Grenada’s Kirani James breaks meet record on return to active competition

Former World champion, Grenadian Kirani James, set a new meet record in his first outing in over a year, when he snatched a dramatic win at the Racers Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old, who revealed last weekend he was battling Graves disease, produced a sterling stretch run to catch leader Fred Kerley in a time of 44.35 seconds and finish 100th of a second clear of the American in the men’s 400 meters on Saturday.

Fellow Grenadian Bralon Taplin was 3rd in 45.11 seconds.

James, who has not competed since April last year, has been battling injury and illness. “I am just getting back to racing after a year and some months and trying to stay focused and determined,” said the 25-year-old.

Former World and Olympic champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, also continued her comeback with a thrilling victory in the women’s 100 meters. The Jamaican was timed at 11.10 seconds, ahead of American Jenna Prandini in 11.14 seconds, while another Jamaican, Briana Williams, trailed in third in 11.26 seconds.

In only her 3rd race since returning after a year layoff, Fraser-Pryce separated herself from the field after 40 meters but was then forced to fend off a late surge from Prandini to take victory.
“I think the crowd gave me an extra push. I was a little nervous but when I heard the screams and shouts, I just got calm and I remembered, this is home ground,” Fraser-Pryce said. “It was really emotional. It is just because I don’t cry very often why I didn’t cry, but it was really a warm reception. I am just really happy to be here.”

In the men’s equivalent, former Anguilla sprinter Zhanel Hughes came late to take victory in 9.91 seconds, with American Noah Lyles second in 9.93 seconds, and Jamaican Yohan Blake 3rd in 10 seconds flat.

Jamaica, swept the women’s 400 meters hurdles, with Leah Nugent taking the top spot in 54.67 and Janieve Russell (54.89) and Rhonda Whyte (55.23) rounding out the podium. -(CMC)