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| 1-2 finish for The Bahamas in Cayman! |
Sheldon Longley
Guardian Sports Editor slongley@nasguard.com
Published: May 11, 2012
Chris ‘The Fireman’ Brown proved that he’s indeed ready for what could be an explosive season as he opened up with a 45 low at the Cayman Invitational at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in the Cayman Islands, on Wednesday night. Brown won the men’s 400 meters (m) in 45.14 seconds, and his countryman Ramon Miller was right behind him, finishing second in 45.48 seconds. Jamaican Ricardo Chambers ran third, in 45.87 seconds. Brown, who suffered from flu-like symptoms at the Penn Relays a little over a week ago, said that he felt good during the race and just wanted to give a good account of himself. “First and foremost, I just want to thank God for allowing me the opportunity to go out there and compete, and get the victory,” said Brown. “I feel pretty good. I was feeling ill at the Penn, so I just wanted to make it known that I wasn’t at my best and that I’m still in shape to run fast.” Last year, Brown opened up his outdoor season with a 45.37 seconds clocking at the Jamaican International Invitational, and eventually went on to post a season’s best time of 44.79 seconds. This year he’s off to a faster start which he hopes will translate into a strong and impressive season. “I think it’s definitely a good sign,” he said. “I’m ready to run fast this year. Ramon is right there as well and Michael is running strong. I think this sets us up for what should be a good showing at the nationals. We have a deep field in the men’s 400m and we haven’t done anything since 2009 so we’re all hungry. I was actually hoping to go under 45 seconds in this first race, but God is in control and it was His will for me to open up with a 45.1, so I’m very thankful.” Brown will gear up for the Prefontaine Classic, on June 2, in Eugene, Oregon, and the Adidas Grand Prix in New York City one week later, on June 9. “I’m still working on my speed,” he said yesterday. “I was very patient and allowed my training to take over. I relied on my strength in Cayman, so now I have to get back to the drawing board and work on my speed. I’ll definitely be ready for nationals,” he assured. Brown and Miller weren’t the only Bahamians competing in George Town, Cayman Islands, on Wednesday. Making a comeback in the short hurdles after a series of injuries is national record holder Shamar Sands. Sands finished sixth in 13.56 seconds. Also competing was Nyles Stuart in the long jump. He finished fourth with a best jump of 7.46m (24’ 5-3/4”).
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