US - Jamaica Battle Royale at Millrose
By Kristina Newsam
There’s a major storm brewing on the track at 114th Millrose Games, where yet another US - Jamaica clash is about to go down. We take a look at the three major contenders set to battle in the 60m at Millrose on January 29, 2022, who each have the caliber and the controversy to make for an interesting encounter.
This challenge emphasizes the historic rivalry between the two major sprinting nations, who have tossed the title of “Most Dominant Track Nation” back and forth over the years. With the departure of now-retired legend, Usain Bolt, the door is seemingly left wide open for a new superstar to take the spotlight.
Trayvon Bromell
Enter American rising star, Trayvon Bromell, whose recent Olympic showing both makes and breaks the case for his bid to snatch victory at the Armory’s New Balance Track & Field Center.
Trayvon Bromell during 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships in Portland, by Erik van Leeuwen via Wikimedia Commons
Of the three most decorated standouts set to line up, Bromell comes to the ring as the 2016 World Indoor 60m Champion, with the most recent race caps under his belt via the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games held just last year. Ending the 2021 season as the fastest man (in a blazing time of 9.77s), Bromell stands head and shoulders above his competition.
However, we can’t soon forget that just under 3 years ago, the culmination of a series of serious injuries led Bromell’s very coach to believe that he would never race again.
Christian Coleman
Then, we have the 60m world record holder, Christian Coleman, who is set as the man with the most to prove. He will be stepping onto the track for the first time since his 18 month ban, which caused him to miss last year’s Olympic showing.
Christian Coleman during London 2017 100m Final, by Erik van Leeuwen via Wikimedia Commons
He copped the 2019 100m World Championship title prior to his ban, which arose from his failure to attend scheduled drug testing; so, it goes without saying that he is looking to snatch victory in both the World Indoor and World Outdoor Championships this March and August, respectively.
His fate is as sure as the flip of a coin, as he must overcome the massive lull in his career to recapture his previous form--a feat that will require both race sharpness and mental fortitude, especially in his debut race for 2022.
Omar McLeod
The fight gets even more intense as decorated sprint-hurdler, Omar McLeod, rounds out the star-studded trio with a sure desire for redemption.
Omar McLeod during Portland 2016 60m Final, by Erik van Leeuwen via Wikimedia Commons
McLeod, who boasts the 2014 NCAA Division 1 Indoor 60m Hurdles, the 2016 Olympic 110m Hurdles, and the 2017 World Championship 110m Hurdles titles, may very well be considered the underdog based on his comparatively modest level of competitive experience in the individual flat event.
McLeod was left writhing after missing out on a qualifying spot for last year’s Tokyo Olympics. After experiencing challenges at the very start of the Olympic qualifier and finishing eighth, he expressed his belief that his qualifying opportunity was compromised by the nature of the event's scheduling. His compatriot, Hansle Parchment, would go on to claim the Olympic title in the 110m hurdles.
Amidst the controversy surrounding McLeod, glares a history-breaking accomplishment: McLeod is the “first athlete in history to run under 10 seconds for the 100m and 13 seconds for the 110m hurdles.”
He is a multiple championship winner and could certainly ruffle some feathers.
It’s heating up to be quite the battle royale, with a contentious clash to set the new year off just right for track and field fans hungry for action since the close of a scintillating 2021 season. With a terrifyingly terrific international trio stepping up to the plate, the action is sure not to disappoint.
Guest Article By Kristina Newsam
