Jamaican athletes found the going tough at the IAAF Diamond League meet in Lausanne with only two podium finishes.
National 100m champion Nickel Ashmeade was well beaten over 200 meters, posting 20.06 secs behind Panamanian 2009 world silver medallist Alonso Edward who produced a quick 19.84. Yohan Blake faded to sixth in a pedestrian 20.48 seconds, signallig he’s far from his best after returning this season from a hamstring injury.
Andrew Riley was a third place finisher in the 110 meter high hurdles. Fresh from winning his third national title, Riley produced a late surge to clock a season’s best 13.23 behind winner Pascal Martino Lagard of France who won in a personal best 13.07 seconds.
Kemar Bailey-Cole could only manage 5th in the men’s 100 meters which was dominated by Americans. Justin Gatlin lowered his own world leading time to 9.80 with Tyson Gay, in his first race back from drug suspension clocking a fast 9.93 for second.
Michael Frater 10.44 was second in the “B” race won by Great Britain’s James Dasaolu in 10.03.
The performance of the night came in the men’s 400 meters, where olympic champion Kirani James produced a Grenadian record 43.74 secs to turn back American world champion Lashawn Merritt 43.92 into second.
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Jamaican athletes face the sword at latest Diamond League meet
