- ReutersMichael Blackwood of Jamaica competing for the Americas (left) and USA's Antonio Pettigrew sprint to the finish line of the 4x400 metre relay event at the 9th World Cup in Athletics in Madrid yesterday. Blackwood and the America's team won the race.
JAMAICANS MICHAEL Blackwood, Michael McDonald and Sandie Richards, running for the Americas, were on winning 4x400 metres relay teams on yesterday's final day of the two-day Athletics World Cup Championship in Madrid, Spain.
The 26-year-old Black-wood, the world No. 1 over that distance, anchored the Americas 4x00m replay team to a close victory in a time of 2:59.19. Blackwood's teammates in order Felix Sanchez of Dominican Republic, Grenada's Alleyne Francique and follow Jamaican Michael McDonald also ran very good legs.
The United States were timed at 2:59.21 for second place, with Africa (3:01.69), Asia (3:03.02) and Britain (3:03.34) ended in the top five.
Meanwhile, veteran Richards, the only Jamaican on the women's 4x400m relay team, ran the first leg to set up a big victory ahead of the US who placed second in 3:23.67.
The Americas team with Cuba's Daimi Pernia (second leg), Christine Amertil of Bahamas (third leg) and Ana Guevara of Mexico on anchor raced to victory in 3:23.53.
On Friday, three Jamaicans Tayna Lawrence, Juliet Campbell and Beverley McDonald, along with Bahamian Debbie Ferguson, ran a world leading time (41.91) to upset the US, with 'super-woman' Marion Jones running the second leg in the 4x100 relay. The US clocked 42.05, their season-best, ahead of Africa (42.99).
Russia (3:26.59) finished third ahead of Africa (3:26.84), Europe (3:29.21), Germany (3:31.09), Oceania (3:31.32), hosts Spain (3:36.50) and Asia (3:37.18).
Another Jamaican that was among the medals was 100m hurdles runner Bridgette Foster who took silver in her event in 12.82 behind Gail Devers, who won in 12.65 for the US.
Spain's Glory Alozie claimed third in 12.95 ahead Olena Krasovska of Europe in 13.07.
Debbie Ferguson of the Bahamas, without Marion Jones running, took the 200 in 22.49. Jones skipped the race and ended her season on Friday. Muriel Hurtis of Europe placed second in 22.78 while Myriam Leonie Mani, running for Africa, was third in 22.81.
Cuban Olympic champion Anier Garcia (13.10) raced to victory in the 110m hurdles with American Allen Johnson second in 13.45 and Stanilavs Olijars of Europe third in 13.58.
Meanwhile, American Seneca Lassiter faces disciplinary action after admitting he served as a pacemaker for Kenyan Bernard Lagat in the 1,500m on Friday.
Lassiter finished ninth and last as Lagat won in three minutes, 31.20 seconds. Lassiter finished in 4:05.82 after burning himself out in two laps pacing the winner.
USA Track & Field yesterday called his behaviour grossly inappropriate in any national team competition and said his case would be sent to its board of review for disciplinary action.
Lassiter, who is the defending US outdoor champion at 1,500m, said he had no financial arrangement with Lagat.
"My intentions were in no way meant to disrespect the team, the United States or this competition. I made a mistake that I am greatly sorry for, which will never happen again," Lassiter said.
Africa clinched an unprecedented fourth consecutive World Cup men's title after their 4x400 metres relay quartet finished third.
The African team gathered 134 points from 20 events to finish first ahead of the United States (119) and Europe (115).
Russia took the women's title with 126 points followed by Europe (123) and the Americas (110).
