Anderson Peters

Peters just happens to be from the same island as Kirani James, who won Grenada’s first-ever World title in the 400m at Daegu in 2011 and then its first Olympic gold medal in 2012, inspiring an entire generation of Caribbean children in the process.

Not to be outdone, Anderson is also a proven winner. He won five javelin titles at the Carifta Games and was a CAC Junior champion. He is also the two-time NCAA Division 1 champion and the NACAC champion. However, he believes that winning his first world title could let kids know that there is more to track and field than the sprints.

“Being able to become a world champion, means a lot to my country, especially to young athletes. I believe it will open their eyes to see that you don’t have to be a sprinter. Sprints or jumps are not the only events in track and field,” said Peters.

 “You can become a World Champion or an Olympic in a different event rather than the sprints or the jumps. So it just opens up eyes to see all the possibilities.”

The 10 nominees were announced on Thursday. The athletes were selected by an international panel of athletics experts, comprising representatives from all six continental areas of World Athletics.

It has been another memorable year for the sport and the nominations reflect some of the standout performances achieved at the World Athletics Championships Oregon22, World Athletics Indoor Championships Belgrade 22, one-day meeting circuits and other events around the world.

The nominees for 2022 Men’s World Athlete of the Year are (in alphabetical order):

Kristjan Ceh, SLO

- World discus champion

- Diamond League discus champion, throwing a national record 71.27m on the circuit in Birmingham

- European discus silver medallist

Alison dos Santos, BRA

- World 400m hurdles champion

- Diamond League 400m hurdles champion

- Ran a world-leading South American record of 46.29

 Mondo Duplantis, SWE

- World pole vault champion indoors and outdoors

- Diamond League and European pole vault champion

- Improved his world record to 6.19m and 6.20m indoors, and then 6.21m outdoors

 Soufiane El Bakkali, MAR

- World 3000m steeplechase champion

- Diamond League 3000m steeplechase champion

- Unbeaten in 2022, running a world-leading 7:58.28 in Rabat

Grant Holloway, USA

- World 110m hurdles champion

- World indoor 60m hurdles champion

- Diamond League 110m hurdles champion

 Jakob Ingebrigtsen, NOR

- World 5000m champion, world 1500m silver medallist indoors and outdoors

- European 1500m and 5000m champion

- Diamond League 1500m champion in a world-leading 3:29.02

Eliud Kipchoge, KEN

- Improved his world marathon record to 2:01:09

- Berlin Marathon champion

- Tokyo Marathon champion

Noah Lyles, USA

- World 200m champion

- Diamond League 200m champion

- Ran a world-leading national record of 19.31 to move to third on the world all-time list

 Anderson Peters, GRN

- World javelin champion

- Commonwealth javelin silver medallist

- Threw a world-leading NACAC record of 93.07m, moving to fifth on the world all-time list

 Pedro Pichardo, POR

- World triple jump champion with a world-leading leap of 17.95m

- World indoor triple jump silver medallist

- European triple jump champion

 A three-way voting process will determine the finalists.

 The World Athletics Council and the World Athletics Family will cast their votes by email, while fans can vote online via the World Athletics social media platforms. Individual graphics for each nominee will be posted on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube this week; a 'like' on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or a retweet on Twitter will count as one vote.

 The World Athletics Council’s vote will count for 50% of the result, while the World Athletics Family’s votes and the public votes will each count for 25% of the final result.

 Voting for the World Athletes of the Year closes at midnight on Monday 31 October. At the conclusion of the voting process, five women and five men finalists will be announced by World Athletics.

 The winners will be revealed on World Athletics’ social media platforms in early December.

Peters, the reigning world champion, broke his own national record on his opening throw of 88.96m but lost the lead when Jakub Vadlejch hurled the javelin out to a new world lead of 89.87m in the fourth round.

Spurred by the challenge, Peters uncorked his first ever 90m throw in the penultimate round, hitting a new personal best of 90.19m only to see Vadlejch surpass him once more with a personal best of 90.88m.

Undaunted the Grenadian, who once wanted to be a sprinter, flung his best-ever throw, 93.07m to put victory beyond Vadlejch’s reach. It was a new national record and personal best for Peters, and the fifth-best throw in history.

Meanwhile, Ricketts, the 2019 World Championships silver medalist produced a winning mark of 14.82m in challenging conditions caused by blustery winds as high as 6.5m/s that aided her winning jump.

