Jamaica’s Jevaughn Powell and Trinidad & Tobago’s Leah Bertrand were among the standout Caribbean athletes securing podium finishes at Friday’s Holloway Pro Classic in Gainesville, Florida.
Jevaughn Powell, who placed third in the 400m at both the NCAA Championships and the Jamaican National Championships in June, completed his final preparation for the Paris Olympics with a strong performance in the 200m. Powell clocked 20.21 seconds to finish second. American Erriyon Knighton won the race with an impressive time of 19.92 seconds, while another American, Robert Gregory, finished third in 20.33 seconds.
Leah Bertrand, fresh off her second national 100m title in June, ran 11.18 seconds to secure third place in the women’s 100m. American Candice Hill and Nigerian Favour Ofili both recorded times of 11.07 seconds, with Hill narrowly taking the win. Bertrand, a 21-year-old junior at Ohio State, is set to make her Olympic debut in Paris.
Other notable performances
Bertrand’s compatriot, Tyra Gittens, also delivered a notable performance, finishing second in the long jump with a best mark of 6.37m achieved in the sixth and final round. The event was won by American Tionna Tobias, who set a personal best of 6.94m. Another American, Jasmine Todd, finished third with a jump of 6.17m.
Bahamian Charisma Taylor, who will compete in the 100m hurdles at the Paris Olympics, finished third in the triple jump with a distance of 13.63m. Americans Kenturah Orji and Jasmine Moore took the top two spots with jumps of 14.08m and 14.06m, respectively.
Jamaica’s Skyler Franklin also impressed, running 51.01 seconds to secure third place in the women’s 400m. Americans Aaliyah Butler and Bailey Lear finished first and second with times of 50.14 and 50.51 seconds, respectively.
The Holloway Pro Classic showcased the talent and determination of Caribbean athletes as they prepare for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.
