Natreece East wins under-20 girls 200m semi-final at JAAA national championships

Natreece East of Wolmer's posted the leading time in the under-20 girls 200 metres semi-finals on day three of the JAAA/PUMA National Junior and Senior Championships, winning her heat in 24.29 seconds despite a -2.8 m/s headwind. The Carifta silver medallist over 200 metres and bronze medallist at 100 metres finished ahead of Hydel's Sashana Johnson, who crossed the line in 24.47.

East and Johnson arrived as Jamaica's second- and third-fastest under-20 sprinters over 200 metres this season, with personal bests of 23.39 and 23.51 respectively. Both had featured in the 100m final on the previous night, with East placing third and Johnson fourth. Johnson, who is stronger over longer sprint distances, opened with a controlled run through the bend before East drew alongside and moved in front on the home straight. Neither runner extended fully in the closing stages, content to secure passage to the final while preserving energy for a shot at individual selection for the World Under-20 Championships.

Holy Childhood's Angel Stewart claimed the third qualifying spot in the heat with 25.23. Mikayla Gordon of Herbert Morrison was also in the field. East's victory came in the second of two semi-finals, where observers noted that the runner-up position in tomorrow's final remains open, with Shenoya Douglas having dominated the event throughout the season.

Defending Class 1 girls 200m champion Jodian Daily was absent from the start list. Daily, who represented Hydel and gave up her final year of eligibility, has been sidelined by injury and a slow recovery process and has not shown her best form in limited appearances this season. She had been drawn in lane four before withdrawing from the semi-final.