Ukraine’s Maryna Bekh-Romanchuck took second place with her best effort of 14.73, her fourth jump of the competition that was helped by a gale force wind of 6.3m/s.

Dominica’s Theo LaFond took the final podium spot with her fourth-round jump of 14.43m assisted by a 3.6m/s wind.

Miller-Uibo last lost a 400m on this track back in 2019 when Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Nasser stunned the world with a 48.14 run at the World Championships. This time it was the Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino, the Tokyo Olympics silver medallist who stormed home in a season-best 51.20.

Stephenie-Ann McPherson trailed the imperious but clearly winded Bahamian up until the last few metres before overtaking her to clock a season-best 51.69. Miller-Uibo trudged across the line in 51.84 for third.

Barbados’ record holder Sada Williams (52.09) and Tokyo Olympic finalist Candice McLeod (52.37) finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Shericka Jackson, who won the 100m at the National Stadium in Kingston last weekend, lost her first race of the outdoor season clocking 22.07 in the 200m after getting caught late by the USA’s Gabby Thomas, who ran a season-best 21.98 that equalled the meet record set by Allyson Felix back in 2015.

Dina Asher-Smith, the reigning world champion, clocked a smart 22.37 in her 200m opener, which was good enough for third place.

There was a blanket finish in the 100m hurdles that Kendra Harrison won in 12.43 but can count herself lucky to win. Brittany Anderson led off the last hurdle but appeared to stumble and faded to third in 12.44, the same time awarded to Nigeria Tobi Amusan who was awarded second place.

Bahamas’ Devyne Charlton was some distance back running 12.61 for fourth place while Megan Tapper hit the first hurdle and finished eighth in 12.92.

The 400m hurdles offered a glimpse of what to expect in the event this year as Alison Dos Santos, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist out-paced silver medallist Rai Benjamin down the home stretch to win in a world-leading 47.24, which was also a new meet record.

Benjamin was timed in 47.49.

The rest of the field was far behind but Thomas Barr of Ireland was the next best running 49.67 for third while Kyron McMaster finished fourth in 49.93.

Jaheel Hyde was fifth in 50.23.

Yohan Blake was also a winner in the men’s 100m while quarter-miler Christopher Taylor ran an encouraging season-best while finishing second in the 400m.

In damp and cool conditions, Peters was on fire in the men’s javelin throwing an impressive new meet record of 90.75m to secure yet another victory this season. The winning throw was the third best mark this season behind Peters’ own world-leading throw of 93.07m in Doha on May 13 and Jakub Vadlecjh’s 90.88m at the same meet.

Peters said that despite the weather conditions, he was happy to be able to throw 90m once more.'

"This feels good to throw a 90-plus. I was worried about the circumstances, this is too cold for me. It was windy and sometimes rainy. My hands were so cold that I had no feeling in it, the first throw," he said, adding that there are things he needs to improve upon ahead of the world championships in July.

"Normally, I like to throw my best throw at the first attempt. I have to improve the amount of 89-plus throws. Today at the FBK Games Hengelo, the crowd was lovely. The battle between me and Weber was great. We like to see who is the best man of the day. Looking forward to defending my title at World Champs.

The Grenadian led all throwers with his second throw of 88.70m but Germany’s Julian Webber, with his third throw of 89.54m, a personal best, took the lead before Peters responded with his winning fourth-round throw to remain unbeaten this season.

Webber’s mark, however, helped him secure second place, just ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott. The 2012 Olympic champion uncorked a season-best throw of 89.07m for third place.

Walcott said he enjoyed the competition.

“It was a wonderful competition, amazing results. We pushed each other, if the other performs, you need to answer,” he said.

“I am having a really good season so far. We did not expect it, but when the rain stopped, the results came. The crowd really lifted up our results, it was so wonderful all the cheering.”

Meanwhile, Anderson, the rising Jamaican sprint hurdler, was also in fine form running a season best 12.51 (0.4m/s) to defeat a talented field that included reigning world champion Nia Ali, who was second in 12.69 and Tonea Marshall, who ran 12.70 for third.

“My plan was to come here and keep my technique over the hurdles and to have fun,” she said afterwards.

“I am happy with my season’s best here and the fun is racing. I love being on the track to race. My next race is in Rome and I hope to improve. I go step by step.”

