Get the scoop on all things finance to increase profits and take your program to the next level!
6 THE TEAM • 8 MEDAL PREDICTIONS • 14 IS MCLEOD UNSTOPPABLE? • 16 EVENT SCHEDULE • 18 SHELLY OR ELAINE? • 26 DOHA INFO
Destiny in Shelly or Elaine? DOHA SPECIAL EDITION
DESTINY IN DOHA 2019
Welcome! OLIVE MCNAUGHTON Welcome to the third edion of the Jamaica Sports 876 Magazine: Desny In Doha! the first me in just over a decade, be without three Jamaican leading and legendary athletes: Dr. the Honorable Usain Bolt (G.O.A.T);
one of the greatest female sprinters, Veronica Campbell Brown and the Sub‐Ten King, one of the most ma‐ jesc 100m sprinters, Asafa Powell . These three athletes were in the forefront of Jamaican athlecs during the Golden Era, starng with the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in the iconic Bird’s Nest; and
When we started this magazine three years ago, for the 2016 Rio Olympics, ‘Reunion in RIO: Reggae Meets Samba’ , it was primarily an informaon guide to the World Championships, with a few feature arcles for the Trafalgar Sport
Jamaica Sports Director, Olive McNaughton
East in Doha, the Capital of Qatar for the first me; and is scheduled for a late start on the Athlecs Calendar on September 27, 2019. While for many, Doha certainly presents the charm of vising a new country, experiencing a new culture, cuisine and city, the tradi‐ onal ‘Jamaican Fan support’ has also been impacted by ming and distance, as well as the rerement of the World’s Greatest Athlete of All Time, Usain Bolt , aer London 2017. The Jamaican quest in Qatar takes place at a me when many believe is the end the Golden era of our country’s dominance in global sprint athlecs. The events will, for
Travelers. The response to the magazine from sports fans at the games, Jamaican from home and those in the Diaspora, was over whelming. It quickly became a collectors’ item. Since then, the magazine has been produced for each major cham‐ pionship; and has become an important part of our mission to promote ‘Brand Jamaica’, through sports, by embracing and enabling a strong fan support system for our athletes at major global events; and greater visibility for ‘Brand Jamaica’, on and off the track.
cemented at the 2009 Berlin World Championships , where Jamaican athlecs punched way above its weight, with world records and table‐topping medal hauls. Ten years later, ‘Desny in Doha’ signals the start of a new era, as the world waits to see where Jamaican track and field will go aer the exit of these sprinng icons and the disappointment of the London 2017 renewal. However, leading the charge in Doha will be one of the greatest female sprinters of all me, double olympic champion and many‐me world champion Shelly Ann Fraser‐ Pryce. I have had the disnct joy and pleasure of following the
The 17th IAAF World Champion‐ ships is being held in the Middle
3
DESTINY IN DOHA 2019
2019 DESTINY IN DOHA
6 8 46 8 1 1
0 1 2
CARIBBEAN QUEENS 2 2
ABOUT DOHA & QATAR 6 2
development and growth of SAFP from the bubbly young Wolmer’s schoolgirl to the now graceful veteran of the Jamaican team. Having been the youngest Jamaican 100M Champion at 21; known then as ‘the Pocket Rocket’ to eleven years later, ‘Mummy Rocket,” the veteran on the team is sll running mes similar to her first World Championships gold medal in Berlin and she is going into these Championships with a world leading me of 10.73. Danielle Williams is perhaps the most intriguing story of the season. As a Queen’s School alumna, I wit‐ nessed first‐hand, her growth and development from her first hurdles race at Champs in Class 3, to become double Champs winner in 2008, winning both the 100m and 110m hurdles; and leading up to the 22‐year‐old upstart, who won the 100m hurdles’ gold medal in Beijing for Jamaica. From the joy and triumph of the World Championship gold to the challenges and falls of the past few years, Danielle has demonstrated a steely determinaon and drive on her quest to once again become World Champion and then Olympic Champion. In a season, marred only by the fiasco at the Naonal Senior trials, Danielle has accom‐ plished one of her major goals to become the Jamaican 100m hurdles record holder. She is now poised to become one of the fastest hurdlers of all me. Both Danielle and Shelly‐Ann hold a special place for me, as I have watched and relished the exem‐ plary performances of both young women for more than 15 years. The return of the ‘Blessed’, Yohan Blake , is also a story to watch for in Doha from his days at St. Jago and, at 21 years at the 2011 World Championships, the youngest 100m World Champion; double medalist
keeping “Brand Jamaica” in the global arena. We at Jamaica Sports wish you all the best.
Enjoy the championships!
Special thanks to my writers and editorial team: Hubert Lawrence, Michael Grant and Carmen Tipling. Special thanks also to my husband Maurice ; our children Mahew , Lianne and Luke , for their con‐ nued love and support. To the adversers and sponsors , we thank you for your contribuon. Without your support, it would not have been possible to produce and publish this magazine. Ulmate thanks go to the Heavenly Father for his connued blessing: “For I Know the plans I have for you, declared the lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29.11
THE JAMAICA TEAM
MEDAL COUNT
MCLEOD: UNSTOPPABLE?
EVENT SCHEDULE
SHELLY OR ELAINE?
FULL CIRCLE
at the London 2012 Olympic Games; through to his transformaon from the ‘Beast’ to the ‘Blessed’. He has overcome several years of challenges and disappointments through injury. We, therefore, look forward to seeing Yohan’s return to the podium. The darling of the Rio 2016 Olympics, Elaine Thompson , was double Olympic Champion; however, she has been plagued with an Achilles injury and suffered reversals in for‐ tune and form at the London 2017 World Championships. In 2019, Elaine learned to manage the pain and seems to be returning to her best form, going into the World Championships with the world leading me in both the 100m and 200m. We look forward to Elaine geng her first World Championships Gold Medal! Fedrick Dacres, World Youth, World Junior Champion and naonal dis‐ cus record holder, leads the charge for the field events. Having won at every level, expectaons are high for Dacres to deliver a Senior World Championships medal, but this ever‐smiling and pleasant young giant is taking it “one throw at a me.” Jamaica Sports Director, Olive McNaughton and 2015 World Champion at 100m hurdles, Danielle Williams
Please send questions and comments to: jamsports 876@gmail.com or call: (876) 344 8000
Photography Bryan Cummings, The Jamaica Observer, The Gleaner, Warder McKenzie, Olive McNaughton, Colin Reid, Doha 2019 LOC Media, Wikimedia
Connect with us: Website: www.jamaicasports876.com Facebook: Jamsports876 Twitter: Jamsports876 Instagram: Jamaicasports876
Design & Layout Kingston Communications
Printers MAPCO Printers Ltd.
