Cayman Invitational is shaping up to be an Olympic showdown, as latest athlete LaShawn Merritt is added to the mix. Merritt earned a pair gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, in both 400m and 4x400m relay for Team USA.

Merritt is a three-time USA Outdoor Champion, posting times of 44.00 in 2008, 44.50 in 2009 and 44.12 in 2012. Among his other accolades, Merritt is the 2009 World Outdoor Champion and earned Silver at the 2011 IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea.

“We are excited to add another Olympian to the roster of athletes at this year’s Cayman Invitational,” said Meet Director Cydonie Mothersill-Stephens. “The calibre of athletes setting foot at Truman Bodden is exceptional, and we are thrilled at the buzz this event is receiving both locally and internationally.”

This is the first time Merritt will be participating in the Cayman Invitational, saying “thank you to Cydonie Mothersill-Stephens for having me at her meet. It is my first time in the Cayman Islands and I am looking forward to it. I’m excited about the meet and ready for the competition.”

While there are still opportunities for sponsorship of this exciting event, the following organisations have already pledged their support:  CI Government – Office of the Premier (Platinum Sponsor); Cayman Airways, Dart, VTB (all Gold Sponsors); LIME, Puma, Hot 104.1FM, Tower (all Silver Sponsors) and National Building Society, Water Authority, Western Union and Casa Luna (all Bronze Sponsors).

For more information visit:  http://caymaninvitational.com/v13/ or please contact: [email protected]