Bolt to run 400m at Camperdown Classic

Olympic triple gold medallist Usain Bolt is set to open his 2009 track season at the fifth staging of the Camperdown Classic, which is scheduled for the Stadium East field on February 14.

Cynthia Cooke, principal of Camperdown and chairperson of the meet, made the announce-ment at a press conference yesterday at the Hilton Hotel in New Kingston.

Bolt, winner of the 100m (9.69), 200m (19.30) and a member of the 4x100m (37.10) gold-medal winning team at the Beijing Olympics, is down to run the men's 400m along with his Racers teammate Ricardo Chambers, Daniel Bailey of Antigua and Yohan Blake.

Former national football representative, Barrington 'Cobra' Gaynor, who has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease since last year, will be the honouree at the meet.

"We are now at the stage where we have to keep out persons who wish to participate, because we just do not have the time to accommodate them," said Cooke. "We have had phone calls and emails from as far away as France and Greece, seeking information about purchasing tickets, getting accreditation and general information about the meet."

More than 2000 athletes from across the island are expected to take part in the meet, with the closing date for entries set for February 7.

Cooke noted that the 400m hurdles has been dropped from this year's meet because there are no lights the Stadium East field.

However, a special invita-tional 4x200m relay will be introduced for the girls this year.

The prize money for the event is $40,000, which will be split among the top three schools.

- R. B.