Clive Pullen in medal round of boys’ long jump

Melton Williams, Gleaner Writer



Clive Pullen of Kingston College will go in search of Jamaica’s second medal at

the World Youth Championships in Lille, France today when he competes in the

boys’ long jump final.



The final is scheduled to start at 11 am this morning Jamaica time.



Pullen advanced to the final by registering a personal-best jump of 7 point 2-9

metres in the qualifying round on yesterday’s opening day. However, he faces a

very tough task in his quest for a medal.



Sergio Acera of Spain, Qing Lin of China, Russian Semen Popov are the top medal

contenders.



Discus thrower Federick Dacres of Calabar High School won the country’s first

gold medal on the opening day.



Dacres won the boys’ discus throw final with a lifetime best throw of 67 point 0-5

metres. His effort was also a world youth leading throw.



Meanwhile, Christania Williams, Diana Johnson and O’Dail Todd will attempt to get into the medal round of the sprint events today. Williams and Johnson are down to contest the girls’ 100-metre semi-finals, while Todd has qualified for the boys’ 100-metre semis. The finals of both races will also take place today.



Sprint hurdlers Megan Simmonds and Chrisdale McCarthy are also in good positions to get into the medal round of the girls’ 100-metre hurdles.



Other Jamaicans down to contest semi-finals today are Chris-Ann Gordon and Olivia James in the boys’ 400 metres and Omar McLeod in the boys’ 400-metre

hurdles.



melton.williams@gleanerjm.com