On Day Three of the Jamaican National Championships on Saturday, five Racers men advanced to the 200 metres finals. They are led by Yohan Blake who won his heat in 19.93 seconds — the fastest time overall. Usain Bolt also won his heat in 20.26. Warren Weir ran another personal best while dipping under the 20 seconds barrier for the first time, cruising in to a 19.99 seconds second place behind Yohan (wind +1.7). Also qualifying for Sunday’s finals are Marvin Anderson (20.32) and Jason Young (20.42).
Among the women, Schillonie Calvert qualified for the finals in 23.16. Celia Walters, who stumbled near the end of her race, did 24.07 — not good enough to get her a spot in the finals.
Three women and three men from the club will be among the finalists in both 400 metres events. For the women, Rosemarie Whyte won her semi-final in 51.11. Joining her in the finals will be Shereefa Lloyd (52.06) and Davita Prendagast (52.11). Edino Steele leads the men, after winning his semi-final in 45.52. Joining him in the finals are Jermaine Gonzales (45.27) and Javere Bell, who ran another personal best (45.78). Six men from the club ended their quest at the semi-final stage: Allodin Fothergill (45.61 SB); Nicholas Maitland (46.37); Ricardo Chambers (46.39); Peter Matthews (46.41; Jermaine Gayle (46.85; and Chumaine Fitten (47.17).
The finals of the 400 metres and 200 metres for both women and men will be run on Sunday, the final day of the Championships.
