A galaxy of stars will converge in Kingston for the JN Racers Grand Prix, and despite being the swansong for Usain Bolt locally, a lot of eyes will be on one Demish Gaye of GC Foster College.
Just four years after taking track and field seriously, Gaye has created a buzz in track and field circes, especially after his sensational 44.85 in defeating national champion Javon Francis last Saturday.
The 24-year-old Gaye, under the tutelage of the astute Maurice Wilson, lowered his personal best from 45.24 achieved on April 8, to 44.85 and joined a select band of Jamaicans to dip below the 45-second barrier.
“Yes, I feel very good. Training has been going well and I am healthy right now and I just want to keep it that way for the rest of the season,” said Gaye.
Having been drawn on the outside of Francis, Gaye took control very early after 200m and it was clear he would have won after repelling Francis’ challenge at the top of the straight.
“Well, the coach told me to execute the race just the way I did in training and run to the line to see where I am at,” Gaye revealed.
Well he should now know where he is at because he defeated the national champion and in the process is now the fastest Jamaican over the 400m and the seventh fastest man in the world this year, and it will be interesting to see what he will deliver at Racers Grand Prix.
Steven Gardener of The Bahamas has the top two times in the world with 44.26 and 44.60, American Fred Kerley also stopped the clock at 44.60. Lashawn Merritt, a regular to Jamaica, has the fifth fastest time with 44.78.
Gaye, who missed out on the Olympic Games last year after falling ill before the Jamaican Championship, said his confidence is sky high after beating Jamaica’s best quarter-miler with a little bit of ease.
“Yes, I was a little bit surprised. I thought he (Francis) would have finished closer. That gave me a lot of confidence and shows me that I can do it and just go back and do the work so I can get better,” he explained.
