SPRINT Tech’s Rasheed Dwyer created a major upset in yesterday’s final day of competition at the JAAA Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships at the National Stadium yesterday.
The Maurice Wilson-coached athlete defeated world leader Warren Weir to win the men’s 200 metres in a personal best 20.04 seconds. Weir had to settle for second in 20.17, with third going to 100 metres silver medallist Jason Livermore in 20.25 seconds.
Drawn in lane six, the powerfully built Dwyer, the former World University Game gold medallist in the event, found his best to hold off Weir near to pull off the biggest win of his career.
“First, I must give God thanks for the win, and coach Wilson who has guided me well. I came to the Championships very confident and I just executed as he said, and in the end it was a win for me,” said Dwyer.
keen battle
It was a close finish in the women’s event where two former Holmwood Technical athletes. Anneisha McLaughlin and Schillone Calvert had a keen battle all the way, but in the end it was McLaughlin who prevailed to win her first National Senior title, winning in 22.79 seconds. McLaughlin got the better of Calvert (22.88) and Samantha Henry-Robinson, who was third in 23.15. Things started off on a positive note for the fans in the first two track events finals where Novlene Williams-Mills and Akeem Gauntlett had good runs to win the female and male 400 metres titles.
The inform Williams-Mills, who is the Diamond League leader in the event, and the top Jamaican so far this season, captured another national title after a well timed run.
extra gear
A little way behind her main rivals, Williams-Mills found an extra gear in the final 80 metres to score a good win in 50.05 seconds. The quarter-miler got the better of a fast-finishing Christine Day, who finished second in a personal best 50.16 seconds. Stephanie McPherson took third in 50.50 seconds.
Overseas-based Gauntlett, who won the male title two years ago, and who was third a year ago, returned to good form as he held off a strong field to regain the crown in 45.00 seconds.
Undoubtedly, the Women’s 100 metres hurdles , the final track event of the night, was the most competitive as there was a blanket finish where a new champion was crowned. Former Immaculate High athlete Monique Morgan underlined her status as the fastest Jamaican in the event this season. After being in about third position in mid-race, Morgan found her best in the latter part of the event taking top spot in 12.96 seconds to equal her season best. Defending champion Danielle Williams had to settle for second in 12.99 seconds as former champion Indira Spence took third in 13.03 seconds.