Aliyah Abrams arrives for Allian Pompey Invitational

– Athletes confident of Olympic Games qualification

International athletes continue to pour in for the inaugural Aliann Pompey invitational to be held on Saturday June 18 at the National Track & Field Facility, Leonora and heading the list is Guyana’s latest Olympic Games qualifier Aliyah Abrams.

The overseas based Guyanese expressed confidence ahead of her participation at the meet. “I’ve been running pretty consistent so I’m confident that I’ll run a good race and my confidence is pretty solid,” said the 19 year old South Carolina University first year student who spoke to Guyana Times Sport at Olympic House on High Street, Kingston.

Aliyah who ran a personal best of 52.04 in the 400m last month to qualify for the Olympics also discussed her strategy for her upcoming race and spoke about her recent experience of marginally missing out on the finals of the NCAA Track & Field Championships last week in Eugene, Oregon.

Aliyah’s sister 22 year old Jasmine Abrams, also in Guyana for the very first time spoke of her excitement of being in Guyana, the birthplace of her parents. She would also reveal her plans to push for Olympics qualification when she competes in the 100 and 200 meters. “My fastest 100m is 11.70 and my fastest 200m is 24.04 so hopefully I’ll bring my time down and qualify for the Olympics,” said the smiling Jasmine.

Twenty three year old Bahamian Katrina Seymour a student at East Tennessee State University with a personal best of 56.86 will compete in the 400 meters Hurdles against Janeil Bellille of Trinidad and Tobago, along with Guyanese, Jenea McCammon and Jaivairia Bacote also expressed full confidence at Olympic qualifications.

The Olympic qualifying time for the Women’s 100m, 200m and 400m hurdles are 11.32, 23.20 and 56.20 respectively.

Athletes from Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Haiti, Ireland, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, St Vincent, Trinidad and Tobago, the United States of America and the US Virgin Islands are expected to compete among the Guyanese athletes in 15 events this Saturday from 15:00 Hrs. Admission is $1,000.

Sponsors of the event include Digicel 4G, Fly Jamaica, Quality Plus Fast Foods and Bakery, Ramada Princess Hotel, GUYSUCO and Banks DIH under their Rainforest water and Powerade sports drink brands.

(RENE STOBY)