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Outstanding performances marked 2007 

Jamaican Athletes

There is no better way top measure success than results. To say you are on top of your game is one thing, but to be able to show it in black and white is another. Jamaica's athletes demonstrated that they are indeed on top of this world with many astonishing results in 2007.
Much has been said and written about Jamaica's successes at the World Championships. A great show put on by every single individual athlete and support staff. But there were other excellent performances that immediately caught the eye. Asafa Powell may have lost the 100 metres at the World’s, but he gained many fans by running an amazing 9.74 World record two weeks later in Rieti , Italy …. in a heat. And to top it off, he then went on to post 9.78 in the final, less than two hours later. That certainly is the fastest one day pair in history…. by a country mile! 2008 can’t come fast enough for Asafa!

But there would have been others whose performances would rank not far behind. Maurice Smith’s 8644 points for a national record in the Decathlon stand out like a beacon. He too can’t wait for 2008.

Usain Bolt, who many believe could be ‘the’ best quartermiler if he wants to be, ran a shocking 10.03! But before that he ran 19.75 at the National Championships to steal the show from his more illustrious colleagues.

Veronica Campbell demonstrated superb composure to grab Osaka gold in the 100 metres after a rather ordinary start. Her anchor leg in the sprint relay must be rated as one of the best ever as well.

Novelene Williams’ 49.66 in the semifinals of the World Championships set tongues wagging and peaked expectations of Jamaicans throughout the world. And but for a long metre and a half would now be World Champion.

The emergence of Nickeisha Wilson as world class was too fast for most to contemplate. The gutsy hurdler, still in college, entered 2007 with a mid-fifty five clocking and without a name and left the World Championships with 53.97 and certainly among the top five in the world. Truly outstanding.

Deloreen Ennis-London shugged off a career-threatening injury to run 12.50. That was the true Jamaican ‘never say die’ spirit shining through. 

Undoubtedly, one of the most impressive performances of the year would be the sprint relay national record 37.89 done by the men in Osaka . Many excellent quartets have been assembled before but none were able to crack the 38 seconds barrier. Now, the world record doesn’t seem so far away!    

And to top it off, Jamaica's women ran 3:19.73 for a new national record and established themselves as one of only four countries to run sub-3:20. Outstanding!

We look forward to 2008 with optimism, knowing that our heroes will again rise to the occasion.

Below are Jamaica's senior listings posted on the IAAF website: 

Women

• Veronica Campbell – 10.89, 22.34

• Kerron Stewart – 11.03, 22.41

• Sherry-Ann Brooks – 11.05

• Simone Facey – 11.16, 22.49

• Aleen Bailey – 11.17, 22.60

• Samantha Henry – 11.21, 22.84

• Tracey-Ann Rowe – 11.25

• Sherone Simpson – 22.76

• Novelene Williams – 49.66

• Sherika Williams – 50.37

• Shereefa Lloyd – 51.00

• Davita Prendegast – 51.24

• Patricia Hall – 51.52

• Kenia Sinclair – 1:58.61, 4:05.56

• Deloreen Ennis-Landon – 12.50

• Vonnete Dixon – 12.64

• Bridgette Foster-Hylton – 12.71

• Lacena Golding-Clarke – 12.85

• Nickeisha Wilson – 12.93, 53.97

• Andrea Bliss – 13.02

• Melaine Walker – 54.14

• Shevone Stoddart – 55.42

• Kaliese Spencer – 55.62

• Korene Hinds – 9:28.86

• Elva Goulbourne – 6.66m

• Chelsea Hammond – 6.66m (6.87w)

• Nolle Graham – 6.65m

• Trecia Smith – 14.35m

• 4X100M – 42.01

• 4X400M – 3:19.73 (NR)

Men

• Asafa Powell – 9.74 (WR), 20.00

• Clement Campbell – 10.02

• Usain Bolt – 10.03, 19.75

• Michael Frater – 10.03

• Steve Mullings – 10.05

• Yohan Blake – 10.11

• Marvin Anderson – 20.06

• Clement Campbell – 20.26

• Ricardo Chambers – 44.62

• Sanjay Ayre – 44.98

• Maurice Wignall – 13.29

• Danny McFarlane – 48.32

• Markieno Buckley – 49.24

• Dean Griffiths – 49.24

• Bryan Steele – 49.48

• James Beckford – 8.37m

• Maurice Smith – 8644 points (NR)

• 4X100M – 37.89 (NR)