Merritt looking forward to JIIM atmosphere

The Jamaica International Invitational Meet holds a special place in LaShawn Merritt's heart.

For the first three years of his professional career, he ran his opening 400m at the meet, placing first on all three occasions.

In fact, it was at the 2005 edition, where Merritt ran his first sub-45 second when he stopped the clock at 44.66 seconds.

"Jamaica is always a great place to run, the atmosphere and everything is just right. I am really looking forward to it," Merritt said.

Merritt, along with number of stars, will entertain track and field fans this evening at the National Stadium.

The American will be running the 200m as he continues his quest to be the first human being to run under 43 seconds in the 400m.

FRIENDLY RIVALRY

The women's 100m is expected to set the stadium alight as double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson will go up against the young Jamaican charges of Christania Williams, Natasha Morrison, and Gayon Evans. Olympic 100m silver medallist KerronStewart is also down to compete.Stewart recently announced she will be retiring this summer.

In the men's equivalent, Julian Forte will take on seasoned campaigners Mike Rodgers of the USA and 42-year-old Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis.

The meet is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. with the Olympic development events, while the stars will begin the show two hours later.