Simmonds rediscovering self; captures 100m hurdles at Rome Diamond League

Megan Simmonds was the only Jamaican winner at the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea Diamond League meeting in Rome, Italy, yesterday, racing to a season's best 12.50 seconds in the women's 100m hurdles.

Former world record holder Kendra Harrison of the United States (US) finished second in 12.52, while Nadine Visser of the Netherlands was third in 12.58. Jamaica's Danielle Williams was sixth with a season’s best 12.69.

"It is quite a good result. I wanted to run faster, but the season is long, so we are taking it step by step and day by day,” Simmonds said. “This is for everybody who has told you that you could not do it and who didn't believe in you. You need to believe in yourself.

"This season is for my fans. Always when I step to the start line, I think I have 10 opportunities to do well and show what I am capable of. This is who I am. Early in my career, the surroundings took me away from who I am, but going to Tokyo last year and training in a fantastic group, I came back to who I am. I am excited and I am winning races. There is no better feeling. I am living a dream right now," added Simmonds.

BENNETT SECOND

World Championships 110m hurdles silver medallist Orlando Bennett was second in men’s 110m hurdles in 13.31. American Trey Cunningham won in a meet record, personal best and world-leading 12.98, while Enrique Llopis of Spain was third in 13.32.

Jordan Scott was second in the men's triple jump with 17.33m. Jaydon Hibbert placed third with 17.02m in the triple jump. Cuba's Andy Hernandez Diaz won with a season's best 17.59m.

Romaine Beckford placed third in the men's high jump with 2.23m. Raymond Richards placed seventh with 2.20m.

National champion Nickisha Pryce finished third in the women's 400, clocking 49.80. Lieke Klaver of the Netherlands won in a season's best 49.60.

Jamaica’s Rajindra Campbell was fifth in the men's shot put with 21.39m, Tajay Gayle was fourth in the men's long jump with 8.04m, and Wayne Pinnock eighth with 7.74m.

Rushell Clayton was third in women’s 400m hurdles in a seasom best 53.14 seconds. Emma Zapletova of Slovakia won in a world leading and national record, 52.58, ahead of the US’ Anna Cockrell, 52.77.

There were big wins on the day for St Lucia's Julien Alfred and the US’ Noah Lyles in the sprints.

World leader in the women's 200m, Alfred stormed to victory in 21.93. World champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden of the US was second in 22.17 in her season-opener, while fellow American Anavia Battle finished third in 22.39.

World Championships 100m bronze medallist Lyles was in fantastic form in the men's 100m, racing to an impressive season's best 9.88. Emmanuel Eseme of Cameroon was second in 9.94, while Botswana's Letsile Tebogo finished third in 9.95. Jamaica's Ackeem Blake ended seventh in 10.06.