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Thirty one year old Trinidad and Tobago sprinter Richard “Torpedo” Thompson reaffirmed his status as the country’s flag bearer in athletics’ showcase event last night, as the Rebirth athlete flew down the track to clinch the men’s 100 metre crown in the 2016 NGC/Sagicor NAAA National Open Championships at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Thompson, who ran in Rebirth’s colours, stopped the clock at 9.97 seconds with a wind of 1.7 to beat a talented field and clinch one of three individual spots available for the August 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
It was his fifth national title in the 100 metre, which is a joint NAAA record with former Olympic gold medalist Hasely Crawford.
Thompson was closely followed by La Brea’s Rondell Sorrillo, who was second in 9.99, while last year’s winner, Keston Bledman of Simplex, was third in 10.10. Memphis Pioneers’ Emmanuel Callender was fourth—and just outside the Olympic places—with 10.19.
In the women’s 100 metre final, Rebirth was golden again as 24 year old Michelle-Lee Ahye edged a thrilling contest to secure the prestigious title for just the second time.
Ahye crossed the line in 11 seconds flat, with the Zenith duo of Semoy Hackett and defending champion Kelly-Ann Baptiste—both 11.07 seconds—breathing down her neck. Eighteen year old Khalifa St Fort finished fourth but also won an Olympic place with a time of 11.16 seconds, which is a new national junior record.
(Copyright Greg Baker/AFP 2016/Wired868)
The NAAA Championships continues tomorrow from 3:30pm with the men’s javelin throw, women shot put, 400 metre, 400 metre hurdles and 4×100 and 4×400 metre relays among the more thrilling events, as the likes of Keshorn Walcott, Machel Cedenio, Jehue Gordon and Cleopatra Borel-Brown set to compete. Admission is TT$50 and half price for children under 12.
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
Horrible times. This has got to be the worst track team in decades. No hope even for the 4×100.
these times are quarter final times
When it counts boi…well done…time to step it up and do your best guys…I think this 100 in Rio gonna be the best ever
All of you who have only negatives can you do better do you even do better in your professions.
hey Hasan , have you been following him during the last couple years, you will see, he does good in TNT, then comes all 4th and 5th in races, world wide
Where is Marissa Dick……..the selected gym athlete could anyone say? Did she attend these games……at least to show her face? did not hear or see her……..we are hearing from all the other athletes in their preparation build up…….
Brian Howard have you ever ran anything close to his time have you ever won an Olympic medal or are just a critic.
Sorrilo Sub 10 Hmmmm check back The Clock.
Why???
Disappointing times all around. Ladies have to sub 11 and the men not stepping up at all. Good relay teams overall..individual medals will be difficult in the sprints. let’s see what the 400m M have to offer…it’s a good field. Jehue not looking himself in the 400m H.
Good showing…but he always had a problem improving and performing when it matters most…
lucky if he makes qualifying heats,
I hope that he can produce that in Rio…… keep it up
Nice
Gary, I’m not sure if we should take all the spectators to Rio or roll up the track and send it! ??
Congrats to Torpedo…he’s really kept himself fit and consistent over 3 Olympics. That’s no easy feat.
Very impressive Rondel Sorrillo ???
Too bad they cheated Sarah Wollaston of her place in the final. She qualified from the semis but was scratched from the final when they put in four runners who hadn’t even run in the semis.
Since Baptiste’s suspension Ahye to her credit has taken over and has not let up. Would love to see more sub 11’s though from our girls. St. Fort looked great. I’m not sure what her goal was but clocking a new PB and well within Olympic qualifying time is always good. Hopefully she will be a force to reckon with next 4 years once she continues to progress and remain healthy. Fluid baton passing would put us on the podium.
both mens and womens National records are at the stadium…ultra fast also..no world or olympic champs to push them on…just countrymen/women vz each other…great motivation ??…
well aint it the national championships….?
if you say so
and yet again…ultra fast times compared to everybodys last 3 races …
what was Sorillio’s Personal best before this ??…
Richard Thompson doesn’t seem too excited with his splendid time.
He was dancing all over the place after the final! Lol. He had a ball
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