Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

FRANCINE SIMPSON of the University of Technology (UTech) and Wolmer's Girls' Jeanelle Facey crowned themselves respective Under-20 and Under-18 long jump winners on yesterday's opening day of the Puma/Supreme Ventures National Athletics Championships at the National Stadium.

Simpson leapt 6.07m to win the Under-20 event ahead ofDeandra Doyley (5.97m) and Salcia Slack of Holmwood (5.79m).

Simpson was pleased with the win, but disappointed with the distance: "I jumped 6.51m earlier this season so I am very disappointed with this jump," she said.

However, she promised "great things for the remainder of the season".

Other winners

In the Under-18 event, Facey leapt 5.73m to beat Yushanni Durrant of UTech (5.71m) and Melissa Hewitt ( 5.47m).

Michael Pommelles, the lone Under-18 competitor in the javelin, threw 34.30 metres.

In the girls' discus final, Katherine Forrester (41.09m) beat Edwin Allen's Latanya Nation ( 39.35m) and Kenisha Throughsingh of Vere (38.44m).

Micara Vassell of St. Hugh's threw 38.54m to beat her teammate, Caundicea Bernard (36.23m), and Vanessa Levy of Edwin Allen (34.09m).

In the boys' Under-18 800m, Kingston College's (KC) Adrian Bonner (1:57.74), Sunil Kates of Central High (1: 57.74) and heat one winner Donohue Williams of KC (2:00.01) lead the qualifiers.

St. Elizabeth Technical High's Steve Banton ran 53.94 seconds for the fastest time in the boys' Under-18 400m hurdles. André Peart, winner of heat one, has the second best time of 54.35.