by Larry Eder
Overcoming a sub-par start, Kemar Bailey-Cole of Jamaica, won his first global title, taking the 2014 Commonwealth Games 100 meters in 10.00. Adam Gemili, England, took the silver in 10.10 and Nickel Ashmeade, gave Jamaica their second medal in the 100 meters, when he took the bronze in 10.12.
Men’s 100 Meters: Kemar Bailey-Cole emerges from the pack, by Larry Eder
Overcoming a sub-par start, Kemar Bailey-Cole of Jamaica, won his first global title, taking the 2014 Commonwealth Games 100 meters in 10.00. Adam Gemili, England, took the silver in 10.10 and Nickel Ashmeade, gave Jamaica their second medal in the 100 meters, when he took the bronze in 10.12.
Kemar takes control,
photo courtesy of Ricky Simms/PACE Sports Management
This was Kemar Bailey-Cole’s race to win, or loose. His start put him in the mix, if not, a bit behind. The Jamican sprinter, who ran his 9.93 PB on 11 August 2014, in the Moscow World Champs last summer, when he placed fourth in the final. Ironically, Kemar placed behind Nickel Ashmeade in Moscow, who he defeated in the CG final on Monday night.
Kemar Bailey-Cole is quite tall, and his overdrive, about 80 meters into the race, put him in gold medal territory. It also may have given him a slight cramp after the race. Surprising the crowd, who was quick to applaud the fine performance of the young sprinter, Kemar Bailey-Cole was unable to complete a victory lap. In fact, on his Facebook site, he noted why he declined, not wishing to offend: “Just want to say sorry to the fan of Scotland that i didn’t get to do my victory lap or celebrate,after i finish the race my leg was extremely sore so my main focus was to get off the track before any cramps had occur, and i have to say thanks for that great reception before the races.” #KBC — feeling awesome
Kemar Bailey-Cole, CG 100 meter gold medalist,
photo courtesy of Ricky Simms/PACE Sports management
Kemar had given the race his all. When asked by this writer, how he had recovered so well from his self-admitted poor start, KBC noted: “As my coach said, If I do not get the start, control my composure and drive right through. It was really different. “
During the press conference, most of the local media was enamored with Adam Gemili. Adam did not ask for this, it is just a function of Mr. Gemili being the local star and quite relaxed with the ways of British media focus. KBC was less than effusive, perhaps, to this writer, taking some offense that, in his moment of triumph, the light was on the young British sprinter and not, this emerging Jamaican star.
In truth, Kemar Bailey-Coles’ emergence on Monday night, as now a member of the top three Jamaican current sprinters, should not be underestimated. KBC, in a tough race, with a difficult start, showed star quality. His battle into the thick of the race, and then, to reign supreme is the sign of a championship elite sprinter. And with Usain Bolt recovering from foot surgery, and running only the 4 x 100m relay, Yohan Blake just having had surgery for pushing too hard in the 100 meters in Glasgow GP, KBC is healthy and willing to take up the mantle as the next great Jamaican sprinter!
That is the real story of this 100 meter final. Well, one of them. KBC has continued the tradition of fine Jamaican sprinters winning the Commonwealth Games title. KBC continues the tradition of fine young sprinters, being allowed the time to develop. His success is also another feather in the cap of Coach Glen Mills, the fine Jamaican coach, who has nurtured, cajoled and developed several generations of sprinters in his proud country.
Kemar Baily-Cole, CG Glasgow champion, 100 meters
photo courtesy of Ricky Simms/PACE Sports Management
Kemar was asked about his relationship with Usain Bolt, whose shadow can be seen in all things athletics. Again, this is not Usain’s fault for being a charming and ebullient sort, but that Bolt has transcended athletics with his amazing performances and his joie de vivre. ” We are good, good friends.” noted Kemar. “But, we are not that close.” Respectful, and honest, just not, well, wordy, to use the American vernacular.
KBC did get a final laugh out of the British media. His displeasure of local food is apparently well-known. When queried about local Scottish food, he smiled, thought for a second and noted: “The food, it needs to be a bit more seasoned. “
Kemar Bailey-Cole, 2014 Commonwealth Games 100 meter champion,
photo courtesy of Ricky Simms, PACE Sports Management
