GLASGOW (SportingAlert) — Qualifying rounds in the women’s 100 metres gets underway at the Commonwealth Games at Hampden Park Stadium on Sunday.
Conditions are very cool this afternoon, which is not to the liking of the sprinters.
That, however, has not prevented the likes of Blessing Okagbare, Veronica Campbell-Brown, Schillonie Calvert and Kerron Stewart from laying down good preliminary performances in front of a full house at Hampden Park for this opening session of athletics.
In fact, Okagbare of Nigeria looked the most impressive of the early rounds, winning her heat in 11.20 seconds, but did so very comfortably.
“Most impressive athlete we’ve seen today, including the men’s race,” BBC Sport athletics expert Michael Johnson said on BBC One.
Campbell-Brown won the opening heat of the women’s 100m in 11.29secs, beating Gloria Asumnu of Nigeria, who finished second in 11.43.
The Jamaican was very comfortable, easing down some 60m into the race and showed that she certainly has a lot more left in the tank.
Campbell-Brown’s teammate Schillonie Calvert also won her heat in impressive style – taking the third heat in 11.29. She defeated fellow Caribbean runner sheniqua ferguson from the Bahamas, who was some distance behind in 11.60.
Kerron Stewart also delivered a very good performance as she practically coasted the entire race to win in 11.35 ahead of Bianca Williams of England – right next to her in second place at 11.37.
After making a very impressive start to the summer where she’s already ran a fast 10.85secs, Ahye’s preparation has been hampered by an injury to her hamstring in the build up to these Games.
Winning her heat as well on the day was Melissa Breen of Australia after crossing the finishing line in a modest 11.54.
