VCB, WEIR SHINE AT aGP/IAAF DIAMOND LEAGUE WINTER MEETING IN NYC

By Aubrey Campbell NEW YORK, NY. Sunday, May 26, 2013 -- A beautifully toned Aileen ‘Fire Woman’ Bailey raced to the finish line in a breezy 11.37 seconds on Saturday afternoon in New York City and moments later told a sea of journalist in the ‘mixed zone’ that she was ready for the ‘worlds’, literally. “I’m just staying focused and keeping the faith. Training is going really well in Alabama and with God’s help, my goal is to get to the World Championship in (Russia) August”. Asked about the  conditions, a smiling and satisfied looking Bailey said that she was not bothered by it as she sometimes train in less than ideal conditions. Her performance was one of several bright moments on a day which saw scores of the world’s best athletes competing in wet and wintry conditions in the adidas Grand Prix meet at the Icahn Stadium, Randall’s Island. Sprint queen Veronica Campbell Brown, a fan favorite here, did not disappoint, striding to victory in the 200 meters event in a season best 22.53 seconds.  Anneisha McLaughlin signaled her intent for later this season with a second place, 22.63 seconds finish. Jamaica missed out on the ‘trifecta’ as the American Shalonda Solomon dipped at the line to edge out Sherone Simpson for the bronze medal. Simpson’s fourth place finish was timed at 22.96 seconds, compared to 22.91 for Solomon. Bahamian Debbie Ferguson McKenzie finished at the back of the pack- 23.85 seconds. VCB’s 21.98 seconds clocking a couple years back (2010), is still the meet record. Warren Weir dusted off his London 2012 Olympic bronze medal form in front of a near capacity crowd for a season best 20.11 seconds, first place finish in the 200 meters. Panamanian Alonso Edward 20.38 and American Jeremy Dodson 20.65 seconds, were second and third respectively. Ramone McKenzie – 5, 20.77 and Kevin Thompson – 7, 21.43 seconds, their best effort of the season to date, trailed the field. Ryan Brathwaite of Barbados showed good form over the hurdles, dismissing 5 Americans, a Cuban, a Russian and Jamaican Dwight Thomas on his way to a first place finish in 13.19 seconds, his best showing yet this season. Thomas’ sixth place finish was timed at 13.50 seconds. In the absence of any real competition, Tyson Gay breezed to the tape in 10.02 seconds, ahead of countryman Ryan Bailey, 10.15 and Trinidadian Keston Bledman, 10.16 seconds. And as expected, Nesta Carter (4, 10.24) was the best of the four ‘yardies’ in the field. Jacques Harvey (5, 10.29), Nickel Ashmeade (6, 10.31) and Kemar Bailey-Cole (7, 10.33), may want to blame the elements. Weather-wise or otherwise, Saturday’s aGP-Stop #3/NYC, was not a good outing for many, including sprint relay silver medalist Schillonie Calvert, who can blame a nagging back injury for her last place finish in the 100 meters race, won by Bailey. Riker Hylton (6, 46.25) finished at the back of the men’s 400 m won by American freshman, Josh Mance 45.59 seconds. Jeremy Wariner, who has seen better days, held on for the bronze (45.72). Kevin Borlee of Belgium was second (45.71). Taking note of Sanya Richards-Ross’ last minute withdrawal, Novlene Williams-Mills seemed contented with her ‘middle of the pack,’ fourth place finish in the 400 m, won by the world leading Amantle Montsho (49.91) of Botswana. The Americans, Natasha Hastings (50.24) and Francena McCorory (51.06), were second and third, respectively. Christine Day (52.12) was last. The media was informed that Richard-Ross’ no-show was due to the advice of her physio’ who feared that the less than ideal conditions could lead to, “over-compensation in her leg(s), because her foot wasn't feeling strong after practice on Friday.” Vere Technical girls (3:42.46) easily won their event to close out the meeting. Munro College boys (3:14.79) had earlier won their event as well.