Jamaican sprint star Stephenie Ann McPherson stormed to victory in the women’s 400m at the 60th Palio Citta’ Della Quercia meet in Italy on Tuesday, clocking her fastest time in three years with an impressive 50.65 seconds, reaffirming her position as one of the world’s elite 400m runners.
McPherson held off a strong challenge from her training partner, Barbados’ Sada Williams, who finished close behind in 50.67 seconds, while St. Vincent’s Shafiqua Maloney completed the Caribbean sweep with 50.75 seconds. Olympic semi-finalist Stacey Ann Williams of Jamaica finished fifth in 51.12 seconds.
The meet was a successful outing for Jamaican athletes, with several podium finishes across various events. Orlando Bennett claimed victory in the men’s 110m hurdles, clocking 13.45 seconds (1.0 m/s), edging out American Cordel Tinch by 0.01 seconds. Cuba’s Roger Iribarne took third with 13.54 seconds.
Forbes continues her winning streak post-Olympics
In the women’s 100m, Shashalee Forbes continued her winning streak post-Olympics, securing her third consecutive victory with a time of 11.17 seconds (0.5 m/s). Fellow Jamaican Natasha Morrison finished second in 11.22 seconds, while American Celera Barnes came in third at 11.23 seconds, making it a thrilling finish.
In the men’s long jump, Tajay Gayle and Shawn-D Thompson both leapt 7.96m, finishing second and third, respectively. Uzbekistan’s Anvar Anvarov clinched victory with a 7.99m jump in the final round, surpassing both Jamaicans with his best effort of the competition.
Jamaica’s Romaine Beckford continued his consistent form, finishing second in the men’s high jump with a clearance of 2.26m. Italy’s Olympic champion Gianmarco Tamberi took the top spot, clearing 2.29m, while another Italian, Stefano Sottile, shared third place with Japan’s Tomohiro Shonno after both cleared 2.23m.
Zandrion Barnes equals his season’s best of 45.30 seconds
In the men’s 400m, Zandrion Barnes equaled his season’s best of 45.30 seconds to finish fourth, while fellow Jamaican Rusheen McDonald clocked 45.62 seconds for fourth place. Brazil’s Mathesus Lima won the event in 44.99 seconds, while Belgium’s Jonathon Sacoor finished third in 45.33 seconds.
Rajindra Campbell, Jamaica’s Olympic bronze medalist in the shot put, secured third place in the men’s shot put with a throw of 21.11m. The event was won by American Roger Steen, who registered a season-best throw of 21.81m, with Italy’s Nicholas Ponzio placing second at 21.40m.
Yanique Thompson finished fourth in the women’s 100m hurdles, clocking 13.15 seconds (-1.3 m/s). Great Britain’s Cindy Sember won the event in 12.89 seconds, ahead of Tonea Marshall of the USA (13.03) and Ireland’s Sarah Lavin (13.11).
In the men’s 100m, Jamaica’s Rohan Watson finished seventh in 10.34 seconds (1.3 m/s), while compatriot Michael Campbell placed eighth with 10.45 seconds. Canada’s Jerome Blake took the top spot, matching his season-best with a time of 10.15 seconds, while Americans Pjai Austin and Ronnie Baker finished second (10.16) and third (10.17), respectively.
