Olympic and world champion Veronica Campbell-Brown and former record holder Asafa Powell have been named captains of Jamaica’s 53-member squad set to dominate the World Championship.
Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce head contingent currently in a 10-day training camp which started on August 8 in Japan ahead of the August 22-30 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.
The team comprises 27 males and 26 females and will include for the first time in Jamaica’s history, three male discus throwers – expected to line up in the discus event. There will also be two female triple jumpers in Shanieka Thomas and Kimberley Williams. American-born Aisha Praught has been listed for the 3000m Steeplechase
Men’s 27-member team are:
Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter, Warren Weir, Rasheed Dwyer, Nickel Ashmeade, Omar McLeod, Andrew Riley, Javon Francis, Kemoy Campbell, Julian Forte, Damar Forbes, Tyquendo Tracey, Hansle Parchment, Annsert Whyte, Leford Green, Roxroy Cato, Fedrick Dacres, O’Dayne Richards, Jason Morgan, Chad Wright, Jonia McDonald, Peter Matthews, Ricardo Chambers, Dane Hyatt, and Rusheen McDonald.
Kemar Bailey-Cole has withdrawn due to injury.
Women’s 26-member team are:
Veronica Campbell-Brown, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson, Kerron Stewart, Novlene Williams-Mills, Kaliese Spencer, Natasha Morrison, Sherone Simpson, Salcia Slack, Danielle Thomas, Shanieka Thomas, Aisha Praught, Danielle Williams, Shermaine Williams, Kimberly Laing, Shericka Jackson, Janieve Russell, Christine Day, Stephenie Ann McPherson, Simoya Campbell, Natoya Goule, Shevon Stoddart, Ristananna Tracey, Kimberly Williams, Anastasia Le-Roy and Chrisann Gordon.
Team Jamaica will be aiming to overhaul the 9 medals won at the 2013 Moscow World Championships or perhaps even surpass the record of 13 medals mined at the 2009 Berlin World Championships.