Bahamian Devynne Charlton equalled her season best 12.88 while finishing fifth behind fourth-place finisher Tia Jones (12.71).

Taylor, running in his 400m season debut clocked 45.45 to finish second behind the USA’s Vernon Norwood, who overtook the Jamaican down the stretch and held him off to win in 45.28.

Trevor Stewart of the USA was third in 45.93.

Blake won the blue-ribbon dash in 10.11 (-0.3m/s). Despite a look of disappointment when he saw the time, the 2011 world champion, was well clear of the field. Kyree King of the United States ran 10.23 for the runner-up spot while South Africa’s Emile Erasmus finished third in 10.25.

“The crowd is amazing (but) the conditions are not the best now,” said Blake, who expressed that better performances from him are not far away.

“I put in the work, the feeling is right there, I am not worried. I have a great coach and a good team.”

Great Britain’s Daryll Neita won the women’s 100 in 11.19 (0.8m/s) over Tynia Gaither of the Bahamas (11.23) and Imani Lansiquot who ran a season’s best 11.26 for third.

Located less than three hours from Paris, Mulhouse-Alsace is ready to welcome these athletes from across the Americas. The camp is organized by Panam Sports and the Mulhouse Alsacia Agglomeration, providing an optimal environment for athletes to fine-tune their skills and strategies before heading to the Olympic stage.

 Athletes from Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Chile, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay will be participating in this comprehensive training camp.

 Training across 15 disciplines, including Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Artistic Gymnastics, Judo, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Swimming, Rowing, Taekwondo, Archery, Shooting Sports, Table Tennis, Triathlon, and Beach Volleyball, the athletes are set to prepare intensely for their respective Olympic events.

 Among the standout athletes is Marileidy Paulino from the Dominican Republic. As a world champion in the 400-meter dash and 4x400 mixed relay, and a silver Olympic medalist from Tokyo 2020, Paulino is set to lead her country as the flag bearer in Paris 2024. Her prowess on the track has earned her two Pan American championships, making her a formidable competitor.

 Ecuador’s Neisi Dajomes, an Olympic champion in weightlifting from Tokyo 2020, will also be training in Mulhouse-Alsace. Dajomes, a world medalist in 2017, 2018, and 2019, and the Pan American champion at Lima 2019, will be carrying her nation's flag at the Olympics.

 Grenada’s Anderson Peters, a two-time world champion in javelin at Doha 2019 and Eugene 2022, and the Pan American champion at Lima 2019, will also be preparing for Paris. Peters’ incredible achievements in javelin mark him as a key athlete to watch.

 Flor Ruiz Hurtado from Colombia, who recently won a silver medal in javelin at the World Championship in Budapest 2023 and is the Pan American champion in Santiago 2023, will be honing her skills at the camp.

 Joining the roster is Angie Palacios of Ecuador, who won the Pan American championship in weightlifting at Santiago 2023 and has secured world medals in 2022 and 2023. Palacios’ continued success highlights her as a significant contender in Paris.

 Panama's gymnastics star, Hillary Herón, will also be training at the camp. As the Pan American vice-champion in 2024 and a bronze medalist at the Gymnastics World Cup in Cairo 2023, Herón is set to make a strong impression at the Olympics.

 Her fellow countrywoman, Karla Navas, who claimed gold at the Doha World Cup in 2024 and is a Pan American champion at Santa Marta 2024, will also be preparing in Mulhouse-Alsace. Navas’ achievements in gymnastics underscore her potential for Olympic success.

 Ecuador's Lisseth Ayovi, who won a silver medal in weightlifting at Santiago 2023 and a bronze medal at the Riyadh 2023 world championship, will be part of this elite training camp. Her strength and dedication are key assets as she prepares for Paris.

 Lastly, Alexander Ogando from the Dominican Republic, a silver Olympic medalist in the 4x400 mixed relay at Tokyo 2020 and the latest world champion at the Paris 2024 Diamond League, will be training with his sights set on Olympic glory.

 The Panam Sports Channel will provide extensive coverage of the training camp and the Olympic Games, broadcasting a daily 30-minute show from Mulhouse starting July 15th. The program will feature interviews, reports, and testimonials, offering a comprehensive look at the athletes' preparations and their journey to the Olympic Games.

 As these athletes embark on their final preparations, the training camp in Mulhouse-Alsace stands as a pivotal point in their journey to Paris 2024, ensuring they are ready to compete at the highest level and make their countries proud on the world stage.

