McLeod sends signal to rivals

OMAR MCLEOD, the 2016 Olympic Games champion and 2017 World champion, won the men's 110 metres hurdles at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland yesterday to send a strong signal to his rivals just nine days before the JAAA/Puma National Junior and Senior Championships.

McLeod, the national record holder in the event with 12.90 seconds, improved on his previous season's best of 13.47 when he crossed the line in 13.25. He is now the the second fastest Jamaican in the event this year, behind defending national champion Rasheed Broadbell with his season's best 13.24.

After his eighth-place finishes at the 2021 and 2022 National Championships, McLeod was absent last year after being plagued with injuries.

McLeod, Broadbell and defending Olympic Games Hansle Parchment, with a season's best 13.26, look set for an exciting three-way clash at the National Championships.

The next best Jamaican behind the trio is Jerome Campbell with a season's best 13.30 seconds. Closing out the top five is former Calabar High hurdler Lafranz Campbell on 13.37.

At the same meet Jamaica's Shaneika Ricketts won the women's triple jump with a best of 14.17 metres. Italy's Dariya took second with 14.08m while Maja Askag of Sweden placed third with 14.06.

American Nia Ali won the 100m hurdles in in 12.48 seconds beating Nadine Visser (12.51) of the Netherlands and Sarah Lavin (12.66) of Ireland. Jamaica's Britany Anderson was sixth in a season's best 12.87.

European champion Lamont Jacobs of Italy maintained his good form by sprinting to victory in the 100m in 9.92 seconds, his best time since 2021 when he won at the Olympics. Chituru Ali of Italy was second in a personal best 9.96 and Canada's Andre DeGrasse took third in 10.00.

- R.G.