Emanuel Archibald held off challenges from a star-studded field to win the men’s 100m final in one of the highlights of Day 2 of the ongoing National Senior Championships yesterday at the National Track and Field Centre.
Archibald had easily qualified for the final after winning his semi-final race a day earlier in a time of 10.30 seconds, putting him in contention for his fourth title.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympian did not disappoint as he stormed to victory albeit in less than ideal conditions for sprinting for a time of 10.38s, holding off Noelex Holder (10.42s) and Akeem Stewart (10.46s) to claim the coveted title of Guyana’s fastest man once again.
Despite the victory in the marquee event, Archibald, 27, was disappointed with his time as he was aiming to punch his ticket to the World Athletic Championships next month in Eugene, Oregon, USA.
Prior to yesterday’s race, Archibald told this publication that he had his sights set on smashing the national record and earning his spot at the Championships which starts on July 15.
The qualifying standard for the men’s 100m at ‘Worlds’ is 10.05s. Archibald recorded the second fastest run by a local (10.18s) in April at the National Stadium in Jamaica. He was aiming to eclipse that.
Today, however, he will have another shot at qualifying for ‘Worlds’. The national long jump record holder (8.12m) will be aiming to disturb the sand in impressive fashion in order to take his talents to Eugene. He will need a leap of 8.22m to book his place at the prestigious event. In the women’s race a day earlier, Keliza Smith, 19, staved off the challenge of Juvonna Cornette to win her first women’s 100m title at the National Championships, getting to the line in a time of 11.53s as the latter followed in 11.63s. Tonya Rawlins claimed bronze after returning a time of 12.00s.
In another highlight of Day 2, Leslain Baird led a Guyana Defence Force sweep of the podium in the men’s javelin event. The national record holder (78.65m) and South American Games silver medallist threw the spear for 66.02m to claim the top spot on the podium. His club mates, Joshua Tappin (62.46m) and Tremayne Beckles (60.16m) finished with the silver and bronze medals.
Meanwhile, following two days of the three-day fixture, the newly-crowned national champions now include : Narisa McPherson (women’s 400m), Michael James (men’s 400m), Aaliyah Moore (1500m), Natrena Hooper (triple jump), Anisha Gibbons (javelin), Matthew Gordon (men’s 1500m) and Marlon Nicholson (men’s 5000m).
Today, the curtain will come down on the annual flagship event. The men’s long jump, the 800m finals for men and women, and the 200m finals, will be the highlights of the programme.
