T&T's Keston Bledman claimed bronze yesterday in a Caribbean-dominated 100m final at the IAAF Diamond League, in New York, USA, finishing in 10.23 seconds. Jamaican pair Nesta Carter and Yohan Blake took gold and silver, respectively, but were both unable to duck under the ten-second mark. Carter won in 10.09, while Blake, the Diamond League 100m record holder (9.69) finished in 10.21 seconds. Another Jamaican, Kemar Bailey-Cole placed eighth in 10.33.
Also claiming bronze for T&T yesterday was multiple CAC gold medalist and Olympic shot put thrower Cleopatra Borel, who threw an impressive 19.04m. The Mayaro-born athlete made her best effort on the third attempt after throwing 18.08m on the first and faulting on the second. She then threw 18.21m on her fourth attempt. Valerie Adams of New Zealand won the event in 19.52m, while Michelle Carter of the USA was edged out in second with her 19.51m attempt.
Also in action for T&T were World Champion Jehue Gordon and Olympic bronze medalist Lalonde Gordon, both of whom were far from their best. Gordon (Jehue) placed seventh in the 400m hurdles clocking 49.81, only ahead of Jamaica’s Leford Green, who placed eighth in 50.87. The race was won by Javier Culson of Puerto Rico, who ran a world-leading 48.03. USA’s Michael Tinsley finished second in a season-best 48.56, while Cornel Fredericks of South Africa took third in 48.58- also a season best.
Meanwhile, Gordon (Lalonde) placed eighth and last in his event, the men’s 400m sprint clocking 45.68 seconds.
USA’s Lashawn Merritt took his Diamond League 400m tally to 12 points after winning the race in a blistering 44.19 seconds for a meet record. South Africa’s Wayde Van Niekerk (44.38) placed second for a national record, while Bahamian Chris Brown ran a season-best 44.61 seconds for third place.