Boys Champs 2015 is slated to be very close. The top 2 contenders are in high spirits… especially after the heroic runs of KC’s Bloomfield and Calabar’s Taylor at the Carifta Trials. While the battle for the Mortimer Geddes trophy will be quite interesting, there are many races that will have spectators gripping the edge of their seats. So, without further ado, here are my top 5 races:
Class 1 400m
Over the past week, I have seen doctors, lawyers, and professionals argue like children fighting over the last jelly donut in the box… I have had a street vendor tell me that “mi will tek out mi 2 front teeth”, if his prediction doesn’t come through… and I have heard persons say they will bet “any money” on “any day” and “under any circumstance” that their athlete cannot lose. Aykeem Francis of Calabar, Terry Thomas of Greater Portmore, and Robin Black of STETHS have run respectable times of 47.39, 47.05, and 47.18, respectively, this season. None of their names, however, are at the forefront of spectators minds for this year.
Bloomfield registered a world leading 45.41 seconds to obliterate the Carifta Trials field and has set himself up as the man to beat in the final. He is tall, powerful, fast, and maintains long and fluid strides throughout the race. Needless to say, he has the assets to scare anyone in his line-up. But then, how do you scare the reigning World and Olympic Youth 400m Champion? St. Jago’s Martin Manley has tested the best in the World at his age group and has 2 gold medals to show for it. He has a time of 45.89 from 2013, and while he has not looked himself this season, do not be surprised if he claims the gold. His teammate, Nathan Allen, placed second at last year’s Champs behind Javon Francis. He is an excellent competitor and went as fast as 46.11 at last year’s Carifta trials. He has run 10.43 in the 100m this season which is testament to his speed. Running for Vere Technical at Champs 2014, Twayne Crooks placed 7th in the 400m finals and was outclassed by Allen. He is now at KC and has laid down the gauntlet with his superb 45.93 second clocking at the GC Foster Classic and will surely seek to get the better of not only Allen but the entire field.
A KC 1-2 finish is beckoning for this race with a ‘fit and healthy’ Bloomfield looking the be the likely winner. Amazingly, KC has 2 athletes who have registered a 45 second run in one season, a feat I believe has never been accomplished by a Jamaican High School before. Momentum going into the race is great and it shall be a good one.For the sake of the street vendors 2 teeth… let’s hope that Bloomfield wins.
Class 2 400m
I often notice that dignitaries, politicians, and special guests, usually arrive at the stadium somewhere around 5/6pm when the sun is going down and the place gets a bit cool. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Royal Box was filled and the stadium packed by 1.45 pm on Saturday… right before Calabar’s Christopher Taylor takes to the track. The prodigy has set the stage for a new world age group (15 years old) record to be cemented at the Championships … after he did the unthinkable at the Carifta Trials…. 45.69!
The heats for the 400m are on the Tuesday evening of Champs.. and the conditions are usually cool and calm at that time (ideal for fast times). At Champs 2014, Taylor set the Class 3 record of 48.72 in the heats and went on to run 48.80 in the final. If he wants to put the record to a point of no return (he has another year in the Class so he can break it again next year), he may very well go all out in the heats and leave us all in awe for the rest of the Championship. Although this race will consist of some formidable athletes… including Bann of KC who is expected to return from injury… Taylor should win easily and he’ll run a time that will make us question the accuracy of the clock… He’s that special.
Class 1 110m Hurdles
The defending champion, Jaheel Hyde of Wolmer’s, looked very smooth when he cruised to a very impressive time of 13.22 seconds at Carifta Trials. He is the reigning World Youth Champion in the event and as such; it is difficult for anyone to bet against him. While the talented and confident Hyde boasts many accolades… he has only won the 110m hurdles at Champs once (last year) and has lost to Calabar’s Michael Ohara in three consecutive years. Surprisingly, Ohara failed to make the Class 1 110m final last year and hence, did not race against Hyde.
Ohara’s best time for the season is a fast 13.57 and he is fully focused on avenging any mishaps he experienced at Champs 2014. He is 3 and 0 against Hyde at Champs and he certainly has no plans to relent. Calabar’s Selvin ran 13.42 to place second behind Hyde at the Carifta Trials and has progressed wonderfully throughout the season… improving every time he runs. He may be a spoiler.
Hyde vs Ohara, the World Junior Record of 12.99 just may go!
Class 3 100m
I cannot pick a favourite for this race… the field is stacked with an abundance of speed. Twayne Garriques of St. Jago made the final last year and ran 11.09 at the GC Foster Classics last weekend. He is now touted as the frontrunner. Green Island’s Javier Johnson is, however, the favourite in the eyes of many track fanatics who want to see the boy from the West conquer the traditional schools. He ran 11.20 to win the Western Champs gold. The KC duo of Oshane Peart and either Tahj Roje Scott or Akeem Smith are true contenders and will be looking to capture the quinella on the Friday night. At the same time, they have been very quiet this season and I do wonder if the powerful KC Class 3 will be adversely affected from their lack of races. The JC duo of Anthony Haslam and Kerron Whyte should also be factors in the final. I understand that Class 4 athlete Daniel Chambers of St. Jago will compete in the 200m.
I definitely expect a close finish in this one.
Class 1 200m
If KC’s Bloomfield does the 200/400m double, and he reports in great shape, then the 200m faceoff between himself and World Junior bronze medallist in the event, Ohara, will be truly epic. Both athletes have the calibre to break Usain Bolt’s record of 20.25 and if the conditions are good, I do expect them to eclipse it. Chad Walker of St. Jago posted 20.97 at the Carifta Trials, untested. He recently stated that he wants the record… and, notably, he will have the luxury of being the most rested going into that final. He may cause some damage. Fans should expect fireworks here as the next era of Jamaica’s world class sprinters will be coming out of this race.
The excitement is brewing and the biggest high school event in the world is only a week away. It’s gonna be great!
VJ Tolan,
Track Enthusiast
islandtrack 