Five Jamaicans in medal round

Five Jamaicans, led by Central American and Caribbean Under-17 champion, Megan Simmonds, have advanced to the medal round of their events after yesterday’s opening day of track and field at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.



Simmonds, ran a new personal best of 13.64 to win the girls’ 100-metre hurdles ahead of China’s Yarong Zheng, who clocked 13.76.



The young Jamaican will head into Saturday’s final with the second fastest time overall, with Russia’s Ekaterina Bleskina finishing with the event’s best time in 13.32.



Janieve Russell, Olivia James, Stefan Fennell and Sasha-Gaye Marston were the other Jamaicans to advance to finals.



Russell booked his place with a leap of 5.87 metre for eighth place in the girls’ long jump.



James clocked 55.05 second to finish third in Heat Two of the girls’ 400 metres to advance, while Fennell qualified following a second place finish in Heat Three of the boys’ 110-metre hurdles.



Marston booked her place in the girls’ discus final after registering 43.73 metres with her first throw.



Track and field continues today with Odean Skeen, Ashiana Miller and Shanice Hall in action.



In swimming Brian Forte failed in his bid to make the final of the men’s 50-metre freestyle, after finishing third in Heat Four.



Kendese Nangle will return to the pool today in the 50-metre backstroke.