Two members of the new age of Jamaican sprinting, Oblique Seville and Ackeem Blake, were the top two finishers in the Men’s 100m at the 2023 Miramar Invitational at the Ansin Sports Complex in Florida on Saturday.
Seville, who finished fourth in the 100m at the World Championships last year, produced a season’s best 9.95 in the preliminaries before returning to run 9.91 in the final, a time that would have been a world lead if not for the 2.2 m/s wind, just over the allowable 2.0 m/s.
Blake’s time for second was 9.93 while Canadian Aaron Brown ran 9.97 for third.
In the Women’s equivalent, American Sha’Carri Richardson used a massive 4.1 m/s wind to run 10.57 for victory ahead of teammates Twanisha Terry (10.83) and Cambrea Sturgis (10.98). Jamaican Natasha Morrison was fourth in 11.05.
Richardson turned heads in the preliminaries when she ran 10.75 with a 2.8 m/s trail-wind before producing the stunning time a mere few hours later.
Bahamian Alonzo Russell produced a personal best 44.93 to take top spot in the Men’s 400m ahead of Botswanan Leungo Scotch (45.03) and Japan’s Rikuya Ito (46.02).
In the Women’s one lap event, Jamaica’s Charokee Young and World 200m Champion Shericka Jackson were second and third in 51.58 and 51.64, respectively, behind American winner Shamier Little (50.73).
Jamaican Marvin Williams ran 52.74 for third in the Men’s 400m hurdles behind American Amere Lattin (50.22) and Italy’s Gabriele Montefalcone (50.26).
Tonea Marshall narrowly won the Women’s 100m hurdles in 12.62 (2.2m/s wind) over Jamaican Amoi Brown (12.69) and Anna Cockrell (12.73).
The Men’s 110m hurdles was won by the USA’s Eric Edwards in 13.21 (2.7 m/s wind) over Jamaica’s Orlando Bennett (13.37) and Brazil’s Rafael Pereira (13.40).
Puerto Rico’s Ryan Sanchez took the title in the Men’s 800m in 1:46.59 ahead of Jamaica’s Rajay Hamilton (1:47.47) and the USA’s Kameron Jones (1:47.47).
St. Vincent’s Shafiqua Maloney ran 2:04.98 for second in the women’s equivalent. Ajee’ Wilson ran 2:02.95 for the win while Kendra Chambers was third in 2:06.29.
In the field, 2019 World Championship silver medallist Danniel Thomas-Dodd threw 18.48m for victory in the Women’s shot put ahead of the USA’s Adelaide Aquilla (18.26m) and Great Britain’s Divine Oladipo (16.49m).
Chanice Porter jumped 6.59m for third in the women’s long jump behind American Taliyah Brooks (6.65m) and Nigeria’s Ruth Usoro (6.82m).
Honouring Hubert Lawrence: Jamaica Observer’s Paul Reid accepts Jesse Abramson Award on behalf of late colleague
In a poignant moment during Saturday’s final day of 128th edition of the Penn Relays, veteran sports journalist Paul Reid accepted the prestigious Jesse Abramson Award on behalf of his late friend, brother, and colleague, Hubert Lawrence. The ceremony, tinged with both celebration and remembrance, highlighted Lawrence's unparalleled contributions to track and field journalism and his lasting impact on the sport.
"It's an absolute honour to receive the Jesse Abramson Award for excellence in track and field journalism on behalf of Hubert Lawrence," expressed Reid, who was the first Jamaican sports journalist to receive the award in 2010.
"This award was long overdue given Hubert's outstanding body of work, particularly at the Penn Relays, which he covered for over 25 years. Hubert would have cherished this moment, especially witnessing Excelsior's historic win after nearly 60 years."
Excelsior High School won the Championship of America High School Boys 4x100m in a time of 40.45. It was the first time they were winning the event since they last claimed victory in 1967.
Reid's emotional words encapsulated the deep bond shared with Lawrence, who passed away suddenly on February 23, 2024. The Penn Relays marked a poignant occasion for both friends, whose coverage of the event spanned more than three decades. "He (Lawrence) would have pulled up a long list of statistics and facts," Reid remarked in reference to Excelsior historic win. "It was surreal standing there on the infield during the ceremony as I had missed my award in 2010 because I had no idea that I was being awarded and was busy working at the time. Hubert leaves a massive legacy and he is missed every day, especially at track and field meets."
The decision to honour Lawrence posthumously was prompted by Irwin Clare of Team Jamaica Bickle, a longstanding supporter of Jamaican and Caribbean athletes at the Penn Relays.
"With his untimely passing, we felt this was an extremely appropriate time to honour someone who had such a profound impact on track and field in Jamaica and at the Penn Relays," remarked Aaron Robison, the meet director of the Penn Relays. "Hubert was universally respected and admired, not only by athletes and coaches but also by the entire media fraternity. His integrity and dignity in reporting earned him admiration from all quarters of the sport."
Lawrence's legacy transcended journalism, resonating deeply with athletes and coaches who held him in high regard for his professionalism and genuine passion for track and field.
The posthumous recognition underscores the enduring influence of his work and the profound loss felt by the athletics community. As Reid stood on the infield, accepting the award, the void left by Lawrence's absence was palpable, a testament to the indelible mark he made in the world of sports journalism.
In honouring Hubert Lawrence with the Jesse Abramson Award, the Penn Relays celebrated not only a remarkable journalist but also a cherished friend and colleague whose legacy continues to inspire and resonate within the track and field community.
KC wins third straight Championship of America 4x400m title at Penn Relays; JC wins 4x800m
Kingston College made it three Championship of America 4x400m titles in a row with a comfortable win in the event on the third and final day of the 128th Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Their quartet of Antonio Forbes, Amal Glasgow, Roshawn Lee and Marcinho Rose combined to run 3:11.86 to win ahead of Excelsior (3:12.94) and Bullis School (3:13.10).
Elsewhere, Jamaica College won their second Championship of America 4x800m relay in three years.
Their team of Nellie Amberton, Samuel Creary, Rasheed Pryce and Kemarrio Bygrave produced a time of 7:42.37 to win ahead of St. John’s College (7:44.66) and Central Bucks West (7:45.99).
Excelsior leads Jamaican 1-2-3 in Championship of America High School Boys 4x100m at Penn Relays
Excelsior High emerged victorious in the Championship of America High School Boys 4x100m on the third and final day at the 128th Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Their quartet of Ryeem Walker, Damor Miller, Malike Nugent and Lennon Green combined to run 40.45 to secure the school’s first win in the event since 1967.
Kingston College (Daniel Clarke, Yourie Lawrence-Clarke, Nyrone Wade, Marcinho Rose) were second in 40.53 and Herbert Morrison (Ky-Mani Hemmings, Tavaine Stewart, Chance Segree, De Andre Daley) completed a Jamaican 1-2-3 with 40.56 in third.
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