2022 ODYSSEY TO OREGON
Victory? Seconds to
JAMAICAN WOMEN IN OREGON
STEPHEN VASCIANNIE
I n the hiatus between the Jamaican national trials and the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, the recordkeepers and scribal elders have been having a field day in discussions about the 100 and 200 metres for women. When the 100 metres explosion is done, who will prevail? Shall it be the evergreen Shelly‐Ann “Mommy Rocket” Fraser‐Pryce? “Double Double” Olympic Champion Elaine Thompson‐ Herah? Or the rising sprint sensation Shericka Jackson? LONG WIG & DOUBLE For the 100 metres, the smart money may rest with Mommy Rocket. This bet would be built largely on Mrs. Fraser‐Pryce’s outstanding track record at major events, her sense of self‐ confidence and her generally strong form in the current season. Fraser‐Pryce – the sentimental Jamaican favourite with or without the long green and yellow wig – has already done 10.67 seconds twice this year (in Paris and Nairobi). It is quite likely that she will have a flying start in the 100 metres at Oregon, and if so, all rivals will be obliged to admire her heels. But the matter may not be as straightforward as that. Elaine Thompson‐Herah will not be easily displaced from the ultimate position on the 100 metres podium. Elaine at her best (10.54 seconds) has demonstrated the
PB: 19.36m, Australia (outdoors) The powerhouse Thomas Dodd will be aiming for her third straight shot put final in Eugene, after a fourth place finish in 2017 and the silver medal in 2019. Her portfolio includes victories at the Commonwealth Games kn 2018 and the 2019 Pan‐American Games. She was born in Westmoreland, Jamaica and is currently ranked 10th in the world in the women’s shotput. Lloydricia Cameron 26 yrs. SB: 18.01, USA PB: 18.33m, USA (outdoors) She competes predominantly in the shot put. In 2015, she chose to represent the country of Jamaica. She was the 2018 Jamaican champion. Cameron was born in Miami, Florida and is currently ranked 33rd in the world. Discus Samantha Hall 29 yrs. SB: 58.01, PB: 62.94 A dedicated athlete, Hall is currently ranked 36th in the women’s discus. Danniel Thomas-Dodd finished 4th at the London Worlds.
greatest potential to surpass Flo‐ Jo’s incredible world record at 10.49 seconds, and she is driven by destiny: Double Double will wish to replicate her Olympic, and Olympian, standards at the World Championships. On the downside, Elaine placed third at the National Trials, being nipped at the tape by the U.S.‐ based Kemba Nelson. Should we expect Elaine to recover from this performance to achieve elevated status in Oregon? She can do it. As the problems at the start of the 100 metres at the Jamaican trials were enough to disturb Elaine’s focus and her classical rhythm, I would discount the importance of the third‐place position at the National Stadium. On a good day, Elaine will win in Oregon, going away, with her powerful top end speed, perfect form and elegant overdrive at about 30 metres from the tape.
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