Tobi Amusan makes winning return to action in Jamaica

Nigerian sprint star Tobi Amusan commenced her season on a high note at the Velocity Fest 16 in Jamaica on Saturday, triumphing in the women’s 100m A final.

Now training with Racers Track Club, Amusan completed the race in 11.28 seconds (-0.5), finishing ahead of Jamaica’s Serena Cole, who secured second place with a time of 11.45 seconds, and Bahamian sprinter Anthonique Strachan, who took third in 11.46 seconds.

The Velocity Fest 16 marked an exhilarating beginning to the outdoor track and field season, with numerous athletes achieving personal and seasonal bests.

Amusan’s victory in Jamaica solidifies her status as a leading contender for forthcoming international events, setting a promising tone for what is expected to be another exciting year in athletics.

The event took place at Ashenheim Stadium, located within Jamaica College, and featured remarkable performances from various athletes.

Ackeem Blake, representing Dynamic Speed, maintained his impressive form by winning the men’s 100m A final in 10.06 seconds, surpassing Zharnel Hughes (10.14 seconds) and Adrian Kerr (10.29 seconds).

Additionally, Roshawn Clarke, the national record holder in the 400m hurdles for Jamaica, delivered an outstanding performance in the men’s 400m, breaking the 45-second barrier for the first time with a personal best of 44.98 seconds.

He finished ahead of Deandre Watkin (45.59 seconds) and Javier Brown (45.62 seconds), marking a significant achievement in his career.

Olympic 100m finalist Oblique Seville also showcased his talent by winning the men’s 200m with a season-best time of 20.53 seconds, outpacing Javari Thomas (20.82 seconds) and Nigel Ellis (21.13 seconds).

In the women’s 200m final, Barbadian sprinter Sada Williams claimed victory with a time of 23.10 seconds, narrowly defeating Tia Clayton (23.11 seconds) and Kemba Nelson (23.42 seconds).

In the women's 400m event, Shana Kaye Anderson showcased an impressive performance, securing first place with a time of 52.20 seconds. Rushell Clayton followed closely in second with a time of 52.38 seconds, while Alliah Baker finished third in 54.12 seconds.

In the men's discus throw, Fedrick Dacres exhibited his prowess by achieving a winning distance of 62.36 meters, outpacing Chad Wright, who recorded 60.60 meters for second place, and Tio-Josh Mowatt, who took third with a throw of 52.07 meters.

The long jump and triple jump competitions were equally thrilling, with Shawn-D Thompson emerging victorious in both events. He achieved a season-best jump of 8.02 meters in the long jump and followed it with a personal best of 16.61 meters in the triple jump.