Discus to carry much weight at national championships

WHILE most of the attention at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association Supreme Ventures Limited National Senior Championships will surround track events, there is one field event which definitely will share the spotlight.

History will be made when the women's discus throw finals get under way at 5:30 p.m. on tomorrow's second day of competition.

Four years ago at the London Olympics was historic for Jamaica in the discus as Allison Randall became the country's first female to compete at the Games in the event.

Come August, more history could be made as three ladies have attained the Olympic qualifying standard of 61.00 metres.

The young ladies are Kellion Knibb formerly of St Jago High, Tarasue Barnett, formerly of Edwin Allen High, and former Hydel standout, Shadae Lawrence.

All three are competing in the collegiate system in the United States.

It should be close going when all three enter the discus ring tomorrow. They will get a lot of attention from the expected large crowd on a day when the men's 100m final gets under way later at 9:15 p.m.

Knibb, who is at Florida State University (FSU), has been having a wonderful season. She is the Penn Relays champion and NCAA Division One runner-up where she threw a national record 61.44m.

Just behind her is Grand Canyon University's Barnett with 61.28m. Also inside the 61m mark is Big 12 Outstanding Freshman Lawrence from Kansas State University.