The race was won by Great Britain’s Reece Prescod in a personal best 9.93 while fellow British teammate and former Kingston College sprinter Zharnel Hughes was third in the same time as Blake.

Jamaican Tokoyo Olympic finalist Candice McLeod ran a season’s best 50.38 for second in the Women’s 400m behind Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek who ran a personal best 50.16. Another Polish athlete, Anna Kielbasinska, was third in 50.38, equaling her own personal best.

Puerto Rican Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn sped to 12.56 for victory in the Women’s 100m hurdles ahead of Poland’s Pia Skrzyszwoska who ran a personal best 12.65 and the USA’s Nia Ali (12.69).

It was a Caribbean 1-2 in the Men’s Javelin as Grenadian 2019 World Champion Anderson Peters continued his fine form this season with a throw of 87.88m to win ahead of Trinidadian 2012 Olympic Champion Keshorn Walcott (84.77m). Germany’s Julian Weber was third with 83.92m.

Cuba’s Maykel Masso won the Men’s Long Jump with 8.14m ahead of the Czech Republic’s Radek Juska (8.11m) and France’s Augustin Bey (8.00m).

According to the police, John Alexander, 55, a deck hand of Arima; Mikhail John, 35, a sailor of San Juan; Noel Cooper, 42, Captain of Gurpe; Lance Wiggins, 45, a sailor of Cocorite and Sheon Jack, 28, a Sailor of Cocorite were all charged with one count each of grievous harm and stealing, while Abiola Benjamin, 40, Operations Manager and police officer of Maraval was charged with assault on Anderson Peters.

Alexander, John, Cooper, Wiggins and Jack were also charged with causing harm to Kiddon Peters, the brother of Anderson Peters.

All of the accused individuals are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, August 15, 2022.

The men will remain in police custody until their appearance before the Magistrate.

The incident, which has caused uproar around the region, is still being investigated in his homeland Grenada where it occurred.  The Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) is expected to hand a file to the country’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in short order.

Details surrounding the cause of the incident, however, remain unclear.  The company at the heart of the incident Trinidad-based Harbour Tours Ltd has, however, also condemned the incident and promised a separate investigation.

On behalf of CANOC, Lewis spoke of the feelings of disappointment upon witnessing the incident and wished the athlete a speedy recovery.

“There are no words to adequately express my regret, disappointment, and dismay at what was seen on the video of an altercation involving Grenada and Caribbean Sports Hero Anderson Peters,” Lewis said via the release.

“We at CANOC wish Anderson a speedy and full recovery. Even as the Grenada Police conduct a full investigation to ascertain the facts about what transpired,” he added.

“In resolving and de-escalating conflict Acts of Violence can't be condoned.

We trust that Anderson with support from his family, friends, and the Grenada Olympic Movement will fully recover. There are lessons from this unfortunate situation that we can all learn from as we continue to mentor and nurture and support our Caribbean athletes, youth, and young people to fulfill their potential and aspirations."

St Lucia experienced a moment of immense national pride, as the island nation secured its first-ever Olympic medals in spectacular fashion. Julien Alfred became a household name after she clinched gold in the women’s 100m, blazing across the finish line in a remarkable 10.72 seconds, breaking her own national record and earning St Lucia its first Olympic gold. Alfred’s incredible speed nearly led her to a double triumph, but she settled for silver in the women’s 200m, clocking a commendable 22.08 seconds. These achievements not only catapulted Alfred into the spotlight but also marked a historic milestone for St Lucia, a small island nation now basking in the glory of its Olympic success.

Dominica also had its first taste of Olympic victory, thanks to the outstanding performance of Thea LaFond. Competing in the women’s triple jump, LaFond delivered a stunning leap of 15.02m, breaking the national record and securing Dominica’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. LaFond’s triumph in Paris resonated deeply within the nation, bringing joy and pride to Dominicans worldwide.

Grenada, a nation with a rich Olympic history, added to its growing medal tally with two more bronze medals. Anderson Peters, a seasoned javelin thrower, once again demonstrated his prowess by securing bronze in the men’s javelin throw with an impressive distance of 88.54m. Lindon Victor further bolstered Grenada’s standing with a hard-fought bronze in the men’s decathlon, excelling across 10 grueling events to earn his place on the podium.

It was the first time that the Spice Island had won multiple medals at the same Olympic Games. These achievements continued Grenada’s tradition of Olympic success, adding new chapters to the island’s storied athletic history.

