Blake expects strong performance at World Relays

ROBERT BAILEY

STAR Writer

Despite the withdrawal of several of Jamaica's top athletes, Dr Warren Blake, former president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, remains confident that the country will deliver strong performances at this year's World Athletics Relays. The event is scheduled for May 2-3 in Gaborone, Botswana.

Reigning world 100m champion Oblique Seville and World Championships silver medallist Kishane Thompson are among the notable absentees, along with Roshawn Clarke and Tajh-Marques White.

However, Blake, who serves as assistant chaperone and safeguarding officer with the team, said the squad assembled is capable of rising to the occasion.

"Overall, I expect the team will do well and I think we should qualify for all the relay finals, even with the depleted 4x100m male relay team," said Blake.

He pointed to improved preparation and a renewed focus on relay execution as key factors behind his optimism.

"We have some very good athletes that will be competing at this championships because we are taking it very seriously," he said.

"I think that the coaches are taking it very seriously because in the lead up to this championships, we have been having relays champs, where the different clubs have made their athletes available to practice with baton changes; and so I think we should perform much better at this championships."

TOUGH

Blake noted that the championship is going to be tough, but he is confident Jamaica can hold its own.

"Overall, this is really a very good team that we have assembled, but it is going to be tough, like all championships. But I think we will survive and we will come out good."

The men's 4x100m relay team will be led by Ackeem Blake and includes Rasheed Foster, Kadrian Goldson, Rohan Watson, Adrian Kerr and Odaine McPherson.

Ryiem Forde pulled out at the last minute with an injury.

On the women's side, the team boasts a wealth of experience and quality, including Tina Clayton, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson, Tia Clayton, Jonielle Smith and Brianna Williams.

Jamaica is set to compete across six events at the championships: the men's and women's 4x100m relays, mixed 4x100m relay, men's and women's 4x400m relays, and the mixed 4x400m relay.