Two-time Olympic 100-metre champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and quarter-miler Stephanie-Ann McPherson were winners at the Meeting Citta di Padova 2016 yetserdayFraser-Pryce, the Jamaican, who is bidding to become the first woman in history to win three consecutive Olympic 100-metre titles when she competes at the Summer Games this summer, has been bothered by a toe injury that has hampered her preparation leading into the games set to begin on August 5 in Rio, Brazil.
However, yesterday she showed little sign of the injury that saw her finish second at Jamaica national campionships, as she sped away from the field to win in 11.25 seconds.
The diminutive Fraser-Pryce took early control of the race and powered clear of Jeneba Tarmoh of the United States, who was second in 11.47. The Pocket Rocket’s compatriot Shimayra Williams was third in 11.54.
McPherson was also a comfortable winner in the 400 metres winning in 50.98s. Olha Zemlyak of the Ukraine was well back in a season best 51.18s with Italy’s Maria Benedict Chigbolu third in her season best 52.01s.
Jamaica’s shot put champion Odayne Richards, ramped up his preparations for the Olympic Games winning the men’s shot put with a throw of 20.78m. He was the only thrower over 20 metres at the meet.
Meanwhile, Megan Simmonds, Jamaica’s national champion was third in the 100-metre hurdles in 13.18, her first loss since winning the national title on July 2. The race was won by Great Britain’s Cindy Ofili in 13.11. Raven Clay of the USA was second in 13.16s
Simoya Campbell was a disappointing fifth in the women’s 800 metres in 2:02.76.