Organiser predicts ‘fireworks’ at Youngster Goldsmith Classics

Meet organiser Raffic Shaw expects intensely competitive events, noting there will be "fireworks" at Saturday's Youngster Goldsmith Track and Field Classics at the National Stadium, starting at 8 a.m.

One of the most anticipated preseason athletics meets on the Jamaica Administrative Athletics Association (JAAA) calendar, the Classics offer a wide variety in track and field.

"The meet has been well supported by coaches across the island and a record 1,740 athletes have been registered to participate," Shaw said of the meet held in honour of former Kingston College (KC) strength and conditioning coach Youngster Goldsmith.

Several high-profile clashes are expected to be a feature, with the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships set for March.

"With this being the first meet in February, coaches will not be holding back. They will use it to assess their athletes' performances in their regular events and make the necessary adjustments in the weeks leading up to 'Champs'," said Shaw.

He believes competition in the sprint hurdles will be stiff, especially because of the format - with heats, then finals - which ensures that events will climax with the best eight athletes from the preliminary round.

"A lot of fireworks are expected in the sprint hurdles for both males and females," Shaw said.

"This is the only meet where there will be heats and finals, bringing together the best of the best. Many of these athletes may not compete against each other again until Champs," he added.

The boys' Class One 110m hurdles is expected to be a major highlight. Following his record-breaking run in the 55m hurdles at the New York Indoor Showcase last weekend, Calabar High's Shaquane Gordon will renew rivalry with KC's Daniel Clarke, Daniel Beckford of Jamaica College and Daniel Wright of Excelsior High. This showdown is a likely highlight at meets for the remainder of the season.

"There should also be a lot of excitement in the Invitational 200m and 800m events. The best eight athletes from each class have been invited for a one-off clash," Shaw continued.

CORPORATE AREA MEET

Meanwhile, Corporate Area teams will have an opportunity to earn valuable points in the 2000m steeplechase, a key event at today's Corporate Area Development Meet.

Action will begin at 8 a.m. with the women's 400m hurdles open, followed by the boys' Class Two and Class One events.

The meet will also feature races in the 400m, 1500m and the 100m, which will close the day's proceedings.

Field events will start at 9 a.m. with the girls' discus throw in all classes, followed by the boys' discus at 12 p.m.

Other field events scheduled for the day include the javelin, high jump, triple jump, long jump and pole vault (open for males).

sports@gleanerjm.com