Jamaica's Fraser-Pryce leads Caribbean charge in Birmingham

Bridgetown (Barbados), June 30 (IANS/CMC) About a dozen Caribbean athletes led by double Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica are down to compete at the Diamond League meeting at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham Sunday.

Fresh from her victory at the Jamaica National Championships last weekend with a world leading time of 22.13 seconds, Fraser-Pryce will renew rivalry with American Carmelita Jeter, her first race since an injury in Shanghai in May, and the consistent Blessing Okagbare of Nigeria, reports CMC.

Sherone Simpson of Jamaica and the young Anthonique Strachan of the Bahamas will also provide a strong Caribbean challenge.

Fraser-Pryce, the winner of the last two Olympic Games over 100m, insists that she thrives upon the rivalry with her American counterpart and is ready for her Birmingham return after being based in the city prior to her Olympic triumph.

"Birmingham has been a very good city for us as Jamaicans as they were so welcoming and warm last year. So I'm excited to be back and having fun in the 200m against all the other girls lined up in the event," she said.

"For us as athletes, it's about competing against the best and Carmelita is one of those. She's thrown down lots of good times, and racing her is something that has been rewarding for me as well. We bring out the best in each other. I like competing against people that are aggressive and hungry like me."

The women's 400m also promises some fireworks with Jamaican champion Novlene Williams-Mills and compatriot Stephanie McPherson to challenge Botswana's Amantle Montsho, former World and Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu of Britain and Regina George of Nigeria.

Overall a total of 30 medallists, including 11 reigning Olympic champions, will star at the Sainbury's Grand Prix.

--IANS/CMC

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