VETERAN NATIONAL track and field coach Glen Mills sees sprint hurdler Brigitte Foster as Jamaica's best bet for a medal at the ninth IAAF World Athletics Championships which open in Paris on Saturday.
Mills, who has been to all eight previous championships, thinks Foster, the world's No. 2 in her event, has what it takes to be among the top three in the 100m hurdles at the prestigious meet.
"She has been consistent all season and is certainly the athlete with the best prospects. Only one competitor, American Gail Devers, has been beating her consistently this season and barring unforeseen circumstances she looks certain to medal," the former Camperdown High coach said yesterday.
He added: "I also think Lorraine Fenton has a glorious chance in the women's 400m while Commonwealth Games champion Michael Blackwood has strong possibilities in the men's equivalent.
"Blackwood has not so far lived up to his No. 1 ranking but he has done good times on the circuit and is a fierce competitor. He should be in the top three."
Mills, a former coach of Raymond Stewart who won the 100m silver at the 1987 World Championships, also expects 400m hurdler Kemel Thompson to be a top medal contender.
"He has been the most consistent of Jamaica's three entrants in this event. He is in a very tough event but clocked 48.05 seconds for the distance recently and that puts him firmly among the medal favourites," Mills said.
Mills also had high hopes for fast rising national high jump record holder Germaine Mason.
"Mason has been truly phenomenal this season. After the disappointment of not winning gold before his home crowd at last year's World Junior Championships he has redoubled his efforts. His coach, Stephen Francis, has corrected a few technical problems and he is now a tremendous talent at only age 20. His national record 2.34 metres is definitely competitive. He is rated at four by the IAAF and with his current rapid improvement could lift the event."
According to Mills, both 400m runner Brandon Simpson and long jumper Elva Goulbourne have strong chances of getting into the finals of their events.
"Simpson has been running some good races. I am hopeful that he will make the final. Goulbourne could also reach the final of her event but she will have to be at her best to get a medal."