Editors Michael A. Grant, Olive McNaughton, Carmen Tipling
©2019 Jamaica Sports 876 Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.
Contributors Michael A. Grant, Hubert Lawrence, Olive McNaughton
— Olive McNaughton
1/2 Page MAPCO AD
For Team Jamaica, 2019 has been a LONG Season. Thanks to all the athletes and coaches for their hard work and commitment in
Falah, shown here doing Usain Bolt’s signature ‘to di world’pose, is the ofcial mascot of the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019
4
5
DESTINY IN DOHA 2019
2019 DESTINY IN DOHA
The Team
JAMAICA WOMEN
BY NAME, AGE, PERSONAL BEST/SEASON’S BEST, KEY PERFORMANCE, COACH
100 METRES • Elaine Thompson (27), 10.70/10.73 2016 Olympic champion. Coach: Stephen Francis • Shelly‐Ann Fraser‐Pryce (32), 10.70/10.73 3‐me World Champion, 2‐me Olympic Champion. Coach: Stephen Francis • Briana Williams (17) 10.94/10.94 Provisional selectee 2018 World Under 20 Champion. Coach: Ato Boldon • Jonielle Smith (23), 11.04/11.04 2018 CAC Champion. Coach: Henry Rolle 4X100-METRE RELAY • Elaine Thompson, Shelly‐Ann Fraser‐Pryce, Briana Williams, Jonielle Smith 200 METRES • Elaine Thompson (27), 21.66/22.00 2016 Olympic champion • Shelly‐Ann Fraser‐Pryce (32) 22.09/22.22 2013 World Champion • Schilonie Calvert‐Powell (31), 22.55/22.92 6th 2014 Commonwealth Games 400 METRES • Shericka Jackson (27), 49.78/49.78 3rd 2015 World Championships and 2016 Olympics. Coach: Stephen Francis
• Stephenie McPherson (30), 49.92/50.74 3rd 2013 World Championships, 2014 Commonwealth Champion. Coach: Stephen Francis
JAMAICA MEN
TRIPLE JUMP • Jordan Sco (22), 17.08/17.08 2019 NCAA Indoor Champion. Coach: Mario Wilson LONG JUMP • Tajay Gayle (23), 8.32/8.32 2nd 2019 Pan‐Am Games. Coach: Andre Edwards BY NAME, AGE, PERSONAL BEST/SEASON’S BEST, KEY PERFORMANCE, COACH
4X400-METRE RELAY • Roneisha McGregor, Chrisne Day and Tiffany James
100 METRES • Yohan Blake (29), 9.69/9.96 2011 World Champion. Coach: Patrick Dawson • Tyquendo Tracey (26), 9.96/10.00 2018 Athlecs World Cup winner. Coach: Rana Reider • Rasheed Dwyer (30), 10.10/10.10 3rd Naonal Championship. Coach: Maurice Wilson
800 METRES • Natoya Goule (28), 1.56.15/1.57.90 2019 Pan‐Am Games gold, 2018 Commonwealth Bronze. Coach: Mark Elliot 1500 METRES • Aisha Praught‐Leer (29), 4.05.52/4.06.11 2018 Commonwealth gold 3000m steeplechase 100-METRE HURDLES • Danielle Williams (27), TRS, 12.32/12/32 2015 World Champion, 2018 Commonwealth silver Coach: Lennox Graham • Janeek Brown (21) 12.40/12.40 2019 NCAA Champion • Megan Tapper (25), 12.63/12.63 3rd 2019 Pan‐Am bronze, 7th 2018 Commonwealth Games. Coach: Brigie Foster‐Hylton • Yanique Thompson (23), 12.69/12.80 2018 Commonwealth silver, 2013 World Under‐18 gold. Coach: Maurice Wilson 400-METRE HURDLES • Rushell Clayton (26), 54.16/54/16 3rd 2019 Pan‐Am Games. Coach: Okiele Stewart • Shian Salmon (20), 55.39/55.39 2nd 2018 World Under 20 Championships. Coach: Maurice Wilson • Rhonda Whyte (29), 54.29/55.31 2018 CAC Games champion. Coach: Maurice Wilson LONG JUMP • Tisssanna Hickling (21), 6.82/6.82 3rd 2019 Pan‐Am Games. Coach: Marlon Gayle • Chanice Porter (25), 6.75/6.73 2016 NCAA champion, 2011 World Under 18 gold. Coach: Petros Kyprianou TRIPLE JUMP • Shanieka Rickes (27), 14.93/14.93 2nd 2019 Pan‐Am Games, Diamond League winner. Coach: Kerrylee Rickes
DISCUS THROW • Fedrick Dacres (25), 70.78/70.78 Pan‐Am and Commonwealth Champion. Coach: Julian Robinson • Traves Smikle (27), 67.57/67.72 Pan‐Am and Commonwealth silver. Coach: Julian Robinson • Chad Wright (28) 65.47/65.13 2012 NCAA champion
4X100-METRE RELAY • Julian Forte, Oshane Bailey
200 METRES • Rasheed Dwyer (30) 19.80/20.23 2014 Commonwealth Champion • Yohan Blake (29) 19.26/20.27 2012 Olympic runner‐up • Andre Ewers (24), 20.14/20.14 3rd Naonal Championships
SHOT PUT • O’Dayne Richards (30), 21.96/20.93 3rd 2015 World Championships. Coach: Linval Swaby
400 METRES • Akeem Bloomfield (21), 43.94/44.40
• Anatascia Leroy (32), 50.57/50.94 2nd 2018 Commonwealth Games. Coach: Maurice WIlson
Holds Boys’ Champs record, 44.93. Coach: Henry Rolle • Demish Gaye (26), 44.55/44.83. Coach: Maurice Wilson 2019 Pan‐Am Silver • Rusheen McDonald (27), 43.93/45.25 2018 Commonwealth finalist. Coach: Stephen Francis 4X400-METRE RELAY Terry Thomas, Javon Francis, Devaughn Baker, Nathon Allen, Demar Murray 110-METRE HURDLES • Omar McLeod (25), 12.90/13.07 World & Olympic champion. Coach: Rana Reider • Orlando Benne (20), 13.27/13.27 2018 World U‐20 runner‐up. Coach: Craig Sewell • Ronald Levy (26), 13.05/13.22 2018 Commonwealth Champion. Coach: Brigie Foster‐Hylton
• Andrew Riley (31) 13.14/13.33 2014 Commonwealth Champion
400-METRE HURDLES • Kemar Mowa (24), 48.70/48.70 4th at 2017 World Championships. Coach: Lennox Graham
Elaine Thompson (left) and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce lead a strong Jamaican team into the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Doha, Qatar. The two teammates are likely to face each other in the nals of both sprint events.
