Some 3,500 spectators were treated to a spectacular display of athletic prowess at Wednesday’s Cayman Invitational held at the Truman Bodden Sports Centre in George Town, Grand Cayman. Six-time Olympic gold medal winner Usain Bolt took centre stage, winning his 100m sprint in 10.083 seconds, just edging out compatriot Kemar Bailey-Cole in a photo finish. The world’s fastest woman, Carmelita Jeter, also delighted fans, winning her 100m sprint in a world-leading time of 10.95 seconds to beat compatriot Barbara Pierre.

Ms Jeter confirmed that the track and field meet has quickly become a favourite on her agenda.

“This is the second time I have competed at the Cayman Invitational and I am delighted to have participated again,” she said. “It has been a pleasure to compete alongside many other incredibly talented athletes in front of such a welcoming and enthusiastic crowd.”

“In particular, I loved being able to meet the younger fans who were so excited to come and watch the athletes performing live,” Ms Jeter said.

Cayman Invitational, one of the largest and most prominent in the Caribbean, featured some of the world’s superstar athletes, all taking part in 10 track and 2 field events. Jamaican Usain Bolt needs no introduction – the world’s fastest man and winner of six Olympic golds, taking three in last year’s London Olympics alone. His lightning speed on the track took spectators’ breath away as he showed the Cayman crowd why he is hailed as one of the greatest sporting heroes of all time.

American Carmelita ‘The Jet’ Jeter is another Olympic gold medalist, who took silver for the 100m sprint at last year’s Olympics as well as a gold for the 4 x 100m relay and bronze for the 200m. She competed alongside Olympic silver and bronze medalist, Jamaican Kerron Stewart, who earned her medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics for the 100m and 200m respectively. Other household names who participated included Hansle Parchment, Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie, Novlene Williams-Mills and of course, Cayman’s own sporting hero, Kemar Hyman.

Meet Director, Cydonie Mothersill-Stephens said a big thank you to the crowds of people who attended the meet and the many sponsors, organisers and volunteers who helped make Cayman Invitational such a wonderful occasion.

“The success of second Cayman Invitational is a testament to the extremely talented athletes who graced the track and I thank them from the bottom of my heart for being a part of the Cayman Invitational and displaying their abilities so well,” she said.

“I would also like to thank each and every person who came along to watch this amazing spectacle, as well as the many sponsors, volunteers and officials who made the event possible, many of whom worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the meet.”

“It was an absolutely thrilling evening and we really could not have asked for a better display of power, determination, skill and prowess,” Ms Mothersill-Stephens said.

Photo Credits:

Crowd photo: David Goddard

Photo of Men’s 100m race (top photo): David Goddard

Photo of Women’s 100m race: David Goddard

Photo of Usain Bolt: Bernard Neri

Photo of Men’s 100m race: Bernard Neri