Hunt in action yesterday. - Michael SloleyBRENDA-GRACE Hunt of Wolmer's threw the javelin record 44.92 metres to highlight yesterday's opening day of the 2001 VMBS Girls Championships at the National Stadium.
Hunt, who surged into the lead with a throw of 41.64 on her fourth attempt, finished well ahead of early leader Sherita Harriot of William Knibb. Harriot's effort was 38.18m. Third place went to Vere Technical's Sheree Francis.
The old record, 43.12m, was set by Hunt last year.
Veronica Campbell, the world's fastest junior and who is highly fancied to win the Class 1 sprint double cleared the first hurdle. The smooth running athlete easily advanced to the second round of the 200m with the fastest qualifying time. Campbell won heat one in a smart 23.67. Her teammate Shereefa Lloyd had the second fastest time of 24.64, followed by Faith Smith of Holmwood Technical (25.13).
An interesting battle is looming in the Class 2 200m as Sheryl Morgan of Holmwood Technical, Simone Facey (Vere), Kerron Stewart (St. Jago) and Shanna-Kay Campbell (Queen's) all went under 25 seconds to advance to the second round. However, Morgan had the fastest qualifying time of 24.85, just ahead of Facey (24.91) who is seeking the sprint double.
In Class 3 200m, St. Elizabeth Technical's Sherieka Williams (24.78) and Diane Dietrich (24.96) of Immaculate Conception have qualified to the next round with the two fastest times.
Vere Technical who are expected to score heavily in all area of Class 4 gave a sneak preview of what is in store. Julia Smith won heat seven of the 200m in effortless fashion with a time of 25.48 to advance as the fastest qualifier.
Three finals are scheduled for today. The first is the Class 1 discus at 2:00 p.m. The high jump Class 3 and 2 finals will be held later in the day.
