media_artricles :: 2014 |
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Alexander leaps to bronzeRachael Thomspon-King :: Trinidad Guardian :: 30.07.2014Ayanna Alexander leaped onto the podium in Glasgow, Scotland yesterday, to lift T&T’s first precious metal of the Commonwealth Games, a bronze medal in the women’s triple jump on a cold night at the Hampden Park Stadium. Alexander was overjoyed at winning T&T’s first medal saying, “I hope it sets the stage for other medals to come. I had no idea I was really focused on my event. First final, first medal, I’m a woman in the field events so hopefully that says something, people will start listening and paying attention.” Her fourth attempt of 14.01 metres brought her success, putting her behind eventual winner Jamaican Kimberly Williams (14.11) and silver medallist Englishwomen Laura Samuel (14.09), respectively. Alexander, returning from an injury which left her immobile some time before the games, jumped 13.54 in the first round, returning in the next round to reach 13.75. By the third try, she hit the 13.99 mark as she chased the leaders. The next attempt she faltered somewhat dropping to 13.53 but the fourth attempt, produced the winning jump. “Four months ago, I couldn’t walk. I have been bouncing back from an ankle injury. I wasn’t too disturbed by my performance at senior champs because I knew what the issue was so the plan was to come back here and come stronger,” said the 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medallist. T&T quartermilers Jarrin Solomon, Renny Quow and Lalonde Gordon created history when all three entries advanced to the final of the 400m final. Six of the eight finalists are from the Caribbean including 400m specialist Kirani James (43.74) of Grenada, Bahamians Chris Brown (45.55) and Latoy Williams, South Africa’s Wayde Van Niekerk (45.41) and Englishman Martyn Rooney (45.03). In the opening heat, Solomon (45.49) made a late sprint to catch Brown just before the line to take second spot behind Rooney. “I executed my race good. I executed the way I wanted to. I came off the turn in first and that is what I wanted to do. I said I was going to run to 300 and hold on and I was able to do that,” said Solomon. Quow too came from behind to get in as one of the fastest losers, trailing James and Van Niekerk in the second heat while Gordon make a late charge to top heat three in 45.37. Knowing that all three local runners made the finals, Gordon said, “This is a first time. Hopefully we all come out with something.” Today, the local trio will line up at 3.30 pm (T&T time) for the medal race. Kyron Blaise failed to set a mark in the men’s long jump, recording fouls in each of his three attempts. Back on the track, a poor executed run by Mikel Thomas saw him exit the men’s 110m hurdles in the heats. Thomas clipped five of the nine hurdles, to still come in fourth in 13.86 but he just short by .15 seconds of the last qualifier. Durell Busby and Wayne Davis pulled out of the events. It got even worse when Josanne Lucas’ race was over before it even started. She false started in the women’s 400m hurdles and was disqualified. The other local competitor in that event, Janiel Bellille placed fourth in her heat in 57.51, not good enough to advance. Next to go out were Jamaal James and Kendis Bullard in the 800m. James finished fourth in his heat in 1:51.62 while the latter placed sixth in 1:51.57, to be eliminated. SUMMARY Hockey Netball Boxing Table Tennis Squash Shooting |
Enlarge Image Kimberly Williams, of Jamaica, centre holds up her gold medal for winning the women's triple jump, with Laura Samuel, left, of England who won the silver medal and Ayanna Alexander of T&T who won the bronze medal after the medal ceremony for the event in Hampden Park stadium at the Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2014, in Glasgow, Scotland, yesterday AP Photo |
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