It will be business as usual for the Caribbean quarter-milers at the World Championships

Tonique Williams-Darling of the Bahamas (L) reacts
after taking the gold medal in the women's 400 metres
final during the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens
(James Davis/Western Images/Sporting-king)

by Gary Smith
Caribbean Net News Correspondent

Friday, August 5, 2005

HELSINKI, Finland:  The Caribbean has always been competitive in any level of the 400-metres on the world stage and when the 10th IAAF World Track and Field Championships kicks off in Helsinki on Saturday, things will be no different.

Building from Helsinki 1983 

On Sunday August 7, when the first rounds of the men's and women's 400m runners step the track, the expectations to produce based on previous Championships performances will be at stake. Since the origin of these Championships in 1983, the region has claimed 10 medals, including 2-gold, 4-silver and 4-bronze. 

The first of these Championships were held in Helsinki, Finland, the same venue where the 10th will be held. Jamaica's Bert Cameron struck gold in the event in 45.05, which paved the way for his fellow regional representatives to follow. However, it was not until 2001 when Bahamian Avard Moncur out-sprinted Germany's Ingo Schultz and Jamaican Gregory Haughton in the final stretch that the Caribbean stepped on the top podium again. 

Moncur sprinted home in 44.64 to beat Schultz (44.87) and Haughton (44.98) to give the Caribbean its second gold in the history of these games and in the process handed his country its first 400m title.

Missing the gold in steps and nips 

Pauline Davis-Thompson (49.96) came close in 1995 but French star Marie-José Pérec (49.28) was too much for her in the final 70-metres. Then in 1997, Cathy Freeman of Australia nipped Jamaica’s Sandie Richards at the line as both produced close times of 49.77 vs. 49.79. 

It became four-time short for region when Richards' compatriot Lorraine Fenton lost to Thiam Amy Mbacke of Senegal 49.86 to 49.88 by just a step in 2001, before clocking 49.43 to watch Mexico's Ana Guevara (48.89) all the way home in Paris two years later.

Will not be as easy for the Olympic champ

The contingent gathers in Helsinki once again and this time gold is favoured in the women's 400m. Tonique Williams-Darling from the Bahamas will go in search of her second major title, following her Olympic crown in Athens last summer. Unlike her Olympic preparations where she stayed unbeaten against her main rivals, Williams-Darling will have to fight for the World title the summer. 

Her defeat to Jamaican-born American Sanya Richards in Lausanne earlier this year has, as expected, shifted things in the American's favour, but while Richards will start favourite the Bahamian will fearless. She has already produced a 49.68 clocking this season and has backed that time up with two other sub-50 seconds timing. 

On the other hand, Richards' world leading time of 49.28 is being backed by four other sub-50 seconds timings. Other Caribbean athletes to look out for in the women's event will be Christine Amertil (50.32) from the Bahamas; Grenadian Hazel-Ann Regis (50.64); Tiandra Ponteen (50.83) from St. Kitts and Nevis as well as Shericka Williams (50.97) of Jamaica.

A medal will be harder in this division 

There are no certain Caribbean medallists in the men's field but one thing for sure there will be strong competitors. The group will be led by World indoor 400-metre champion Alleyne Francique (44.60) of Grenada; Lansford Spence (44.77) of Jamaica and countryman Brandon Simpson (44.83).

American and Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner stands firm at the top of the pack and he will be a difficult man to beat. In, fact he said he was ready for the Championships while stating that the winner in Helsinki will have to run under 44 seconds, which means the world leader is confident in his chances.

Commonwealth champion Michael Blackwood of Jamaica, who placed fourth in Paris is also coming into his own again this season. Then there is the Bahamian duo of Christopher Brown 44.89 and Andrae Williams 44.90 and, judging by their form this season, a place in the finals will not be surprising.

There is no Gregory Haughton, the two-time world bronze medallist, nor will there be veteran Davian Clarke in the opening rounds, but their achievements in the past will be enough inspiration for the contingent as the historic championships progress. 

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