Kennedy and Williams Lead 400 Metre Qualifiers at JAAA National Championships

Delano Kennedy and Stacey Ann Williams produced the quickest performances in the men's and women's 400 metre qualifying rounds as day two of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association's Puma National Junior and Senior Championships unfolded at the National Stadium.

Kennedy stopped the clock at 45.42 seconds to emerge as the fastest man over one lap among those advancing to Sunday's final. Andren Barnes of Sprint Tec and Antonio Watson, the 2023 world champion, followed in the qualifying standings.

Williams won her heat in 51.45 seconds, giving her the leading time among all athletes heading into the women's 400 metre final.

Earlier on the championship programme, Adelle Tracey successfully defended her national title in the women's 1500 metres. She finished in 4 minutes 40.08 seconds on Friday's second day of competition, holding off Anastasia Blackwood of Sydney Pagon and unattached runner Jordan Walker.

In the men's 100 metres, Akeem Thomas of JC Foster took line honours ahead of Ramario White and Aldeen Brown of Bethlehem Moravian College.

As the evening session progresses, attention turns to the signature sprint finals. The women's 100 metre championship is scheduled for 8:53 p.m., with the men's decider set for 9:00 p.m.