Jamaica, a nation synonymous with sprinting dominance, experienced a shift in its Olympic narrative at the 2024 Games, with the majority of its six medals coming from field events. Roje Stona led the charge, breaking the Olympic record in the men’s discus throw with a colossal throw of 70.00m, securing Jamaica’s first and only gold medal of the Games. Wayne Pinnock contributed to the island’s medal haul with a silver in the men’s long jump, leaping an impressive 8.36m. Rajindra Campbell added to the field event success with a bronze in the men’s shot put, delivering a powerful throw of 22.15m.

Shanieka Ricketts also created history when she won the silver medal in the triple jump, securing Jamaica’s first ever medal in the field at an Olympic Games.

In addition to their field event successes, Jamaica’s sprinters also made their mark. Kishane Thompson, a rising star in the sprinting world, claimed silver in the men’s 100m with a blistering time of 9.79 seconds, a result determined by a photo finish that showcased the razor-thin margins of victory at the highest level.

 Rasheed Broadbell added to Jamaica’s sprinting legacy by earning a bronze in the 110m hurdles, clocking a season-best 13.09 seconds in another photo finish that highlighted the intense competition in Paris.

The 2024 Paris Olympics will be remembered as a landmark event for the Caribbean, where athletes from St Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, and Jamaica not only created history but also underscored the region’s growing influence in global athletics. These remarkable performances brought immense pride to their nations and showcased the Caribbean’s burgeoning talent and determination on the world stage. As the athletes returned home, they carried with them not just medals, but also the hopes and dreams of their countries, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness.

The region took home 17 medals in total including five golds, nine silvers and three bronzes with Jamaica leading the Caribbean medal count with 10 ahead of Grenada and the Dominican Republic who got two each while the Bahamas, Barbados and Puerto Rico all took home one apiece.

There were a number of standout performances throughout the 10 days starting with Jamaicans Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson.

Fraser-Pryce produced a championship record 10.67 to defend her 100m title and win her fifth in total. Fraser-Pryce also won her second 200m medal in her World Championships career, a silver in a season’s best 22.81.

Jackson ran a personal best 10.73 for silver in the 100m behind Fraser-Pryce and followed that up with one of the performances of the championships in the 200m. She produced a time of 21.45 to win her first global title and become the fastest woman alive over the distance.

Double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah came third in the 100m in 10.81 to complete Jamaica's second consecutive 100m clean sweep at a major championship.

Fraser-Pryce, Jackson and Thompson-Herah then teamed up with Kemba Nelson to win silver in the 4x100m in 41.18 behind the USA (41.14).

We now move to the 400m where the Caribbean women swept the medals. Bahamian Shaunae Miller-Uibo became the first female to complete the world event cycle (gold medals at the World Youth Championships, World Junior Championships, World Indoor Championships, World Championships and Olympics) by finally winning her maiden world title with a world-leading 49.11.

The Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino, the world leader coming into the Championships, followed up her silver medal in Tokyo last year with 49.60 to claim silver once more.

Barbados’ Sada Williams produced a brilliant personal best and national record 49.75 to take home bronze, becoming the first Barbadian woman to win a World Championship medal.

In the men’s equivalent, Grenadian superstar Kirani James ran 44.48 for silver behind American Michael Norman (44.30). This was James’ third World Championships medal and first since 2015 when he won bronze.

Paulino was also part of the brilliant quartet that took the Dominican Republic to gold in the Mixed Relay. Paulino combined with Fiordaliza Cofil, Lidio Andres Feliz and Alexander Ogando to run 3:09.82 for gold.

Staying on the track, Jamaica’s Britany Anderson followed up on the promise she’s shown all season to secure a silver medal in the 100m hurdles.

Anderson ran a new national record 12.31 in the semi-finals before running a wind-aided 12.23 to secure the silver medal behind Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan who clocked an astounding 12.06 for victory after running a legal world record 12.12 earlier in the semis.

Puerto Rican Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn ran the same time as Anderson to take home bronze.

Jamaica picked up silver medals in both the men's and women's 4x400m relays. The men comprising of Ackeem Bloomfield, Nathon Allen, Jevaughn Powell and Christopher Taylor registered 2:58.58 to finish behind the USA (2:56.17) while the women with Candice McLeod, Janieve Russell, Stephenie Ann McPherson and Charokee Young produced 3:20.74 to finish behind the Americans (3:17.79).

