One of the most anticipated races of the 2019 Qatar World Championship schedule for September 28 to October 6, is the women’s 100m final. This promises to be a cracker, the clash of the “titans”. But just who are the athletes who will earn lanes for that mouth-watering final?
Loaded final
Having looked at a number of variables, this is my prediction of who will constitute the final eight in the women’s 100m final at the upcoming World Championship in Doha, Qatar. Indeed, there could be a possible one-line change based on Murielle Ahourie re-discovering her form just in time or Briana Williams not being banned for the seemingly innocent use of a cold medicine that was deemed to contain IAAF banned substances. Surely, depending on the outturn of events, the Trinidadian veteran, Michelle-Lee Ahye, could get in at the expense of Williams or Ahourie. However, I am confident that Briana Williams will be exonerated, and be allowed to compete at the Qatar Games. Therefore, I will stick to my lineup as seen below.
The lineup
1. Elaine Sandra-Lee Thompson
2. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
3. Marie Jose Talou
4. Dina Asher-Smith
5. Briana Nichole Williams
6. Fentorish Bowie
7. Dafne Schippers
8. Murielle Ahourie
Profile of the athletes
Elaine Sandra-Lee Thompson
Age: 27
Height: 5ft 6”
PB: 10.70
SB: 10.73
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
Age: 32
Height: 5ft 0”
PB: 10.70
SB: 10.73
Marie Jose Talou
Age: 30
Height: 5ft 3”
PB: 10.85
SB: 10.94
Dina Asher-Smith
Age: 23
Height: 5ft 5”
PB: 10.85
SB: 10.91
Briana Nichole Williams
Age: 17
Height: 5ft 1”
PB:10.94
SB:10.94
Fentorish (‘Torie’) Bowie
Age: 32
Height: 5ft 9”
PB: 10.78
SB: 11.09
Dafne Schippers
Age: 27
Height: 5ft 10”
PB:10.81
SB: 11.06
Murielle Ahourie
Age: 32
Height: 5ft 5”
PB:10.78
SB: NA
Thompson and Fraser-Pryce to battle for top spot
Clearly, Elaine Thompson and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce are the two fastest of all the athletes, with personal bests and season’s bests of 10.70 and 10.73, respectively. And, I am carrying them in that order, to win gold and silver in Doha, for Jamaica. Indeed, based on historical performance data, head to head results, maturation, technical efficiency, body type and height, I have developed a mathematical model that have determined the outcomes of the women’s 100m final based of the predictive values of time for each and every athlete; within reason of course.
I say this without contradiction, once she is injury-free, Elaine Sandra-Lee Thompson will deliver the performance of her career, and of the Championship, and run between 10.60 and 10.58 in the short sprint. Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce has little adjustments and improvements to make; she is running an almost perfect race and will run between 10.70 and 10.68.
That tricky third place spot
Now, that third spot is could prove a tricky one; it is a tossup between Ta Lou, Torie Bowie, Dina Asher-Smith, Briana Williams, Dafne Schippers and Murielle Ahourie, all having realistic chances to win the bronze medal. There are so many talented athletes vying for a single spot and medal. But who will get that one spot and bronze medal?
History and common sense say Ta Lou or Bowie. But the younger Dina Asher-Smith and Briana Williams should not be discounted, and be disregarded; both are very talented, young and eager to prove themselves on the global stage of athletics. And Schippers could be a “spoiler” for that third spot, also. She is tall, strong and rangy. And she has been there before. It’s really a very tough call to make; a battle between the head and the heart.
Will it be Williams or Asher-Smith?
My head says Talou or Bowie. But my heart says Briana or Dina Asher-Smith in 10.87 or less, with greater emphasis on the former. Jamaica could have another clean sweep in the 100m at a global competition. The big question is, can Briana Williams further drop time, and go 10.87 or less to win the bronze medal? I can’t say this for sure. But I do hope that she can. But then, Briana might even surprise all and sundry, and go much faster than we are anticipating. After all, she has been dropping times in massive amounts, and in rapid succession. Let’s wait and see! Doha is less than five weeks away! And I just can’t wait! What about you?
Henley Taylor (Sensenya Ben Nyah) Sports Writer & Sports Analyst
Ben Nyah is a track and field enthusiast who has covered track and field for over 30 years. A graduate of Kingston College, Ben Nyah has interviewed athletes and analyze their performances. He has covered not just local Jamaican track and field athletes, but international athletes. His photogenic memory coupled with his analytical approach to the sport has led to lively and and passionate perspectives of the sport.
Torie Bowie picture courtesy of Joe Swift Photography
Comments
Leave a Comment