Grenadian athletes to feature this weekend as showdown to London 2012 continues

World 400m Champion Kirani James will face two of his counterparts on the track this weekend in Oregon.

The Grenadian-born James who has the record as the youngest athlete to cop the World Championship title, would be part of a star-studded lineup at the 38^th Prefontaine Classic meet at Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon on the weekend.

James is down to participate in the 400m along with reigning Olympic champion and world leader LaShawn Merrit and 2004 Olympic Champion Jeremy Wariner.

Some are beginning to describe the weekend meet as a “dress-rehearsal” for the three who are carded to face each other again at the London Olympics in a matter of weeks.

Of interest to Grenada would be the Men’s 400m which is considered a dress rehearsal for the Olympic 400 metres rivalry involving the reigning Olympic champion and world leader LaShawn Merritt; the 2004 Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner and the reigning World champion Kirani James.

Another Grenadian athlete showcasing on the big stage is Rondell Bartholomew.

Bartholomew, a 400m specialist, is expected to compete in the Adidas Grand Prix in New York next weekend – a season opener for him.

He finished 6th in the Men’s 400m Final at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics in Daegu last year.

Other Grenadian athletes looking to improve their forms and times ahead of the London Olympic 2012 are Kanika Beckles,  Kurt Felix, Joel Redhead, and Andrea St. Bernard who will represent Grenada in Taekwondo.

Beckles, a 400m runner  and Felix a decathlon athlete will be competing in the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa next weekend.

Beckles, in particular, has shown remarkable improvement over the past five (5) months. Over the last few months, guided by former Grenadian Olympic finalist Alleyne Francique, Beckles has managed to improve her time from 54secs in March to 52.71secs in the Women’s 400m.©