Granny Lucess strikes gold at World Masters

POPULAR long distance runner Lynette “Granny” Lucess captured a gold medal in the women’s 10,000 metres, in the 75-79 age group, at the World Masters Athletic Cham-pionship in Puerto Rico recently.

The 15-member national team brought home a tally of nine medals, which included four gold, three silver and two bronze. Ralph Romain, competing in the 70-74 age group, set a new world record in the men’s 400 metres, crossing the finish line in one minute 1.01 seconds. He also copped gold in the half-lap (200 metres) in 26.96 seconds. Joyce Thomas retained her shot put crown, which she won at the 2001 event in Brisbane, Australia, with a best recorded throw of 11.67 metres and followed up with a bronze in the javelin.

The silver medals were awarded to two athletes in the 65-69 age bracket — Monica Tang Wing in the heptathlon and 300 metres hurdles as well as quartermiler Oswald Rogers while debutant Susannah Joefield took bronze in the mara-thon. A number of athletes were struck by the injury bug, with Kenrick Prime being sidelined after advancing from the first round in the 100 metres. Rogers participated in the 100 metres and 200 metres despite not being fully fit while Yvonne Mitchell, after competing in the discus and shot put, had to opt out of the javelin. And Clem Jubrajsingh was a total spectator at the meet, unable to show off his wares due to injury. Curtis Johnson recorded a personal best time of two minutes 9.79 seconds in the 800 metres, but failed to book a place in the final while Wesley Thorne finished sixth in the 20-kilometre walk and eighth in the 5 kilometres walk. Also making up the TT party were Ruth Fraser-Munroe, Ruby Jackson, Irma Riley and Alfred Romain.