Skeen, Todd saving fireworks for World Youths

Andre Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Saturday's highly anticipated 100m clash between Youth Olympics victor Odean Skeen and Carifta 200 metres Under-20 silver medallist Odail Todd did not produce the expected fireworks, but the pair is not too perturbed by their pedestrian times registered over the distance at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association/Supreme Ventures Limited National Junior Championships at the National Stadium.

Before the showdown, Skeen (10.41), the second fastest youth athlete in the world behind compatriot Jazeel Murphy (10.27), had declared that he had shaken off the injuries that have plagued him this season and was ready to run fast, while Todd, the Green Island athlete, has been showing good form all season long. A mouth-watering showdown was expected by most, personal bests were supposed to be lowered; or at least, that was what the track and field loyalists inside the venue were anticipating.

In the end it was Todd who prevailed in 10.81 with Skeen closely behind in 10.84, nothing close to either athlete's best mark. The two did not seem to be in the mood for fast times, joking with each other as they strolled across the finish line. Truth be told, they were in fact, hampered by a strong negative wind of 4.5 metres per second, which clearly would have affected their time.

However, fun and jokes aside, Skeen, who shot to national acclaim in 2010 after copping sprint doubles at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships, the Carifta Games and the Central American and Caribbean Junior Champs, declared that come next month at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Lille, France, it will be serious business for them both.

"Next month is serious business," said Skeen on Saturday. "I plan to go out there, train even harder put in some extra work on my fitness and go out there and get that PR."

"Today (Saturday) I just tried to get the start and push onwards. There is still a slight pain in the hamstring, but it will be OK. This race was all about fun as I said to my colleague (Todd) after the race."

Todd, who prefers the 200m was also clear on his objective for the IAAF World Youth Championships.

"I am looking to become the world youth champion in either the 100m or the 200m or both," said Todd, whose 100m PR stands at 10.59. "That is definitely what I am targeting.