, but might yet make her farewell run in the event in place of compatriot Beverly McDonald.

Ottey's fourth-place showing ensured her a trip to Australia as part of the Jamaican 4x100 relay team. But Adrian Wallace, president of the Jamaican Athletic Association, said she might replace 100 runner-up McDonald in the event.

"Traditionally, McDonald runs only the 200," Wallace said. "She hasn't said anything yet, but there is the possibility she might only run the 200 at the Olympics. She finished in top three in the 100 at the trials last year and she only ran the 200 at the World Championships."

Delloreen Ennis-London produced a record-equaling performance in the women's 100 hurdles final, winning in 12.52 seconds to match the national mark set by Michelle Freeman, who settled for second in 12.57.

"Michelle (Freeman) got out early and I had to get after her, but I maintained my composure and kept on going. I knew it was going to be tough but I am in good condition," said Ennis-London, whose personal best was 12.71.

The men's 110 hurdles went to Robert Foster, who won in 13.59 from Matthew and Dwayne Robinson.

World Championships 200 silver medalist McDonald and Christopher Williams both made up for near-misses in the 100.

McDonald won the women's title for the third straight year, clocking in 22.70. Juliet Campbell was second in 22.86 and Astia Walker third in 22.96. Peta-Gayle Dowdie, the 100 winner, ran well below her best and was fifth in 23.19, just behind Merlene Frazer, who ran 23.05 for fourth.

Williams won the men's final in 20.32 from Ricardo Williams and Dwight Thomas.

Marvin Watts led all the way to clock 1:47.21 in the men's 800. Mario Watson was just behind in 1:47.54, and Kenroy Levy third in 1:48.69.

Charmaine Howell and Mardrea Hyman had a stirring duel to the line in the women's 800. Howell got the edge from the judges, with both women being credited with 2:02.54. Third was Natalie Watson in 2:08.99.

James Beckford, the national record-holder, won the men's long jump with 8.26 metres. In the men's 400 Gregory Haughton, who lost to Michael Blackwood in the semifinals, turned the tables to win the final in 44.98 seconds. Danny McFarlene was second in 45.26, ahead of Davian Clarke at 45.28 and Michael Blackwood at 45.40.

Lorraine Graham displayed superior form to lead home Sandie Richards and Andrea Thomas in the women's one-lap event. Graham, the defending champion, clocked 50.72, Richards 51.26 and Thomas 52.27

Jamaican athletics Olympic qualifying results

Men

200:Chris Williams 20.32 ; Ricardo Williams 20.69 ; Dwight Thomas 20.69
800 : Marvin Watts 1.47.21 ; Mario Watson 1.47.54 ; Kenroy Levy 1.48.69
400 hurdles : Gregory Haughton 44.98 ; Danny McFarlene 45.26 ; Davian Clarke 45.28

Women

100-metre hurdles :1. Delloreen Ennis-London 12.52 seconds ; 2. Michelle Freeman 12.57; 3. Bridgette Foster 12.88
200 : Beverley McDonald 22.70 ; Juliet Campbell 22.86 ; Astia Walker 23.96
400 ; Lorraine Graham 50.72 ; Sandie Richards 51.26 ; Andrea Thomas 52.27
800 ; Charmaine Howell 2.02.54  ; Mardrea Hyman 2.02.54 ;Natalie Watson 2.08.99

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