NewzNational women’s high jump champion Lamara Distin, Olympic Games medallist Rajindra Campbell, and long jumpers Tajay Gayle and Wayne Pinnock secured their places in the Wanda Diamond League finals after impressive performances at the 14th and final meet of the series, Weltklasse Zürich, at Letzigrund Stadium on Thursday. Eighteen Jamaicans have qualified for the finals, which will be held at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, on September 4-5. Among them is Shericka Jackson in the women’s 200m, although the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships medallist’s availability is uncertain after she failed to compete at the Lausanne Diamond League meet last week.
World champion Oblique Seville and Commonwealth Games winner Jordan Scott lead their respective events, the men’s 100m and triple jump. Orlando Bennett has qualified for the 110m hurdles, while Romaine Beckford is ranked third in the men’s high jump. Gayle and Beckford, who finished second and third, respectively, in Zurich on Thursday, are tied for fourth in the Diamond League standings.
Jaydon Hibbert will accompany Scott in the triple jump, while Campbell is ranked second in the men’s shot put. Olympic Games record holder Roje Stona has also qualified in the men’s discus throw. World Athletics Championships medallist Tina Clayton and Jonielle Smith are set to contest the women’s 100m, while Nickisha Pryce has qualified in the women’s 400m.
Stacey-Ann Williams, who also amassed 20 points, is eighth, and missed the initial cut. Megan Simmonds has qualified for the 100m hurdles final, while Rushell Clayton qualified in the women’s 400m hurdles earlier in the series. Distin’s season-best-equalling 1.96m in Zurich secured her place in the women’s high jump.
Ackelia Smith qualified in the women’s triple jump and Danniel Thomas-Dodd in the women’s shot put.
Summary from source