In a thrilling display of athleticism, Roshawn Clarke, a finalist in the World Championship 400m hurdles and Jamaican national record holder, stunned reigning World 400m champion Antonio Watson in a heated battle at the Camperdown Classic held at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday.
Representing Swept Track Club, the 19-year-old Clarke, who still has a few months before turning 20, emerged victorious in heat five of the men’s 400m, edging out Watson of Racers Track Club.
Clarke, the current World U-20 record holder in the 400m hurdles, surged ahead over the first 300m, utilizing his strength from the hurdles event, while Watson, known for his reserved start, closed in fast during the final stretch.
In a closely contested race, Clarke crossed the finish line in 46.05 seconds, narrowly beating Watson’s time of 46.10 seconds, securing a surprising win over the World champion. Terry Thomas of Titans International claimed third place with a time of 46.97 seconds.
Kicked off their season with this race
Both Clarke and Watson kicked off their season with this race, with Watson aiming to build on his successful 2023 season, which saw him clinch the World 400m title with a time of 44.22 seconds in Budapest.
Meanwhile, Clarke impressed at the last World Championships, setting a national record and World U-20 record of 47.34 seconds in the semi-finals before finishing fourth in the final.
In other heats of the men’s 400m, notable performances included Oblique Seville of Racers Track Club, who set a personal best of 47.44 seconds in heat four, and Elite Performance Track Club’s Waseem Williams, who won the first heat with a personal best time of 49.71 seconds.
