by Alfonz Juck
LaShawn Merritt, photo by PhotoRun.net
L. Merritt, Gatlin, VCB, Bowie
NASSAU (BAH): Top 400 m runners LaShawn Merritt and Kirani James are returning to Nassau for 2nd Chris Brown Bahamas Invitational. They won the first edition in 2013, Merritt in the 200 m 20.34 and James the 400 m in 44.72. Both will run the same events this Saturday at Tom Robinson National Stadium. Merritt will face Wallace Spearmon, Mike Rodgers with home in shape runner Michael Mathieu. Main rivals for James should be Americans Tony McQuay and two veterans Jeremy Wariner and returning Angelo Taylor. Also to mention home stars Steven Gardiner and LaToy Williams. World silver medalist Justin Gatlin will have his 100 m opener of 2016 against Isiah Young and Qatari record holder Femi Ogunode. 2013 World champion David Oliver runs the hurdles against 2011 World champion Jason Richardson, Jamaican Andrew Riley and Barbados duo Greggmar Swift and Shane Brathwaite. World bronze medalist Jeffery Gibson hopes to win the 400 m hurdles in a race against 2013 World champion Jehue Gordon, Puertorico star Javier Culson, Johnny Dutch of USA and Jamaican duo Leford Green with Roxroy Cato. In women sprints Veronica Campbell-Brown is planning her season opener at 100 m against Ivory Coast World medalist Murielle Ahoure and fast Trinidad´s relay World medalist Michelle Lee-Ahye. Local crowd will look for the 400 m where Shaunae Miller is expected to attack the World lead in duel with Ashley Spencer and Jessice Beard from USA. Top names in women 100 m hurdles are Sharika Nelvis, Jasmin Stowers and Queen Harrison from USA. Beijing World 100 m medalist Tori Bowie is scheduled for the 200 m against Candyce McGrone, Jo Atkins and Natasha Hastings with Charonda Williams. Olympic 2012 finalist Terea Brown is the top name in the 400 m hurdles with Jamaican Shevon Stoddart, Canada´s Fawn Dorr and Nigerian Ajoke Odumosu.