In the field, Grenada’s Anderson Peters became only the second man to defend his javelin world title.

The 2022 world leader produced a best throw of 90.54m to successfully defend his title from Doha three years ago, replicating a feat only matched by Czech world record holder Jan Zelezny who won consecutive world titles in 1993 and 1995 before returning to top spot in 2001.

Peters produced an amazing series, registering 90.21m, 90.46m, 87.21m, 88.11m, 85.83m and 90.54m in his six rounds.

Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts produced a season’s best 14.89m to take silver in the women’s triple jump behind Venezuelan world record holder and Olympic champion Yulimar Rojas (15.47m).

Ricketts produced jumps of 14.89m, 14.86m, 14.37m, 14.40m, 14.62m and 14.80m for one of her best series of her career.

The region will be hoping for an even better showing at the 2023 World Championships scheduled for August 19-27 in Budapest, Hungary.

They are set to return to the St George’s No.1 Magistrates Court on Wednesday facing the possibility of a maximum five-year prison sentence and hefty fines.

Mikhail John, a 35-year-old sailor, John Alexander, a 55-year-old deckhand, Noel Cooper, 42, the captain of the Harbour Master party boat, and Sheon Jack, a 28-year-old sailor, all pleaded guilty to charges of grievous harm against Anderson Peters and his brother Kiddon.

Prosecutors dropped the charges against 40-year-old Abiola Benjamin after a review of a video of the incident showed he was trying to separate the men involved in the altercation in which Peters suffered injuries to his ankle, elbow and face and was thrown overboard.

Meanwhile, 45-year-old sailor Lance Wiggins pleaded not guilty to the charges and was eventually released after prosecutors decided that the evidence against him was insufficient to bring about a successful prosecution.

Peters, 24, was involved in a brawl aboard the Harbour Master on the night of Wednesday, August 10. Video of the incident showed several men attacking and punching Peters, who had travelled home for a brief vacation after winning the silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England a few days prior.

His coach Paul Phillip said the two-time world champion suffered from what appeared to be an ankle sprain as well as bruises to his elbow, neck and face, which put his participation in the Lausanne Diamond League meeting on August 26 in doubt.

In a statement released on the weekend, the captain of the Harbour Master claimed that it was Peters who was the aggressor and is what triggered the beat-down the elite athlete suffered.

Peters and his brother were in court Monday and were seated behind the six suspects. Reports indicate that Peters and his brother have retained the services of attorney Derick Sylvester with a view to filing a civil suit against the guilty.

Fraser-Pryce, the Olympic 100m silver medalist, who was running her first race since her lifetime best 10.60 in Lausanne, Switzerland on August 26, sped to a meet record 10.81 to win by daylight over Swiss athlete Mujinga Kambundji who stopped the clock at 11.08.

Great Britain’s Daryll Neita (11.15) was further back in third. Trinidad and Tobago’s Michelle-Lee Ahye ran 11.19 for fourth.

Parchment, the Olympic champion, recovered from an average start to overhaul Devon Allen and win in 13.26. Allen clipped the last hurdle but managed to finish second in 13.37 while Damion Thomas was third in 13.50.

The women’s sprint hurdles event was won by Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan in 12.64 ahead of Olympic bronze medalist Megan Tapper who clocked 12.75. The USA’s Christina Clemons was third in 12.92.

Jaheel Hyde ended up on the podium after finished third in the 400m hurdles in 48.89. Brazil’s Alison Dos Santos was an easy winner in 48.50 over Turkey’s Yasmani Copello, who ran 48.80.

Candace McLeod, a finalist over 400m in Tokyo finished third in the 400m. Among the leaders up to 300m, the Jamaican faded to third clocking 51.88. The Polish pair of Natalia Kaczmarec and Anna Keilbasinska took the top two places in 50.70 and 51.19, respectively.

Meanwhile, Anderson Peters threw 83.61m for a second-place finish in the men’s javelin throw. However, he was no match for Germany’s Johannes Vetter, who flung the spear 89.60m for victory.

Fedrick Dacres took third place in the men’s discus. He threw a best mark of 64.91m that was bettered by Lithuania’s Andrius Gudzious (65.89m) and Slovenia’s Kristjan Ceh (66.65m)

Andre Degrasse was an easy winner in the 200m in 20.21. His compatriot Jerome Blake took second place in 20.32. Olympic relay gold medalist Filippo Tortu was third in 20.40.