Fedrick Dacres is one of Jamaica’s best bets for an individual gold medal
6
7
DESTINY IN DOHA 2019
2019 DESTINY IN DOHA
How Many Medals?
Aer a modest four‐medal haul in London two years ago and the rerement of the incomparable Usain Bolt, fans look cauously toward Doha and the 17th IAAF World Championships. Thankfully, the signs are good. Led by sprint greats Shelly‐Ann Fraser‐Pryce, Elaine Thompson and hurdler supreme Omar McLeod, Jamaica is trending toward a performance that make London a dusty mem‐ ory. If the signs speak truth, the team will return home with more than 10 medals . WOMEN’S 100 The 32‐year‐old Fraser Pryce looked sharper on the European circuit unl her September 6 loss to Dina Asher‐Smith of Britain in the Brussels Diamond final, but Thompson was a smidge ahead at the naonal championships with both sharing the remarkable me of 10.73 seconds. Aside from Asher‐Smith, keep an eye out for defending champion Tori Bowie in the rival lanes. The American has been flirng with her first love, the long jump, but she could be peak‐ ing for the 100 right on me.
HUBERT LAWRENCE
While Jamaica’s Akeem Bloomeld (right) was not an automatic selection due to his absence at trials, his fast times in the summer make him a beneciary of sub-par times by top men at nationals. The going will be tough for the Jamaican since Americans Norman (left) and Kerley (centre) appear to have the rst two spots sewn up.
Kerley, who have recently swapped wins, but Gardiner and Bloomfield could have the beang of US number‐three Nathan Strother who was miles off his 44.23 best in Brussels on September 6. Bloomfield, 44.40 in London, and Demish Gaye, the Pan‐Am Games runner‐up, could give Jamaica two men in the final for only the second me in World Championships history. On the eve of the championships, Grenada’s 2011 champion Kirani James bounced back from injury to clock 44.47 seconds. He’ll be in the thick of it.
1. Ajee Wilson 2. Natoya Goule 3. Hanna Green
1. Danielle Williams 2. Kendra Harrison 3. Nia Ali
easily with 2017 runner‐up Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain second. Jackson will bale US champion Shakima Wimbley for the bronze.
1. Chrisan Coleman 2. Jusn Gatlin 3. Akani Simbine
100-METRE HURDLES With the Diamond Trophy in hand and the fastest me of the year at 12.32 seconds, Danielle Williams is the favourite. Three steady races in the Qatari capital will give her a gold medal to match the one she collected in 2015. World record holder, American Ken‐ dra Harrison, has decelerated since her convincing US Championships win and won’t catch Williams.
110-METRE HURDLES With 2 coaching changes and an extended version of his usual mid‐ season slump behind him, McLeod might just defend his tle success‐ fully. His last two races – 13.21 in Birmingham and 13.07 in Budapest – represent a significant improve‐ ment. Cuban‐turned‐Spaniard Orlando Ortega is always in the running, but 2015 winner Sergey Shubenkov is a mystery for now. McLeod crashed into the Russian on June 16 in Rabat and his recovery has been slow. The two fastest men in the world, Grant Holloway and Daniel Roberts, 12.98 and 13.00 respecvely, are a long way past their brilliant NCAA epic in early June and shouldn’t fac‐ tor.
WOMEN’S 200 With world number‐one Shaunae Miller‐Uibo doing only the 400, Olympic champion Thompson has an easier road here, but it won’t be easy. Asher‐Smith has generally been world number‐two and has recently beaten the Jamaican. Two‐me defending champion Dafne Schippers has the fastest personal best at 21.63 seconds, compared to 21.66 for Thompson and 21.85 for Asher‐Smith but the Dutchwoman’s form has been modest, keeping her off the podium’s top step.
1. Shaunae Miller‐Uibo 2. Salwa Eid Naser 3. Shericka Jackson
MEN’S 400 Miller‐Uibo’s compatriot Steven Gardiner and Jamaica’s Akeem Bloomfield will race to intercept a possible US sweep. No‐one will trouble Michael Norman and Fred
1. Shelly‐Ann Fraser‐Pryce 2. Elaine Thompson 3. Dina Asher‐Smith
1. Michael Norman 2. Fred Kerley 3. Kirani James
MEN’S 100 Though Bolt is gone, four of the top five from London return, with 2011 winner Yohan Blake among them. Chrisan Coleman, the 2017 runner‐up, has beaten a doping rap and should win, having been the world’s fastest man for three sea‐ sons running. A US sweep was on tap unl Diamond League 100/200 winner Noah Lyles chose to run only the longer race for Doha. A late injury concern for 2005 and 2017 winner Jusn Gatlin will give hope to the trio of Akani Simbine, Britain’s Zharnel Hughes and Blake.
WOMEN’S 800 With Caster Semenya, Francine Niyonsaba and Mary Wambui illegi‐ ble for the me being, Natoya Goule has a far beer chance to win a medal. Her 2019 results are up and down as she perhaps searches for a race strategy that will pay dividends. However, as shown by her naonal record of 1 minute 56.15 seconds, the 2018 Commonwealth bronze medallist has the wheels. In fact, among those who are eligible, only Wilson and Goule have run under 1.58.
