Written By: Hubert Lawrence
Under normal circumstances, the major competition cycle in athletics runs like clockwork and athletes build their lives around it. The COVID 19 outbreak has turned everything upside down. Instead of the 2019 World Championships being followed this year by the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, it is now set for 2021 provided that the coast is Corona clear.
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Jamaica did well at the World Championships in Doha last year, with 3 gold medals topping a haul of 12, but there is concern that the delay could hurt. An age analysis of the World Championships team, however, provides some comfort. With very few exceptions, the Jamaicans who competed in Doha will almost all be 30 or younger when Tokyo opens its door for the Games.
With the exception of the superb Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, Jamaica’s Doha medallists Tajay Gayle, Fedrick Dacres, Shanieka Ricketts, Danniel Thomas- Dodd, Shericka Jackson, Danielle Williams and Rushell Clayton will all still be in their twenties in Tokyo.
The same goes for 100-metre finalists Elaine Thompson- Herah and Jonielle Smith, 400-metre finalists Demish Gaye and Akeem Bloomfield, reigning Olympic 110 metre hurdles champion Omar McLeod. So will Janeek Brown and Megan Tapper who accompanied Williams to the 100 metre hurdles final and long jump finalist Shanice Porter. Natoya Goule, a top-eight finisher in the 800, will be 30 at that time.
There are some others who will be over 30 who are nevertheless relatively young for their event like 2015 World shot put bronze medallist O’Dayne Richards and triple jump 4th placer Kimberly Williams.
In like manner, 2018 Commonwealth steeplechase winner Aisha Praught-Leer will be 31, still prime age for a middle-distance runner.
Traves Smikle, Commonwealth and Pan-Am discus throw runner-up to Dacres, will be a youthful 29 by the time Tokyo rolls around.
Also in the mix are young prospects like 2018 World Under 20 medal winners like 400-metre Shian Salmon and sprinter Brianna Williams.
The break may help those who have injuries like McLeod and Thompson-Herah. The 2016 Olympic champion at 100 and 200 metres has balanced racing, training and rest for her troublesome Achilles tendon to the tune of 10.88 seconds in the 100.
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