Peters, who at 23, is already a two-time NCAA champion, Pan American champion, NACAC champion and World Champion, wants an Olympic title to add to his burgeoning trophy case. However, had the Olympics been held in 2020 as scheduled, he might have had to wait until 2024.

During his preparation for the 2019 World Championships in Doha, the Grenadian injured his knee in training and was forced to battle through the discomfort to pull off the surprise win in Doha. He told Sportsmax.TV that immediately following the World Championships, an MRI on his knee revealed the extent of the damage.

“I had bone splinters around the knee and some were even poking into the muscles surrounding my knee,” he said.

He underwent corrective surgery on October 17, 2019, and says he is now fully recovered.

“Training is going good,” said Peters who trains at Mississippi State University under Coach Paul Phillips.

“I have been putting up numbers that I never have before. I am stronger but the task is now on me and my coach to transition that strength into my throws."

Without the postponement of the Olympic Games, he said, he would not have had enough time to recover from the surgery. Now that he has, he is looking forward to competing against the likes of Johannes Vetter, the 2017 world champion, who threw an incredible 97.76m, the second-longest throw in history in Poland in September 2020.

Peters, who has a personal best of 87.31m, says he has no fear of Vetter or the other elite throwers of the world because in every competition it comes down to one basic thing.

“It’s all about the day. From the first throw you know what is going to be like,” he said. So, it's all about what happens on that day."

Italy’s Marcell Jacobs and Canada’s Andre De Grasse, the Olympic gold medallists over 100m and 200m respectively, will clash over the shorter distance, then De Grasse will double up by contesting his specialist event.

Gardiner, meanwhile, will take on world indoor champion Alexander Doom over one lap of the track.

The Bahamian, who has a season’s best of 44.45, could be pushed by the Belgian, who won in Marrakesh last week with a lifetime best of 44.51.

Not including the few races where he has pulled up injured, Gardiner has been undefeated over 400m since the 2017 World Championships.

Elsewhere, Jacobs has had just two individual outings this year, the latest being a 10.07 season’s best to win in Rome last weekend.

That makes the Italian the fastest of the Ostrava field this year on season’s bests, though he’s also one of four men in the line-up with a sub-10-second PB.

De Grasse, meanwhile, has a best this year of 10.11 and recently finished second at the Diamond League meeting in Marrakesh.

Britain’s Reece Prescod, who set his PB of 9.93 in Ostrava when winning in the Czech city two years ago, will be one to watch, as will Jamaica’s Ryiem Forde.

Later in the evening, De Grasse will take on Jamaica’s Andrew Hudson and Britain's Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake in the 200m.

In the men’s javelin, home favourite Jakub Vadlejch will take on European champion Julian Weber and two-time world champion Anderson Peters.

Four-time global medallist Vadlejch recently won in Doha with 88.38m, which puts him just one centimeter ahead of Weber on this year’s world list. Peters is close behind with a best of 86.62m.

Gardiner’s time of 44.39 was just ahead of the Belgian’s personal best 44.44 in second. Reigning Jamaican national champion Sean Bailey was third in a season’s best 44.93.

Jamaican 2023 World Championship finalists Ryiem Forde and Andrew Hudson finished second in the 100m and 200m, respectively.

Forde’s time in second was 10.17 while Hudson ran 20.56. Both races were won by Canadian Olympic champion Andre De Grasse. He ran 10.10 in the 100m before returning to the track to run a season’s best 20.09 in the 200m.

Olympic champion Lamont Jacobs ran 10.19 for third in the 100m while Great Britain's Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake ran 20.63 for third in the 200m.

In the field, two-time World champion Anderson Peters was third in the javelin.

The Grenadian battled windy conditions to produce a best throw of 78.60m, far behind Germany’s Julian Weber and the Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch who produced 87.26m and 86.06m for first and second, respectively.

Peters, 23, who is eager to add an Olympic title to his World, Pan American and NACAC titles, admits to Sportsmax.TV that he is concerned about his safety, especially against the backdrop of news of recent spikes in Japan that have organizers questioning whether the Games that were postponed from last summer, should go ahead this year.

However, according to the Grenadian national record holder, he believes “there is no reward without great risk.”

“I am concerned about my safety but if we take the vaccine and take the necessary precaution we are going to be fine,” he said.