1. Dina Asher‐Smith 2. Elaine Thompson 3. Dafne Schippers
1. Omar McLeod 2. Orlando Ortega 3. Sergey Shubenkov
WOMEN’S 400 2015 bronze medal winner Shericka Jackson is fourth‐fastest this year, but it appears that only two of the three women ahead of her naonal championships winning personal best of 49.78 seconds will race in Doha. Fresh from a stunning 21.74‐ second 200, Miller‐Uibo should win
ANA
MEN’S LONG JUMP Tajay Gayle has hardly put a foot wrong in 2019. A personal best of 8.32 and the Pan‐Am Games silver behind Juan Miguel Echevarría of‐ Cuba make him a strong medal can‐
USA’s Christian Coleman is favoured in the 100
Elaine Thompson has the year’s fastest time, 10.73
8
9
DESTINY IN DOHA 2019
2019 DESTINY IN DOHA
2015 World 100m hurdles champion Danielle Williams is red-hot again in 2019
Stephenie Ann McPherson will do battle in the 400 Shanieka Ricketts may be ready to reach for 15 metres in the triple jump on her way to the podium
didate. Moreover, the weak recent form of South African’s charming Luvo Manyonga makes one wonder if the Jamaican can slip past the World champion into second.
MEN’S DISCUS Fedrick Dacres is the only man to beat favoured Daniel Stahl of Sweden, just one of two throwers (with Stahl) to break 70 metres. He hasn’t finished any meet lower than 3rd, and if that last result at the Diamond League final in Brussels is thrown out, the 2015 and 2019 Pan‐Am champion is safe for at least the silver.
WOMEN’S SHOT PUT A surge of big late‐season throws is worrisome for Danniel Thomas‐ Dodd who was picked for a bronze medal by Track & Field News in July. Like Dacres, she was fourth in London. Germany’s 2015 winner Chrisna Schwanitz has just thrown 19.37, but her career best is 20.27, far beyond Dodd’s new Jamaica record of 19.55 metres. A tense bale between the two outstanding throwers awaits.
1. Juan Miguel Echevarria 2. Luvo Manyonga 3. Tajay Gayle
WOMEN’S TRIPLE JUMP Shanieka Rickes put a punctuaon mark on her medal candidacy with a last‐jump 14.93‐metre personal best to defeat Venezuela’s reigning champion Yulimar Rojas and win the Diamond League final. Rojas responded a week later by scaring the 24‐year‐old world record of 15.50 metres with a massive jump of 15.41. These two tall ladies should go 1‐2 in Doha – unless reigning Olympic champion Caterine Ibarguen recovers from the foot injury she suffered at the Pan‐Am Games.
1. Daniel Stahl 2. Fedrick Dacres 3. Lukas Weisshaidinger
1. Yulimar Rojas 2. Shanieka Rickes 3. Catherine Ibarguen
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce pulls away to win the 100 metres at the 2015 World Championships in Athletics in Beijing, China. Back from maternity hiatus, she is a rm favourite to regain the title she won four years ago.
11
10
DESTINY IN DOHA 2019
2019 DESTINY IN DOHA
1. Gong Lijao 2. Chase Ealey 3. Chrisna Schwanitz
4X100 RELAY With Elaine and Shelly‐Ann on duty and a fair amount of pracce races, the women are podium‐bound. In thezir way is a fast German team that sped to 41.67 seconds late in August. 4X400 RELAY The individual 400‐metre events are too close to expect the likes of Jackson and Bloomfield to run in the first‐ever World Championships mixed 4x400 relay, but Terry Thomas and Francis, who were second and third at the naonals and 2018 Commonwealth 400‐ metre hurdles champion Janieve Russell could carry that team. The women’s team has a chance to win. With US star Allyson Felix not back at her best, the Jackson‐led Jamaican quartet and European champions Poland could race for gold. In the men’s 4x400, a very fast US squad should run away into the distance, but Jamaica’s talent pool has Bloomfield and Allen – as well as relay hero Francis. FINALISTS Jamaicans can also expect to see Traves Smikle, Aisha Praught‐Leer and Tyquendo Tracey in the finals of the discus, 1500 and the 100, respecvely. 110‐metre hurdlers Janeek Brown and Megan Tapper have the potenal to reach the last round as well. The same goes for naonal 400‐ metre hurdles champions Kemar Mowa, who was fourth in London, and Rushell Clayton. When you do the math, that’s a far beer bunch of tles than the four Jamaica need in London 2017. Total projected medal haul at the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Athlecs, Doha, Qatar: 12
Shericka Jackson has a stellar record in global 400m contests and should be good for at least bronze
Chasing more history, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is in the form of her life
From ‘Beast’ to ‘Blessed’: After steady improvement in the 100m this season, 2011 World Champion Yohan Blake could surprise with a bronze or better
12
13
DESTINY IN DOHA 2019
2019 DESTINY IN DOHA
“Winning the world tle would mean a huge deal,” he said on August 19. “I’m a championship performer, I know exactly what it takes to win a tle”, McLeod chanted, with a tacit reminder that winning is all he has ever done. From Caria tles at Manchester High, to record breaking wins at Kingston College, 3 NCAA tles at the University of Arkansas, the 25‐ year‐old is a genuine champion. “I know me so well that if I’m in the right situaon with a coach that knows what he’s doing and has confidence in me and trusts that I can get the job done and I have equal trust in him”, he self‐ assessed, “then we can do magic.” He won the Shanghai Diamond League race on May 18 with a season’s best me of 13.12 sec‐ onds as a tribute to his late aunt, who was a constant source of in‐ spiraon. Wins have been hard to come by since then. “I don’t take my competors for granted, they’re all great athletes,” he re‐ ported, having lost five straight races since Shanghai. Rock boom came in Rabat where he led to hurdle 8, lost his balance, veered to his right and collided with the man he unseated as World Champion, Russia’s Sergey Shubenkov. That undy loss sets up a familiar scene. He fell in his last two races before he won the Olympic gold medal in 2016. In 2017, he hit an early hurdle in Paris and spoiled an otherwise perfect season with a lowly seventh place finish. Then he won in London.
