Chambers out, Dwyer in, as Jamaica heads to Beijing

Photo: National 110m Hurdles Champion Omar McLeod and 200m Champion Elaine Thompson are among the emerging stars for Jamaica set to run at the World Championship in Beijing, China later this month.

A fifty seven member track and field squad was announced by the Jamaica Administrative Athletics Association (JAAA) on Monday to represent the country at the World Championships in Beijing China. Top stars Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce headline a quality team that will carry the country’s hopes.

Bolt, the defending champions in both the 100m and 200m leads a strong male track contingent that includes the likes of veteran sprinter Asafa Powell, quarter miler Javon Francis and hurdles sensation Omar McLeod.

On the women’s side, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce who is also a 100m/200m defending champion leads a strong pool including veterans Veronica Campbell-Brown, Novlene Williams-Mills and Sherone Simpson. New girl Elaine Thompson and the Williams sisters Danielle and Shermaine are members of a new brigade that are also expected to do well in China.

In the field, Shot Putter O’Dayne Richards and Discus throwers Fedrick Dacres and Jason Morgan pose serious threats as medal contenders, while Chad Wright and Damar Forbes are not to be overlooked.

Of note however, is the inclusion of sprinter Rasheed Dwyer and the exclusion of quarter miler Ricardo Chambers.

Dwyer finished fifth at the senior trials in the men’s 200m but has since gone on to post some impressive times while performing consistently well including at the Pan Am Games and the NACAC Games to earn his spot on the team.

Chambers, who also did well at the NACAC Games where he posted 44.93 is the third fastest Jamaican over 400m this season. Having been disqualified at Trials for a lane violation, it was widely believed that the 30 year old would have been selected as the relay pool. His exclusion has come as a shock to many who now believe that Jamaica’s chances of a medal in the men’s 4x400m has been severely hampered.

The full team is listed below:

Male Team –

Nickel Ashmeade, Leaford Green, Kemar Bailey Cole, Annsert Whyte, Asafa Powell, Damar Forbes, Usain Bolt, O’Dayne Richards, Julian Forte, Fedrick Dacres, Warren Weir, Jason Morgan, Peter Matthews, Chad Wright, Rusheen McDonald, Tyquendo Tracey, Javon Francis, Rusheed Dwyer, Edino Steel, Jonia McDonald, Kemoy Campbell, Dane Hyatt, Omar McCloud, Nesta Carter, Hansle Parchment, Andrew Riley and Roxroy Cato.

Female Team –

Veronica Campbell-Brown, Danielle Williams, Shelly-ann Fraser Pryce, Shermaine Williams, Natasha Morrison, Janieve Russell, Sherone Simpson, Kaliese Spencer, Elaine Thompson, Shevon Stoddart, Christine Day, Ristananna Tracey, Shericka Jackson, Shanieka Thomas, Stephenie-Ann McPherson, Kimberly Williams, Novlene Williams-Mills, Danniel Thomas, Simoya Campbell, Salcia Slack, Natoya Goule, Kerron Stewart, Aisha Praught, Chrisann Gordon, Kimberly Laing and Anastasia Leroy.

The championships run from August 22nd to August 30th.