Jamaican Champions Persevere at Worlds
BEIJING, China – Arkansas All-Americans Kemoy Campbell and Omar McLeod overcame difficult obstacles in their respective first round races during day five’s morning session in Beijing.
Campbell was the first Razorback on the track in heat one of the 5,000 meter run. Coming through 1,000 meters at 2:55.01 Campbell maintained a steady pace to stay close with the pack. Making a move from ninth to seventh around the 3,000 meter mark Campbell set himself up in a good position to stay in contention for a possible top five finish. While closing in on 4,000 meters the Kingston native was tripped up causing him to fall and lose much ground in the high stakes race. Determined to finish what he started Campbell rose from the track to finish 15th in 14:00.55 besting four other runners in the process.
A petition to allow Campbell to compete in the finals was filed on his behalf by the Jamaican Athletics Administrative Association but was rejected.
Coming off of a solid performance at the American Track League meet in Atlanta McLeod began his podium pursuit in heat one of the 110-meter hurdles at the 2015 IAAF World Championships. Following a false start by Germany’s Alexander John the heat returned to their blocks to re-set for the race. McLeod regained composure and attacked the hurdles on the second outing only to be thrown off balance by Trinidad’s Mikel Thomas whose arm struck the NCAA Champion mid-race. McLeod battled back from the distractions to get the auto-qualifier with a second-place finish in 13.43.
McLeod will return to the track in heat two of three in the semifinal round of the event on Aug. 27.
2015 IAAF World Championships time in central standard
Thursday, Aug. 27
Men’s 110H semis | 6:05 a.m. – Omar McLeod
Friday, Aug. 28
Men’s 110H finals | 8:20 a.m. – Omar McLeod*
(Day 8 locally)
Men’s 4×100 | 11:20 p.m. – Tyson Gay
*Upon qualification
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