Clayton’s Diamond triumph carries special meaning for athlete, MVP

TINA CLAYTON’S victory in the women’s 100 metres in 10.93 seconds at Saturday’s Diamond League Final in Brussels, Belgium, was more than just another major achievement in the young Jamaican sprinter’s rapidly developing career.

It was a performance laden with emotion and significance, coming less than two months after the death of her long-time coach, Stephen Francis, who passed on July 4, one day after his 64th birthday.

“I would like to dedicate this victory to my coach Stephen Francis, who passed away earlier. It is very emotional, but I have my family, the team, and those others who gave me the support needed,” she said.

Formidable reputation

Francis was one of Jamaica’s most respected sprint coaches and played a major role in developing athletes at MVP Track Club, which has built a formidable reputation for producing world-class sprinters. That now includes Tina and her twin sister Tia.

The coach’s sudden absence left a huge void at the club, but Tina’s performance in Brussels demonstrated that the foundation laid by Francis remains firmly in place, providing another major chapter in the club’s history.

She rose to the occasion at the King Baudouin Stadium to claim her first Diamond League Final title, and added another major accomplishment to an already impressive career.

The former World junior champion has long been regarded as one of Jamaica’s brightest sprint prospects, and her victory in Brussels provides further evidence that she is ready to establish herself as one of the world’s leading senior sprinters.

From start to finish

She entered the final with a season’s best of 10.85, and produced a strong performance, leading from start to finish ahead of Britain’s Amy Hunt, who ran 11.06 for second, and American Sha’Carri Richardson, who was third in 11.07.

There was also a strong fifth-place finish for Jamaican Jonielle Smith, who clocked 11.08 seconds.

“Tonight I was the most determined athlete and that made the difference. I am happy with 10.93 as it was a bit cold,” said Clayton.

Victory made the former Edwin Allen High School standout the fifth Jamaican woman to win the Diamond League 100m title, following Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson and Veronica Campbell-Brown.

“I guess it’s kind of a perfect night because winning the Diamond League final is something special,” Clayton admitted. “We all want to go home with the trophy and, to be honest, there were a lot of candidates for the title.”