KINGSTON, Jamaica, Sporting Alert – Former World 100m record holder Asafa Powell is among 23 athletes named in the Jamaica team to represent the country at the IAAF World Indoor Championships next week.
The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) announced the team on Friday — handing the world-leader the chance to make his second appearance and first since 2004 at the World Indoor Championships.
Powell, who has been in very good form this season, has the year’s two quickest times, at 6.49 seconds and 6.50 seconds.
On current form, the 2006 Commonwealth Games 100m champion, will be hoping to add another individual title to his small collection from championships, and the experienced Jamaican sprinter is certainly one of the favourites for the gold medal.
Joining him in the 60m dash are Kevaughn Rattray (6.60) and Odean Skeen (6.62).
Another strong gold medal contender on the men’s side, Omar McLeod, is also selected to race in the men’s 60m hurdles.
McLeod (7.46) is the second-fastest in the world this season in his event, behind Frenchman Dimitri Bascou, at 7.41.
Surprised World 100m hurdles champion from Beijing 2015, Danielle Williams is among the 13 women named for the championships.
Williams has had a modest start to the season, but she will be hoping to improve heading into the majors.
Meanwhile, World 200m silver medallist Elaine Thompson was selected to feature in the women’s 60m dash and her coach Stephen Francis is confident about her chances in Portland.
Thompson owns a season and personal best time of 7.14 seconds, but it is understood the talented sprinter who trains with the 2014 IAAF World Indoor 60m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, has what it takes to win her first global crown.
The 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships is scheduled for March 17 to 20, and the team will leave the Island on March 16.
FULL TEAM:
Male Team: Asafa Powell, Kevaughn Rattray, Odean Skeen, Ricardo Chambers, Fitzroy Dunkley, Kemoy Campbell, Omar McLeod, Nathon Allen, Dane Hyatt, Demar Murray and Demish Gaye.
Female Team: Simone Facey, Elaine Thompson, Chrisann Gordon, Patricia Hall, Stephenie-Ann McPherson, Natoya Goule, Samantha Scarlett, Danielle Williams, Shanieka Thomas, Salcia Slack, Anneisha McLaughlin, Verone Chambers and Ronda Whyte.
