Barbadians progress at World Under-20s

Several Barbadians advanced to the next round as the World Under-20 Athletics Championships continued in Oregon on Friday, with Kadia Rock also booking her place in the women’s 400m final. 

US-based athlete Taylor Foster finished second in her heat of the women’s 100m hurdles to qualify for the semifinals. Foster clocked a personal best 13.43 seconds. Earlier, Alika Harewood was sixth in her heat in 13.89 and did not advance.

The next Barbadian on the track was Ariel Archer in the women’s 200m heats, where she was unfortunately disqualified.

Amir Thompson made his debut in Barbadian colours in the men’s 200m. The US-based sprinter, and son of Olympic medallists Obadele Thompson and Marion Jones, won the opening heat in 20.49 seconds.

Jayden Green also booked his place in the semifinals. Fresh from a strong showing at the NACAC Championships, Green clocked 20.58 as he eased to victory in his heat.

In Thursday’s evening session, CARIFTA Games gold medallist Shamari Greenidge-Lewis did not start in the men’s 400m semifinals after qualifying second fastest from his heat. 

There was better news for Kadia Rock who clocked 53.25 seconds to finish third in her semifinal and automatically qualify for the final. She had earlier advanced from the heats in 53.32.

(KH)