This year’s Adidas Grand Prix drew in a crowd of more than 5,000 fans from around the country and world, including the track-loving Jamaicans, many of whom made the trip from their island across the ocean. They were joined by the huge population of Jamaicans from Brooklyn, the southeast Bronx, as well as those who populate Nassau County in Long Island.
The only problem was the weather. While it was uncomfortable sitting in wet seats, it was much worse for the athletes, who had to run and jump with the caution light on. The wet track affected the times of all the running events.
But the inclement weather didn’t affect the performance of one Amantle Montsho from Botswana. Ignoring the elements, Amantle ran steady and swift, setting an Adidas Grand Prix record with a 49.91 in the women’s 400-meter.
Tyson Gay ran somewhat cautiously, as did his fellow 100-meter swifties in winning his 100-meter.
My favorite event at the Adidas Grand Prix every year is when the girls and boys compete for the titles of “New York’s fastest kids.” Congratulations to this year’s winners, Adaria Reaves and Xavier Donaldson.
An Amsterdam News congratulations to all the winners and competitors.