“But I know me, and I can only sck to what I know”, he added. As proof, aer switching to the coaching of American Rana Reider, McLeod won the Birmingham Diamond League in 13.21 seconds on August 18. “I know that if I’m
With the London chill freezing the socks off the Jamaican team at the 2017 World Champion‐ ships, one man kept the black‐green‐and‐gold flag flying: 110‐metre hurdler supreme Omar McLeod. Now aer the loss of his beloved aunt and two coaching changes in a year, McLeod is a man on a mission. Simply put, the 25 year‐old Jamaican is going to the Doha to win.
healthy and happy”, he pro‐ claimed, “I’m unstoppable.”
If he is right, McLeod, the man who holds the Jamaican record at 12.90 could join Americans Greg Foster and Allen Johnson as the only men to retain the world 110‐ metre hurdles tle. Foster won in 1983, 1987 and 1991. Johnson defended the tle twice with wins in 1995 and 1997 and again in 2001 and 2003. American newcomers Grant Hol‐ loway and Daniel Roberts lead the yearly performance list at 12.98 and 13.00 seconds flat, while Olympic runner‐up Spain’s Orlando Ortega defeated the Ja‐ maican in Nanjing and Stanford. Nevertheless, McLeod can see himself on top in Doha. “My goal is just to get out, take control and let the race come to me”, he pro‐ fessed in August. Don’t write him off.
MCLEOD: UNSTOPPABLE IN DOHA? HUBERT LAWRENCE
14
15
Facebook: Jamsports876 Twitter: Jamsports876 Instagram: Jamaicasports876 www.jamaicasports876.com
16
17
DESTINY IN DOHA 2019
2019 DESTINY IN DOHA
As this is wrien, the 27‐year‐old Thompson has the upper hand aer a fast finish
Both women want more. “Time‐ wise, I believe I can dip below the 10.70 barrier," Fraser Pryce resolved when she spoke to the Jamaica Gleaner last year at the start of her comeback, "I know I can do it.” Thompson has the same idea. Speaking recently about her journey back to the heights she reached at the Olympics, she said, “topping my PB is one step on that journey.” Their racing styles are a perfect contrast. Shelly rockets away from the blocks and holds on. Elaine starts more slowly and finishes fast. Aer seeing them at the Naonal Championships, NBC Sports track and field analyst Ato Boldon pre‐ dicted a close run in Doha. “If they race 10 mes, I think it would be 5‐5 or 6‐4”, Boldon opined. “They’re that evenly matched”, he said then. “I give a lile bit more credit, I think, to Elaine because I can look at Elaine, know that Achilles is sll bothering her”, he qualified. “She can’t push out of the blocks like she used to, so her forces are a lile bit more vercal than horizon‐ tal”, he analysed, “and she’s sll running. I mean, they’re right at their personal bests.” Since then, Fraser Pryce has won four of her five 100‐metre races highlighted by a nippy 10.74 in Lausanne and a comfortable 10.78 in London. Though Thompson won the Pan‐American Games in the chilly Peruvian capital of Lima, the veteran has convinced some that she will win her fourth World tle in the 100. Among those backers is the respected US publicaon Track & Field News which predicted a Jamaican 1‐2 in the 100, with Fraser‐Pryce ahead of Thompson. Both have good reasons to want to win. Thompson was stopped from adding the 2017 World 100 tle to
her twin Olympic gold medals by a stomach bug that had her voming before the final two years ago in London. Fraser Pryce’s last Olympic campaign was spoilt by a toe injury that made it impossible for her to train normally. Thompson has worked shrewdly to nurse her troublesome Achilles. “Honestly, it’s not 100 per cent, but I’m coping. I’m dealing with it,” she said in February, detailing the regular therapy she undergoes to combat the problem. “It’s really hard to treat, but honestly, I’m doing the best that I can.” Her clubmate comes in with experi‐ ence, and Doha will be her sixth World Championships. In her sec‐ ond, the epic Berlin staging in 2009, she fought off a challenge from fellow Jamaican Kerron Stewart. The race was decided on the lean, 10.73, then a naonal record, to Stewart’s 10.75 seconds. “I led from start to finish, but for me it was one of those moments that I actually got to the Championships excited looking forward to the compeon and I just got out of the blocks and I remember Kerron coming back at me and we both went 1‐2”, Fraser Pryce recalled in August. Thompson lost to Dutch star Dafne Schippers at the 2015 World Cham‐ pionships over 200 metres to, by 0.03. That was her first test on the global stage. Now with her Achilles behaving and as her third World Championship approaches, she is seeking the double. Ironically, that double hasn’t been done since Fraser Pryce did it in 2013. Success in both would cement Thompson’s place as one of the best sprinters of this generaon but in the 100, Fraser Pryce stands in her way. The big queson is: who will win?
SHELLY OR ELAINE? ELAINE OR SHELLY? TWO WOMEN, ONE GOLD
earned her an infinitesimal edge at the Naonal Senior Championships in June in 10.73 seconds. The win was also a triumph over the Achilles tendon trouble that has dogged her since 2017. Fraser Pryce led for 95 me‐ tres and finished in the same me – 10.73 – as a reward for the hard work she has put in since giving birth to a son in 2017. Only one of the pair can wear the World Championships gold medal in Doha. The clash will pit Thomp‐ son against the woman she ad‐ mired as a youngster. “When I was growing up, I normally watched Merlene Oey, then Veronica Campbell‐Brown and then Shelly‐ Ann Fraser‐ Pryce. They were like the trendseers for me,” Thomp‐ son told the Voice newspaper in 2017. With some of her contemporaries gone, Fraser‐Pryce is happy to have Thompson there keeping her sharp in pracce at the MVP Track Club. “It seems we push each other to train harder”, she said in July, “but it’s like one of those unspoken things that happens, it’s here or there, but we just know that when we get to the line, we’re just going to train hard and just try to hit the mes.” Elaine’s presence in training and the coaching of Stephen Francis has spurred Fraser‐Pryce to a fine season’s campaign. In 2018, she produced just one 100 metre run under 11 seconds. As at August 29, the ‘Mummy Rocket’ has already laid down 7 sub‐11s. Moreover, the 10.73 isn’t far off the naonal record she also shares with Thompson at 10.70 seconds.
