Fraser-Pryce and Powell open season with victories at Western Relays

4-time world 100 metre champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and former world 100 metre record holder Asafa Powell impressed with victories in the 60m at the 42nd Milo Western Relays at GC Foster College on Saturday. Fresh off of copping her fourth Sportswoman of the Year award, Fraser Pryce made a strong impression in her season debut clocking 7.32 seconds to win the 60m, two tenths of a second outside of her personal best.

The 33 year old Fraser-Pryce finished ahead of Natasha Morrison from Sprintec who clocked 7.41 and Jodean Williams who finished third in 7.54. 2016 Olympic Games sprint relay medalist Shashalee Forbes came home fourth in a time of 7.55 seconds.

In the men's equivalent, former 100m record holder Asafa Powell won his race eleven hundredths of a second outside of his life time best as he recorded 6.73 seconds. Andrew Fisher was also awarded with the time of 6.73 but Powell was giving the nod after going down to one thousandth of a second.

2013 world championship relay gold medalist Oshane Bailey finished third in 6.84 seconds, while Julian Forte of MVP ended fourth in 6.85. 2019 World Championship long jump gold medalist Tajay Gayle didn't have the best of debuts to the track and he came fifth overall in 6.87 seconds. 2013 World Championship bronze medalist Nesta Carter was 8th overall with 6.94.

The 37 year old Powell was happy with his first outing and said he is eyeing his 5th appearance at the Olympic Games this summer in Tokyo.

Meanwhile, Sean-D Thompson of GC Foster College was among the record breakers on the day. Thompson cut the sand at 8.20 metres to win the men's long jump open and erase the old record of 8 metres flat which had been set by reigning world long jump champion Tajay Gayle in 2017.