Mills won’t give up on Racers showcase meet in spite of financial challenges

DESPITE navigating the challenges of contracting corporate support, noted track and field coach and the man behind the Racers Grand Prix, Glen Mills, while admitting that a feasibility exercise will take place, says his organisation is fully committed to continuing the meet.

Yesterday’s seventh staging of the event saw a mix of Jamaica’s biggest names and some of the world’s most exciting young talent go head to head in front of a decent crowd inside the National Stadium, where Bryan Levell thrilled in one of the most impressive performances on the evening.

Mills, one of the foremost coaches in international athletics, has indicated that it is becoming more challenging to secure the required support for the meet.

This was evident by the absence of big-name international stars — a staple of the meet which, over the years, has been able to attract some of the sport’s leading figures.

However, Mills says that in spite of the difficulties he and his team remain committed to ensuring that the international meet remains on the local calendar.

“To maintain the high quality of this meet it requires significant financial input.

We truly appreciate the support of all our sponsors and stakeholders but, unfortunately, they have communicated to us they are having challenges to inject required capital in today’s market climate,” said Mills shortly before the first event yesterday.

“However, the Racers committee is very committed to continuing the Grand Prix as it provides high-level competition for our athletes and for the fans to enjoy.

But, naturally, each year we examine the feasibility of the meet,” Mills added.

Still, as usual, the meet delivered in energy and high-level performances, with several early events bringing the crowd on its feet.

Bryan Levell announced his arrival with a blistering 19.79-second run in the men’s 200m, in a meet highlight.

Helped along by an illegal +2.5m/s wind, Levell attacked the curve and kept in gear along the final 100m to deliver a victory that is sure to wrestle the attention of the track and field world.

Christopher Taylor, in his return to the event, took second place in 20.39 seconds, with South African Naeem Jack running third in 20.46.

Bryan Levell wins the men’s 200m
ahead of Christopher Taylor at Racers
Grand Prix at the National Stadium on
Saturday. (Photo: Napthali Junior)

“It was a good performance, especially seeing the national trials is a few weeks away and this was just my second official 200m this season.

I was just looking to come out here and put in a good time and do my best,” said Levell who picked up from where he left off last year with his 19.97 personal best.

Shericka Jackson is rounding herself into form, taking the win in the women’s 200m in 22.53 while finishing ahead of Canadian Audrey Leduc, 22.80, and Caisja Chandler, 22.92.

In a close finish Roshawn Clarke, 48.65 seconds, showed his class in the 400m hurdles, holding off a valiant effort from Assinie Wilson.

With who hurdles to clear the Olympic finalist found Wilson for company, but he delivered a strong finish to hold off his countryman and secure what was his first win in the one-lap hurdles event so far this season after three starts.

Malik James-King, 49.87, finished in third place.

“I mean, the race was alright; I just came out here trying to get my execution right.

This race, there were some ups and downs but we came out and got the win,” Clarke told the Sunday Observer before underlining the importance of competing at this level in front of his home support.

“Considering the Jamaica Invitational was cancelled and this is the only one, I think Jamaica is right up there in terms of athletics and so we should be staging more meets like this here,” Clarke offered.

“Hopefully in the next few years we will see some more.”

In the women’s 400m hurdles Bajan Tia-Adana Belle, 55.74, dug deep to take the win on the line over Sanique Walker, 55.78, in another close finish. American Bianca Stubler, 56.52, was third.

Christopher Bailey, the fourth fastest in the 400m this season, stopped the clock at 44.74 in a powerful showing in the quarter-mile event.

Second place went to Delano Kennedy, 45.22, with Elija Godwin, 45., taking third place.

The women’s event went to Lynna Irby-Jackson in 50.23, winning ahead of Stacey-Ann Williams, 50.56 and Sada Williams, 51.65.

The women’s triple jump was won by Davisleydi Velazco with 14.26m, with Ackelia Smith, 13.83m, finishing second. Natricia Hooper, 13.32m, was third.

Meanwhile, with uncertainty surrounding the future of the other Jamaican-based international track meet, the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, Mills also highlighted the importance of securing the future of Racers Grand Prix.

“GP [Racers Grand Prix] is important for the continued development of track field in Jamaica and we encourage all Jamaicans and corporate Jamaica to support these events,” said Mills.

“Importantly, we have a wonderful committee who has shown tremendous commitment to the continuation of GP.”