Paris, France – The remarkable Shanieka Ricketts needed just one jump to qualify for the triple jump final at the Stade de France on Friday. Ricketts surpassed the qualifying mark with a leap of 14.47m, ensuring her place in Saturday’s final and conserving her energy.
Ricketts wasn’t alone in advancing; teammate Ackelia Smith also progressed after finishing fifth in Group A with a jump of 14.09m, placing her among the top 12 qualifiers.
Cuba’s Leyanis Perez Hernandez led Group B with a jump of 14.68m, while American Jasmin Moore won Group A with a season-best of 14.43m. However, Jamaica’s Kimberly Williams did not make it through, finishing 10th in Group A.
Jamaica’s 4x400m mixed relay
In other events, Jamaica’s 4x400m mixed relay team set a new national record with a time of 3:11.06 minutes, finishing fourth and advancing as one of the two fastest losers. The team comprised Reheem Hayles, Junelle Bromfield, Zandrion Barnes, and Stephenie Ann McPherson. The Americans won the heat, setting a new world record of 3:07.41 minutes.
Shot putter Rajindra Campbell also made it to the finals with a throw of 21.05m, placing fifth in Group A. The qualification standard was 21.35m, and only six of the 12 finalists met this mark.
In the women’s 800m heats, veteran Natoya Goule-Toppin advanced comfortably, winning her heat in 1:58.66 minutes. Meanwhile, Adelle Tracey, despite a slower start and a season’s best time of 2:03.47 minutes, advanced to the Repechage round. Tracey will have another opportunity to qualify for the semi-finals in Saturday’s Repechage heat two.
In the women’s discus throw, Samantha Hall finished 16th in Group A with a throw of 69.59m, while Cuba’s Silinda Morales placed 10th in Group A with 59.46m, and her teammate registered 61.07m in Group B.
As the competition continues, Jamaica’s athletes remain focused and determined, with many still vying for medals in their respective events.
