By Raymond Graham, Freelance WriterWHEN THE Supreme Ventures Senior National Track and Field Athletics Championships get under way at the National Stadium next weekend, pundits will be asking the million-dollar question: Will there be a changing of the guard?
Several veterans will have their hands full in containing younger runners who will be firing on all cylinders in both the male and female divisions.
Competition in both the male and female 100-metre races will be ferocious and nerve-racking. On parade will be world-leading contenders and local fans will see a galaxy of stars in their own backyard.
Whereas defending champion Asafa Powell is expected to retain his title in the men's 100 metres, the other places will be up for grabs. Up to two years ago, Stephen Francis-coached Powell was little-known in local track and field.
FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
Under Francis' guidance he has moved from strength to strength and is now the number one-ranked 100-metres sprinter in the world. A phenomenal feat indeed after clocking a blistering 9.99 seconds in only his first 100-metres race of the year at G.C. Foster College last Saturday. He should once again show his class and retain his title.
This is indeed the year of the Olympics and athletes will be gunning to make the trip to Athens as the event is the greatest sporting showpiece in the world.
The likes of Steve Mullings, Michael Frater and Dwight Thomas are expected to fight out the two remaining places to Athens. Following his consistent running all season including a wind-aided sub-10 clocking, former Vere Technical athlete, Steve Mullings, will for the first time compete at the championships injury-free.
Mullings, who recently graduated from Barton County College and will be attending Mississippi State University this fall, has dominated the 100 and 200 metres with exceptional times. He should give Powell a run for his money.
Michael Frater's 10.06 seconds clocking at the recent NCAA championships, clocking the same time as the winner, has him in top form and the Senior Pan Am 100 metres champion, who did so well at the Championships last year, is going to make things even tougher this time around.
Coming to the island just two days after his second-place finish, Frater is in a mean mood and wants to show he is not out to play second fiddle.
A veteran in his own way, Thomas is yet to show how good he really is. Come next weekend, Thomas, who several years ago got a bronze medal in the 100 metres at the World Junior championships, cannot be ruled out.
VICTORY
With a best time of 10.18 seconds so far this season, the strongly built athlete has been a member of the senior team since graduating from the junior level. Could his power and strength pull off a victory?
The likes of Penn Relays and Division II 100-metres winner, Lerone Clarke of Lincoln Univer-sity, along with former national sprint double champion Christopher Williams, Ricardo Williams, Clement Campbell and Llewlyn Bredwood, should add spice to what is expected to be a thriller.
PREDICTION
1. ASAFA POWELL
2. STEVE MULLINGS
3. MICHAEL FRATER
4. DWIGHT THOMAS
5. LERONE CLARKE
6. CLEMENT CAMPBELL
7. CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS
8. LLEWLYN BREDWOOD
