Jamaican sprinter Ackeem Blake put on a show at the Gala Dei Castelli in Switzerland, winning the men’s 100m event with a time of 9.96 seconds. The World Athletics Continental Tour – Silver meet took place at the Stadio Comunale in Bellinzona, where Blake showcased his speed and talent on the track.
Blake’s victory in the men’s 100m was a standout performance, especially considering it was his 18th race in the event this season. He was the only Jamaican athlete to finish in a podium position at the prestigious meet, as fellow national record holders Roshawn Clarke and Rajindra Campbell struggled in their respective events.
South Africa’s Akani Simbine, who is an Olympic Games finalist, finished second in the men’s 100m with a time of 10.04 seconds, while Emmanuel Eseme of Cameroon took third place in 10.11 seconds.
Roshawn Clarke, competing in the men’s 400m hurdles event, finished in fifth place with a time of 49.23 seconds, his slowest time of the season in any completed race. The event was won by France’s Clement Ducos, who clocked 47.94 seconds, followed by Nick Smidt of the Netherlands and Brazil’s Alison dos Santos.
In the men’s shot put event, Rajindra Campbell, fresh off setting a new Jamaican national record in Croatia, finished in sixth place with a throw of 20.80m. The event was won by American Ryan Crouser, with Payton Otterdahl and Leonardo Fabbri rounding out the top three.
Despite facing tough competition, Jamaican hurdler Orlando Bennett finished seventh in the 110m hurdles with a time of 14.01 seconds. The event was won by France’s Sasha Zhoya, who pulled off an upset by beating Olympic champion Grant Holloway of the USA.
Zandrion Barnes also represented Jamaica in the men’s 400m event, finishing ninth overall with a time of 46.26 seconds after placing third in his heat.
Overall, Jamaican athletes showcased their talent and determination at the Gala Dei Castelli, with Ackeem Blake’s victory in the men’s 100m event standing out as a highlight of the meet.