HUBERT LAWRENCE
Either one of them winning would be a gift to Jamaica. Now 32, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is the most successful 100- metre sprinter in the history of athletics. But Elaine Thompson has carved her own niche since the 2016 Olympics, with the first sprint double by a woman since 1988. All things being equal, the two will meet in Doha in the 100-metre final on September 29 at the IAAF World Championships. That race will answer one question: who is faster – Elaine or Shelly? Shelly or Elaine?
18
19
DESTINY IN DOHA 2019
2019 DESTINY IN DOHA
emerged as world‐class last year and now looks set to join two‐me runner‐up James Beckford on the very short list of Jamaican men who have won World medals in the long jump. If he jumps at the level that gave him a naonal record of 8.32 me‐ tres on July 20, his chances of po‐ dium me will be very, very good. Second to Cuban wonder boy Juan Miguel Echevarria at the Pan‐Am Games, his consistent form makes him a man that defending cham‐ pion Luvo Manyonga will watch keenly. He might be inspired by Shanieka Rickes in the women’s triple jump. The same goes for World Cham‐ pionships debutantes Tissannna Hickling and Chanice Porter. Third at the Pan‐Am Games, Hickling is the tall, fast and powerful Jamaica long jump champion and Porter is the uber‐talented 2011 World Under‐18 and 2016 NCAA cham‐ pion in the same event.
FULL CIRCLE FIELD EVENT GLORY IN DOHA
It might surprise sprint fans that Jamaica’s first internaonal medals came in the field. That start came from high jumper Joseph McKenzie in the 1930 CAC Games, and from Bernard Prendergast later in the same year in the discus at the Commonwealth Games. With discus ace Fedrick Dacres leading a strong field event challenge at the upcom‐ ing World Championships in Doha,
things have come full circle.
in Rabat, Morocco. Of the three who beat him in 2017, only Super Swede Daniel Stahl has thrown further this season. Kept out of the Diamond League by the vagaries of the new world rank‐ ings and the whims of meet direc‐ tors, Smikle is amongst the top 10 in the world. At the last World Championships, he surprised
With 4th and 8th finishes in the 2017 World Championships to their credit, Dacres and his training part‐ ner Traves Smikle head to Doha seeking medals. Dacres has cked all the boxes, with a solid defence of his Pan‐American Games tle in July, consistent throws all season and a naonal record 70.78 metres
in the last decade when O’Dayne Richards won the shot at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. His triumph seemed to open a door, and aer Dacres and Richards won at the 2015 Pan‐Americans, the field events train has been rolling ever since. Dacres, World under‐18 winner in 2011 and World under‐20 champion in 2012, seeks the medal that will give him a matched set in Doha. If he succeeds – and there is every indicaon that he will – Bernard Prendergast will be some‐ where smiling. 2014 Commonwealth Games champion O’Dayne Richards is a big-games performer in the shot put
Altogether, they represent a shi in Jamaican athlecs that started
everyone by reach the final; now the lehander will step into the circle at Doha with a point to prove. Shanieka Ricketts won the 2019 Diamond League trophy in the triple jump to stake her claim in Doha Even though she too finished fourth in London, shot puer Danniel Thomas‐Dodd was even closer to a medal than Dacres. She was third unl Anita Marton of Hungary bumped her off the podium in the final round. Since then, Thomas‐ Dodd has won the Commonwealth Games and taken second in the World Indoor Championships. This year, she upped her Jamaican record to 19.55 metres to win gold at the Pan‐Am Games. In July, Track & Field News pped Dacres and Thomas‐Dodd for medals in Doha. In addion, the magazine placed consistent long jumper Tajay Gayle on the podium as well. Gayle is a new name who
Fedrick Dacres has won global championships at youth and junior levels
Commonwealth Games champion Danniel Thomas-Dodd is edging close to 20 metres.
20
21
2019 DESTINY IN DOHA
DOHA Destiny in
CARIBBEAN QUEENS IN QATAR
HUBERT LAWRENCE
When the respected US publicaon Track & Field News posted its first World Championships predicon in July, it tabbed the Jamaican pair of Shelly‐Ann Fraser Pryce and Elaine Thompson, the tall Bahamian Shaunae Miller‐Uibo and the Jamaican 4x100 team as gold medal winners. Since then, 100‐metre hurdler Danielle Williams has raised her stocks. It’s a bright picture. By contrast, the Track & Field News medal forecast predicted silver medals for Miller‐Uibo’s compatriot Steven Gardiner in the 400 metres, for Jamaican discus thrower Fedrick Dacres and for Trinidad & Tobago in the 4x400 metres. The 100‐metre duel between Fraser Pryce and Thompson is discussed elsewhere in this publica‐ on but both need to win. Fraser Pryce and Gail Devers have held both the Olympic and World tles at the same me and Thompson could join them with a win in Doha.
Winning the 100m would mean four world golds in the event for Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
A fourth gold 100‐metre gold medal for Fraser‐Pryce would validate her comeback.
Thompson’s path to gold in the 200 has been made easier by the Doha schedule. Tight overlap between the 200 and 400 has forced Miller‐ Uibo to choose the longer event, where she is Olympic champion. On August 29, she hammered the rest of the world, including Thomp‐ son, in Zurich with a storming per‐ sonal‐best me of 21.74 seconds. Though Miller‐Uibo has been removed, Thompson might not have it easy in the 200. She has lost to Dina Asher‐Smith, Britain’s European
On current form, Bahamian Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson should come away with the same colour medals they won at the 2016 Rio Olympics
22
DESTINY IN DOHA 2019
2019 DESTINY IN DOHA
champion, on two occasions, as well as at last year’s Common‐ wealth Games, won by Miller‐Uibo. The other danger is 2‐me cham‐ pion Dafne Schippers of Holland. The flying Dutchwoman has looked
off‐form but is peaking for Doha. A surprise win for Schippers would make her just the second woman, aer American Allyson Felix, to win the World Championships 200 three mes.
