Johnson wins boys U-18 110m hurdles semi after lane mix-up forces restart at JAAA nationals

O'Shane Johnson of William Knibb Memorial High School won the boys under-18 110-metre hurdles semifinal two on day three of the JAAA/PUMA National Junior and Senior Championships, stopping the clock at 13.64 seconds after the first start was called back when Shamario Robinson of Petersfield was found in lane eight instead of his assigned lane seven.

Johnson finished ahead of Kingston College's Brandon Bennett, who crossed in 13.72. Jaron Jones of Green Island High claimed the third automatic qualifying place in 14.12. Camperdown's Sanjae James advanced on time as the fastest non-top-three finisher from the heat, while Campion College's Zahir Nethersole had already secured a final spot from semifinal one with 15.01.

Six athletes lined up for the race, all reporting to the start. Romario Franklin of Titchfield High started from lane two with a seeded time of 15.50. Bennett, the section favourite at 13.47, took silver at the Carifta Games in the under-17 division behind Mark Daniel Allen in 13.67 and ran 14.03 in class two at Champs this year. Jones held lane four at 13.97, Johnson lane five at 13.76, James lane six at 14.02, and Robinson completed the field in lane seven.

Ahead of the race, commentary noted that many school athletes had moved quickly from Champs into the Penn Relays, overseas meets and Carifta competition, which may have affected tapering and preparation. Semifinal one had already been won by Jamaica College's Tafari Levy in 13.62.

The opening attempt never counted. Officials called a break after movement from Franklin in lane two and issued a green card. Robinson's presence in lane eight, rather than lane seven, prompted a recall, complicated by starting-block sensors tied to specific lanes. The field reset for a full restart.

On the second run, Bennett got out well and Johnson stayed in contention through the hurdles. Bennett appeared to ease after clearing the tenth hurdle once a top-three finish was secure, while Johnson kept pressing to the line. Johnson's winning mark was two hundredths of a second slower than Levy's semifinal-one time. James was the only athlete from this heat outside the top three to qualify by time after running below 15 seconds.