“Who would pass up the chance to compete at the Olympics. I can’t have Covid for the rest of my life but I will be Olympic champion for the rest of my life.”

Peters said he is stronger than ever after recovering from knee surgery done in October 2019, and under the guidance of Paul Phillips at the Mississippi State University (MSU), he has been putting up numbers in training like he never had before.

“I am stronger. The task is on me and my coach to transition that strength into my throws,” he said.

The six-member team comprising Kirani James, Lindon Victor, Anderson Peters, Halle Hazzard, Tilly Collymore and Zachary Gresham will be celebrated for their efforts in track and field and in the pool, as they gave Grenada much to be proud of.

Victor’s decathlon bronze, as well as Peters javelin bronze represents the Spice Isle’s highest-ever medal haul at an Olympic Games.

James, the island’s most decorated athlete, just missed out on a medal in the men’s 400m, as he placed fifth.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Government of Grenada announced that ceremonies will take place on Saturday August 17 and Sunday, August 18.

Peters, James and Victor will arrive on Saturday.

“The activities have been put in place to celebrate athletes who have brought glory and honour to our land,” said Acting Minister of Sports Delma Thomas.

“Let’s get together and be part of the grandest welcome ever, as we celebrate Grenadian resilience and excellence,” she added, while encouraging citizens throughout Grenada to organize in their various communities to participate, especially in the events on Sunday.

The athletes will be greeted by government officials, sport associations’ executives and family members, while Grenadians are invited to join the greeting party outside of the airport at 2:00pm. The weekend’s activities will also include a national motorcade on Sunday, August 18, which begins at Morne Rouge and a recognition rally at the Playing field in Victor’s home parish La Sagesse.

Thomas also hinted at some major announcements regarding the development of sports that will be made at the La Sagesse rally. Packages to honour all the Olympians will also be unveiled in a special address by Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.

Anderson, who has displayed superb form from the preliminary round of the event, launched the instrument to a best mark of 88.54m on his fourth attempt to claw his way back onto the podium.

The 26-year-old was at one point in the gold medal position after throwing 87.87m on his second attempt. This was after another Caribbean stalwart, Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago, launched the javelin to a season’s best 86.16m to set the tone for a humdinger of a finals.

Walcott was later relegated to seventh, as Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem opened daylight on competitors with a massive Olympic Record of 92.97m to win the event. Nadeem won ahead of India’s Neeraj Chopra (89.45m), last year’s World Champion and 2020 Olympic Champion.

Anderson’s bronze medal is the Spice Isles second of the global multi-sport showpiece, following Lindon Victor's decathlon bronze.

This comes after Grenadian Director of Public of Prosecutions Christopher Nelson used his “constitutional powers” to discontinue private action.

Last Friday, attorney Cajeton Hood, who represents the crew and owners of the vessel, signaled his intention to bring private criminal charges against Peters.

Hood told Grenadian journalists on Friday that he was awaiting a signature from Grenada’s Chief Magistrate, Teddy St Louis, to proceed with the lawsuit. He was seeking to prosecute Peters for harm, assault, obscene language, abusive language and insulting language.

When Hood first announced his intention, DPP Nelson said the allegations against Peters had issues of credibility and reliability.

However, the matter could still proceed if it is appealed in the High Court. Contacted for comment yesterday, Hood told Trinidad & Tobago Guardian Media he was awaiting instructions from his clients on whether to file an appeal.

The charges stemmed from a brawl on the Harbour Master on August 10. Following the brawl, four crew members were slapped with two charges of assault against Peters and brother, Kiddon.

In the days after the brawl, the vessel was also “arrested” after Peters’ legal team filed a civil action against its owners. The vessel cannot be brought back to Trinidad until it is released by a Grenadian court.

  Straight out the gates, the Caribbean athlete served notice of his intention to defend the crown he won in Doha, at the 2019 edition.  Peters went straight to the head of the pack with a massive throw of 90.21.  The athlete went on to register another three 90m throws, including his winning distance of 90.54 in the final round.

The Grenadian was the only athlete on the day attaining the 90m standard.  Second spot went to India’s Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra who registered a mark of 88.13 in the fourth round.  The Czech Republic’s Jakub Vadlejch claimed the bronze medal with his best of 88.09, which he achieved in the third round.

Peters heading into the event as the athlete in form, having registered a world-leading mark of 93.07 in Doha, Qatar in May.