Felix beat Miller‐Uibo in the 400 at the 2015 World Championship, but the Bahamian is in charge now – and her sprint speed is beer than ever. The only queson is whether the field, including 2015 bronze
At the 2018 Commonwealth Games, it was Kimberly Williams who was strongest in the women’s triple jump. Now, Shanieka Ricketts is the form athlete chasing top honours
medallist Shericka Jackson of Ja‐ maica and 2017 runner‐up Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain will push her. Williams, champion of the world in 2015, was placed second by Track & Field News in July. She then followed her world leading me of 12.32 seconds by beang world
record holder and US champion Kendra Harrison in Birmingham. If Williams gets the gold medal, she will ignite a debate as to who is the best Jamaican ever in this event. The incumbent is two‐me Olympic finalist Brigie Foster‐Hylton, who won the world tle in 2009, aer
winning silver in 2003.
If she wins, Williams will have to go to the Olympics next year, reach the final for the first me and get a medal to put that debate to rest. Late in August, triple jumper Shanieka Rickes bounded into the medal picture with a big win over Venezuela’s world champion Yulimar Rojas in Zurich. Rickes cranked out a personal best of 14.93 and drew near to the revered 15‐metre mark, which only Rojas has surpassed this year. If she keeps on improving, the English‐speaking Caribbean could have yet another queen in Doha. With Elaine and Shelly‐Ann on duty, Jamaica will be hard to stop in the 4x100. The 4x400 could see another Jamaican gold as Felix isn’t back to her best aer me off to have a baby. Shericka Jackson jumped for joy when Jamaica beat the USA at the 2015 Worlds. If all the Carib‐ bean queens succeed in Doha, the region will be jumping as well.
With Miller-Uibo not contesting the 200m this year, the path to gold in the the half-lap event has been made easier for Elaine Thompson
2015 World Champion Danielle Williams (2nd right) has 2019’s best time going into Doha. If she wins here and goes on to osp a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, she will have the stongest claim to being the greatest Jamaican female sprint hurdler ever.
24
25
2019 DESTINY IN DOHA
QATAR Wonders Await in MICHAEL A. GRANT
Championship was held in Doha. The city will also welcome the FIFA World Cup in 2022. WILDLIFE The Qatari landscape makes an ideal environment for many species, including birds, reples and the legendary Arabian Oryx. Though the desert may seem like a liming place for plants and ani‐ mals, it comes alive aer any rain‐ fall. The Arabian Oryx, which is the naonal animal, was actually lost to exncon by the 1970s, but has been revived through a breeding programme begun in 1980. Away from the cies, visitors may also see foxes, jerboas, reples and various endemic or migrang birds like flamingos. The dugong is the country’s largest nave mammal and is nave to coastal waters. Several horse and camel farms
Qatar's fastest growing city, Doha is the capital and most populous in the country. Located on the Persian Gulf coast to the east, it has a total populaon of close to 2.4 million, with 80% of the naon's populaon in its metropolitan area and the surrounding suburbs. Doha is also the economic centre of the country. Founded in the 1820s as part of Al Bidda, which was then Qatar’s largest city, Doha became the coun‐ try's capital in 1971 when it gained independence from Brish Protec‐ torate status. The city is now recognized as a world city by the Globalizaon and World Cies Research Network. Since 2015, Doha is officially recognized as a New7Wonders City along with Beirut, Durban, Havana, Kuala Lumpur, La Paz and Vigan.
SPORTS IN THE CITY Doha is not new to hosng major internaonal sporng events. The 2006 Asian Games, 2011 Pan Arab Games and most of the games at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup took place there. In addion to playing host to an event in the IAAF Diamond League, the 1995 FIFA World Youth
Welcome to the wonders that await you.
The Arabian Oryx
26
2019 DESTINY IN DOHA
Marvel at award‐winning collecons, featuring painngs, glassworks, metalwork, ceramics, texles and manuscripts that cover periods as important as Mughal and Safavid. KATARA CULTURAL VILLAGE An innovave interpretaon of the region’s architectural heritage, this purpose‐built development’s impressive theatres, galleries and performance venues stage a lively year‐round programme of concerts, shows and exhibions. THE PEARL A popular dining spot with dozens of restaurants, its waterfront promenades are lined with cafes and restaurants serving every taste – from refreshing ice cream to a five‐star dining experience. AL ZUBARAH Located on Qatar’s north‐west coast and comprising the immacu‐ lately restored Al Zubarah Fort and surrounding 60‐hectare archeologi‐ cal works, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most extensive and best preserved examples of an 18th‐19th century selement in the region. SHEIK FAISAL BIN QASSEM MUSEUM The private museum at Al Samriya tells the story of Qatar through the personal collecon of one man and his family. The collecon features a fascinang array of more than
Dhal Al Misr Cave
exist, and are relavely close to the capital.
deposits which are found in the centre of the peninsula and have given rise to the geological phe‐ nomena known as ‘desert roses’ (clusters of roughly rose‐shaped gypsum crystals). Most notably, the 40m deep cave at Dhal Al Misfir was formed largely of fibrous gypsum that somemes gives off a faint, moon‐like phos‐ phorescent glow. SOUQ WAQIF This centre provides an authenc taste of tradional commerce, architecture and culture. The maze of small shops offer a dazzling array of Middle Eastern merchandise from spices and seasonal delicacies such as fresh dates and nuts to per‐ fumes, ornate jewellery, clothing, handicras and a treasure trove of souvenir bargains. MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART The musem’s magnificent and imaginavely presented displays of the finest art and artefacts from across the Islamic world have earned it recognion among the world’s top cultural instuons.
The dunes of Qatar are numerous and offer memorable views for those interested in venturing out on safari. The major high‐dune area is to be found to the south‐west of the Doha, either for safari, sight‐ seeing or a family‐day picnic in an unusual locaon. There is a wide choice of local shops on the way for purchasing supplies in advance of traveling to the desert. Be prepared for chang‐ ing scenery at sunrise and sunset depending on the lighng con‐ dions. Clear skies at night will give you a chance at an unforgeable experience looking at the stars. Khor Al Adaid, nicknamed the ‘Inland Sea’, is at the south of this enormous desert area. DAHL AL MISFIR CAVE Regarded by visitors as one of Qatar’s most vividly excing des‐ naons, the 40‐meter‐deep cave can give off a phosphorescent glow which has an otherworldly look. The glow is the result of Gypsum
Sheik Faisal bin Qassem Museum
28
2019 DESTINY IN DOHA
is also popular as a day desnaon for families wishing to picnic in a unique environment. AL THAKHIRA MANGROVES A great way to explore the man‐ groves is by kayak, available from several tour operators and special‐ ist companies. All of these can be booked in advance, and many companies offer both morning and aernoon trips. Al Khor is also notable for its fishing communies and is a good spot to arrange a day trip out on the ocean.
QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY Located in Doha’s Educaon City, QNL acts as a steward of Qatar’s naonal heritage by collecng, preserving and making available the country’s recorded history. The 45,000 square metre state‐of‐ the‐art library building is designed to encourage library visitors to explore the progression of knowl‐ edge from the past to the present. It is is designed to achieve balance between content availability and accessibility, on the one hand, and content preservaon on the other. FIRE STATION The staon was built in 1982 as a Civil Defense building. It was occupied by the fire brigade unl late 2012 when it was handed over to Qatar Museums to be recycled for contemporary use. With a Qatari architect leading the project, the original details of the building and its tower have been preserved. DUNES OF QATAR Qatar’s largest area of sand desert lies to the south‐west of the cap‐ ital, with its high dunes a major aracon both for recreaonal safaris or simply to enjoy the spectacular landscape. The area
Al Zubarah Fort
15,000 exhibits covering a spec‐ trum of arts, personal artefacts and equipment, as well as many every‐ day household and tradional items that evoke a flavor of Qatari life in the pre‐oil era. MUSEUM OF MODERN ART Located in Doha’s Educaon City, Mathaf Museum, designed by the acclaimed French architect Jean‐ Francois Bodin, is the only instu‐ on of its type in the region, hosng modern art exhibits and programmes offering an Arab per‐ specve on contemporary art. The museum is a uniquely spectacular art space containing a collecon of more than 6,000 works originang from the 1840s to the present day.
Mangroves at Al Thakhira
Museum of Islamic Arts
30
DESTINY IN DOHA 2019
RELIGION Qatar is an Islamic country but other religions are respected and Qatar’s cosmopolitan populaon supports many places of worship from Hindu temples to Chrisan churches. The ming of Islamic fesvals and holidays depends on the lunar calendar, moving about eleven days earlier each year. Ramadan is the Islamic holy period where there is absolutely no alco‐ hol available, and you cannot eat or drink water in public, among other prohibions. Consult a calendar for the dates to be sure. DRESS CODE The atude to dress in Qatar is quite relaxed, but visitors (men as well as women) should show re‐ spect for local culture and customs in public places by avoiding exces‐ sively revealing clothing in public places. Context is important. Bikinis and beachwear are acceptable by the hotel pool but not in public places in the city such as shopping malls, restaurants and government offices. You should not wear thin or short ‘cover‐ups’ on the street. Consider bringing along a hat and scarf. CLOTHING All around, you’ll see Qatari naves wearing the tradional thawb for men and the abaya for women. For visitors, the US State Department recommends conservave dress, e.g., long sleeves for men and women, etc. Some visitors have reported that this is not the case, but be prepared. Because laundry in the hotel is very expensive, try the many small local cleaners that have a one‐day turnaround for all kinds of clothing. Women‐only cleaners are also available. TRAVEL TIPS FOR DOHA
were always welcome to share food and drink. This tradion is deeply ingrained in Qatari culture and survives throughout the country where the serving of tradional Arabic coffee and sweet dates to welcome visitors remains a sym‐ bolic expression of this hospitality. For tradional sengs and at celebraons such as weddings, the age‐old pracce of communal dining is sll followed and meal mes are characterized both by the unfailing generosity of the host and the informality and warmth of the conversaons that flourish over the shared feast. Visitors will find much evidence of these admirable traits especially during naonal holidays and the holy month of Ramadan. CUISINE Despite limited agriculture, tradi‐ onal Qatari food can be surpris‐ ingly varied. While locally caught fish are always in plenful supply, many staples have to be imported. Over the years, local dishes have been influenced by the cuisine of the Indian Subconnent, Iran, the Levant and North Africa. They include: machboos, a stew of richly spiced rice with seafood or meat, muon served with yogurt; ghuzi, a whole roast lamb on a bed of rice and nuts; and stuffed boiled sheep or goat served with sea‐ soned rice. This centrepiece of the meal is g enerally accompanied by a variety of side dishes, including chicken, fish and vegetables and salad. Locally grown dates, fresh fruit and desserts such as halwa or Umm Ali round off a typical Qatari meal. Souq Waqif and Katara are both highly recommended places to visit for tourists looking to experience Qatari food and Arabic coffee. For food aficionados, Qatar boasts a remarkable variety of dining pos‐ sibilies at all prices. Many restau‐ rants offer an authenc taste of
QATARI SEA For generaons, fishing and pearl diving provided the mainstay of life for many communies and, while the laer succumbed to the advent of cultured pearls in the 1930s, Qatari waters remain rich in fish life.Tourists who are interested in taking fishing trips will find a multude of opons available. A number of tour companies offer both early‐morning and aernoon trips on a variety of boats, from tradional dhows to smaller motorboats. MALL OF QATAR Strategically posioned at the crossroads of three connents, Qatar is one of the fastest‐growing countries in the world, and a financial powerhouse that moves the needle of global influence. Expected to welcome over 20 million visitors annually, the Mall of Qatar captures the imaginaon of the enre naon as it opens the doors to a 500,000 sqm innovave shopping concept that includes top‐notch recreaon and leisure opons. DOHA FESTIVAL CITY With over 500 stores, 100 restau‐ rants, and some of the best themed aracons in the world, there’s never a shortage of special events going on. At Doha Fesval City, we work with each of our partners to ensure they are making your enjoyment a top priority. Be sure to frequently check back and find an event that’s just right for you. VILLAGGIO MALL Villaggio is located within walking distance from Khalifa Internaonal Stadium and is home to an average of 50,000 visitors daily. Housed on a total plot size of 360,000 sqm that hosts a dedicated mall area of 183,000 sqm, and, providing 90,000 sqm of world class shopping, 15,000 sqm of luxury brands and 3,300 parking spaces, Villagio is equipped to comfortably meet the demands of every visitor.
A TRADITION OF HOSPITALITY In nomadic society, desert travellers
33
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18Powered by FlippingBook