Fraser-Pryce gets 2nd; Taylor upstages seniors in 400m at Cayman Invitational
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce made her return to international competition at Saturday’s (June 2) Cayman Invitational.
Fraser-Pryce, who gave birth in 2017, crossed the line in a season-best 11.33s. Only American Jenna Prandini, 11.16s was better than her on the day.
“I felt really good,” said Fraser-Pryce while adding “I just have to say I am blessed because to come out here and run 11.33s, it’s just getting better and better.’
The Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games champion improved on her 11.52s, achieved two weekends ago in Kingston.
“I am really excited about the progress,” said the first female sprinter to win three world 100m titles in 2009, 2013 and 2015.
Taylor in top form at Cayman Invitational
Meanwhile, Jamaica’s 2015 World Youth champion, Christopher Taylor was in impressive form, running a personal best 45.24 to win the men’s 400m.
Taylor, who matched strides with Javon Francis for almost two-thirds of the journey, pulled away in the straightaway to take a comfortable victory.
The Calabar student said he is “very proud” of himself. “I came out here looking to run a personal best and I did that, so I am very thankful,” he said.
Nigerian Chidi Okezie finished second in 45.65s while Francis ended third in 46.06s.
Leah Nugent was the only other track winner from Jamaica. She was comfortable across the line in 54.76 ahead of fellow Jamaicans Ristananna Tracey, 55.38s and Yanique Haye-Smith, 55.74.
Nugent, who represented Jamaica at the Rio 2016 Olympics and London 2017 World Championships, said it wasn’t the perfect race, but “I have been working on hurdles nine and 10, and I think today it finally came together, so I am happy.”
In the men’s long jump, Jamaican Tajay Gayle took the top spot with 7.92m ahead of Andwelle Wright of Trinidad and Tobago, 7.75m