Powell working out recently at the University of Technology.
Raymond Graham, Freelance Writer
JAMAICAN ATHLETES shone at Friday night's Millrose Game in New York with outstanding performances from Asafa Powell, Germaine Mason, Melaine Walker, and Kerron Stewart, who all secured victories.
Undoubtedly, it was 21-year-old Powell who stole the show. With several Jamaicans in the Madison Square Garden crowd chanting 'Safa', 'Safa', the Stephen Francis-coached athlete did not disappoint as he blew away a strong field to win the 60 metres in 6.56 seconds.
The United States pair of John Capel and Coby Miller, both timed in 6.65 seconds, had to settle for second and third with Powell sending a strong message to his rivals that come march he will be ready for the World Indoor Championships.
Powell was naturally pleased with his performance.
"I am very happy that I came out and performed well in my first real competition for the year and I'm looking forward to the remainder of the season," he said.
Francis' other charge, Mason, also started off on a winning note, clearing the bar at 2.23 metres to win the high jump ahead of United States Matt Hemingway, who also cleared the same height.
GOOD START
Speaking after the meet Francis said it was a good start for his athletes.
"We did not really plan for this meet but we decided to compete just to see where they are as these are the people they will be competing with for the remainder of the year and this is also a famous meet," he said.
Francis also stated this will be the only major meet before the World Indoors.
"They will be training furiously for the next three weeks as they concentrate on the World Indoors," he added.
Former St. Jago High athletes Stewart and Walker continued to do well this season. Now competing for Essex County College in New Jersey, both athletes followed up their winning performances at the Boston Terrier Meet the previous week with good wins again.
Walker captured the 60 metres College hurdle event in 8.40 seconds and Stewart won the College 60 metres dash in 7.41 seconds. There were second place finishes for Kevin Campbell, Michelle Ballentine and Sandy Richards.
Campbell (6.72) finished second in the College Men 60 metres dash and Ballentine was second in the 800 metres for women. Richards was also second in the women 500 metres.
The Essex County College 1600-metre relay team of Walker, Tamara Francis, Chlora Williams and Keisha McKenzie finished second in the College Relay in three minutes 45.00 seconds.
