Winning return for Simpson

Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer

OLYMPIC 100 metres silver medallist, Sherone Simpson, led a trio of winning Jamaican athletes at the XXX111 Cittadi Padova Track and Field meet in Italy on Sunday.

Nickeisha Wilson and Ainsley Waugh were the other Jamaicans who scored victories.

Simpson, who has hardly competed this season due to injury, returned to competition in fine style by posting a season best of 11.15 seconds to defeat United States Gloria Asumnu, who clocked 11.32 seconds for the runner-up spot. Emma Ania of Great Britain ended third in 11.43 seconds.

Victorious wilson

Wilson, who just failed to reach the final of the women's 400 metres hurdles at the World Championships in Berlin, after finishing third in her semi-final, was victorious in the women's 100 metres hurdles, in 12.93 seconds. Russia's Yuiya Kundakova finished second in 12.96 seconds.

National senior representative Waugh sped to a 10.18 seconds clocking in the men's 100 metres. Italy's Simon Collio (10.19) and United States Ryan Bailry (10.20) ended second and third, respectively. Jamaica's Winston Barnes ended sixth in 10.23 seconds.

There were second-place finishes for Jovanee Jarrett and Markino Buckley.

Jarrett, who represented Jamaica in Berlin, took the silver in the long jump with 6.47 metres. United States Fumi Jimuh won with a leap of 6.60 metres.

In the men's 400 metres hurdles, Buckley had to settle for the runner-up spot in 50.18 seconds, as World Championship bronze medallist Bershawn Jackson of the United States won in 49.25 seconds.

Two Jamaicans competed in the women's 400 metres, but World Championships 4x400m silver medallist, Rosemarie Whyte, ended fifth in 53.25 seconds, while Anastasia LeRoy finished sixth in 53.49 seconds. Aliana Pompey of Guyana won in 51.40 seconds.