RANDALL'S ISLAND, New York, June 16, 2010 - It was the first time track and field's IAAF Diamond League came to New York for the Adidas Grand Prix, formerly known as Reebok Grand Prix. With a record turnout, a sprinkle of Trinidadians in a predominantly Jamaican crowd was in for a treat at the Ichan Stadium on Randall's Island, New York. A packed field of Olympians descended upon NYC looking for the spotlight, vying to upstage the greatest city in the world.
Generally at these track meets it is usually a rivalry between USA and Jamaica, but this time Trinidad edged its way into the mix.
The injured Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay were at the games but did not compete in the Western Union Men's 100m and red hot Asafa Powell was not here. It was a very close race and it was uncertain who won until the video replay was reviewed. Trinidad and Tobago's track star, Richard " Torpedo" Thompson, was crowned the winner with a 9.89 seconds dash as he narrowly edged out Jamaican Yohan Blake, who finished with 9.91, and Antigua's Daniel Bailey in third place with 9.92. The wind, however, was above the 2.0 meters per second limit so Thompson's sub-10 run was discredited.
Thompson was graciously elated with the victory and greeted his fans in the main stands who were wearing trini colours. He signed autographs and gave the winners bouquet to his girlfriend, Monique Cabral, as she thankfully kissed him on the hand. When asked to evaluate his performance, Thompson said "I felt like I had a decent start, it was not the best, and that is something I need to work on. My transition has been better than I did for the past season. I felt Yohan (Blake) and the guys coming on at the end but I was able to hold on to the finish."
As they say timing is everything. The absence of Bolt, Gay and Powell from the race was one of the factors which allowed Thompson to shine. At the media conference a few days prior to the race when asked about the significance of their absence Thompson remarked, "I am grateful for the opportunity to shine because these guys really dominate the sprint category. At the same time, having them in the race is what I look forward to. When I run against them they bring out the best in me."
In the final track race for the day, the Paragon Sports men 4x400 meters relay, Queen's Royal College excelled even with one of their athletes displaying a visible arm injury. After placing fourth in the Penn Relays approximately two months ago, Jonathan Holder, Deon Lendore, Josiah Burkett, and Jehue Gordon combined for the victory, clocking in at 14.35 seconds and making Coach Wayne Marcano very proud.
In the Adidas Men's 400m Hurdles, American sprint phenom and two time world Champion, Kerron Clement, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, achieved a new meet record of 47.86s. 2008 Olympic bronze medalist and 2005 World Champion Bershawn Jackson finished a close second in 47.94.
Longtime Olympic and World rivals, Jamaica’s Veronica Campbell-Brown and American Allyson Felix, two of the best female sprinters in history, were the main contenders for gold in the Visa Women's 200m. In the end it was Campbell-Brown who got the victory in 21.98 seconds, the fastest time in the world this year. Felix was second in 22.03 well ahead of another American, Bianca Knight (22.59). The triumphant and noticeably fatigued Campbell-Brown said, "I had a great race. I know Felix finishes strong, so I had to get out hard. I'm excited. It was a very good race with wonderful ladies. I'm satisfied my time was under 22."
