Ennis-London rules Elton Tucker, Asst. sport editor
DELLOREEN Ennis-London dismissed a strong challenge from local-based Brigitte Foster to retain the women's 100 metres hurdles crown on the final day of the National Junior and Senior Athletics Championships at the National Stadium last night.
The former St. Jago High student who is now the hottest hurdler on the grand prix circuit, powered off the final obstacle to win in 12.62 seconds. Foster led for most of the race to equal her personal best of 12.70 in placing second while Vonette Dixon who, like Ennis-London, is based in the United States, took third in 12.83. Former national champion Michelle Freeman got up slowly and never really recovered and finished a disappointing fourth in 12.97. Ennis-London who holds a victory over American record holder Gail Devers this year was not surprised about her performance. "I felt great coming here. I won two races in Europe including a 12.78 against a negative win and a 12.57 in Seville. I really wanted to break the national record (12.52) but couldn't because of the humidity here," Ennis-London said after her race. Freeman said on radio last night that she thought there was a false start and almost stopped at the first hurdle and 'had to run like mad' to catch up the field. She said she lodged a protest but was told the starter's decision was final. Maurice Wignall won the men's 110m high hurdles in 13.70 from Ricardo Melbourne 13.88 and Mathew Love 14.23. Also retaining their titles were Charmaine Howell and Marvin Watts in the men's and women's 800 metres. Howell was forced to work hard by Michelle Ballentine before taking charge 100 metres out. She won in 2.01.02 with Ballentine second in 2.02.38. Korene Hinds was third in 2.04.38. Watts toyed with his rivals throughout to take the men's two-lap event in a slow 1.48.66 from Aldwyn Sappleton 1.49.28 and Gareth Peters third in 1.50.17. At press time last night Aleen Bailey and Chris Williams had completed the senior sprint double. Bailey who won the 100m in 11.14 on Friday night swept past 2001 world indoor 200m champion Juliet Campbell and defending champion Beverly McDonald to win in 22.46. Campbell who was also second last year clocked 22.90 while third-placed Merlene Frazer and fourth-placed McDonald were both credited with 22.99. Williams powered home to win the men's 200 metres in 20.27 from Llewelyn Bredwood and Ricardo Williams. United States-based Maresa Cadienhead came good at her third try when she beat defending champion Karen Beautle in the women's high jump. Cadienhead, a former Meadowbrook High student who now attends Oklahoma University cleared 1.84m with Beautle second 1.78m and Sande Swaby third 1.70m. In the junior under 18 category Tesfa Latty of St. George's College and Ver Technical's Simone Facey also completed sprint doubles. Latty won his 200 metres final in 21.73. Facey's time not available at press time.
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