With the number of competitors in men’s 100m at the Jamaica trials down to the semi-final 16, the final set for 9:25 p.m. (Jamaica time) today is shaping up to be a real cracker. In Usain Bolt’s absence, because as World Champion he gets a bye to the Games, several other stalwarts have advanced to position themselves to bid for the coveted three spots to represent Jamaica alongside Bolt at the World Championships in August, as well as squeeze themselves into the relay pool of six.
Steve Mullings, Nesta Carter, Asafa Powell and Yohan Blake each won his heat in that order, with Blake clocking the fastest, 9.83secs with a 3.6 tail wind, ahead of Michael Frater, 9.86 and Lerone Clarke, 9.99. After sitting in the blocks, Blake was made to chase Frater, catching him only a meter from the line.
The next strongest positive wind was in heat three, which Powell took in 9.99secs (2.7w) ahead of Dexter Lee (10.09) and Kenroy Anderson (10.15). Looking smooth and ready as he blasted out the blocks and trotted the last few meters, Powell brought adoring fans to their feet, underscoring their desire to see him win a major title.
Despite Carter’s claim that he wasn’t fully ready, the island’s number three sprinter looked awesome as he led his group in 10.05secs (0.7w). Behind him were Jacques Harvey in 10.12 and Winston Barnes, 10.30.
In the only 100m heat that had a negative wind (-1.3), the season’s leading man Steve Mullings clocked 10.13secs ahead Mario Forsythe in 10.29 and Kimmari Roach, 10.35. Mullings, who eased off the gas early, looked ready to deliver something special in the final.
The other qualifiers for the semi-final line-up are Oshane Bailey, Sheldon Mitchell, Omar Douglas and Ainsley Waugh. The semi-final races will be run at 7:25 p.m.