media_artricles :: 2014

Ahye, Thompson shine for Americas

Trinidad and Tobago sprinters get relay gold; 100 silver for Michelle-Lee

Michelle-Lee Ahye made an impressive return to competition, grabbing silver in the women’s 100 metres dash on the opening day of the IAAF Continental Cup, in Marrakech, Morocco, yesterday.

Ahye withdrew from the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in late July, after struggling in her 100m first round heat, a hamstring injury dashing her medal hopes. But instead of calling off her season, the Trinidad and Tobago sprinter went on a rehabilitation programme, and almost seven weeks later, secured a Continental Cup podium finish.

Running into a 1.5 metres per second headwind, Ahye finished second in the women’s 100m in 11.25 seconds. Her Americas teammate, Jamaican Veronica Campbell-Brown, clocked 11.08 to top the field, while bronze went to Europe, Netherlands athlete Dafne Schippers finishing third in 11.26.

An hour later, Ahye was back on the track, teaming up with American Tianna Bartoletta and Jamaicans Samantha Henry-Robinson and Veronica Campbell-Brown for gold in the women’s 4x100m relay in 42.44 seconds.

Ahye ran the second leg for Americas.

Europe (42.98) picked up silver, while Asia-Pacific (45.90) earned bronze.

“I was pretty happy and excited about the team,” said Ahye. “We ran well, did our best, came out with the win.”

Another T&T track star, Richard “Torpedo” Thompson, anchored Americas to victory in the men’s sprint relay. Evergreen St Kitts and Nevis sprinter Kim Collins, American Mike Rodgers, Jamaican Nesta Carter and Thompson combined for an impressive 37.97 seconds clocking, finishing well ahead of second-placed Europe (38.62). Africa (39.10) were third.

“It was great for me to be part of a team,” said Thompson, “with legends like Kim Collins, Nesta and Mike. It’s always amazing, and these guys did an amazing job today. They made my job easy. I got the stick way in front.

“I get to be with Jamaica, America, St Kitts, all the different nationalities,” the T&T sprinter continued.

“It’s good camaraderie, we can learn something from one another, and we’re just pushing each other and motivating each other to do better. We’re pleased with today’s results.”

In the men’s 100m dash, Thompson was eighth in 10.24 seconds. Briton James Dasaolu struck gold for Europe, stopping the clock at 10.03 seconds. Rodgers and Qatar’s Femi Ogunode (Asia-Pacific) finished second and third, respectively, both sprinters getting home in 10.04.

Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott will bid for precious metal in today’s men’s javelin. And another T&T athlete, Cleopatra Borel will do the same in the women’s shot put.

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