Jamaica split on hometown sprint favorites

By Horace Helps

KINGSTON (Reuters) - Jamaicans are split down the middle over which of their world-class sprinters stands the best chance of winning the men's 100 meters at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Usain Bolt, whose world record time of 9.72 seconds in New York on May 31 shocked the world, and former record holder Asafa Powell eased through their first-round heats on Friday.

"I know that it will be Bolt all the way, in fact, I believe that he will take the sprint double as there are few who should beat him in the 200 meters," said Catherine Jones, a housewife from Bolt's home parish of Trelawny in the northwest.

"Asafa all the way, man," countered Marlon Green, a welder from St. Catherine, the home parish of Powell.

"The way that Asafa has been running in the last month makes me believe that he cannot be beaten over the distance," Green said.

Hometown sentiments are natural but although the rivalry is fierce, both sides have moved to underline the great friendship the two athletes share.

"We are good friends and we respect each other," Powell said last month.

BIG PRIZE

Many Jamaicans believe the Caribbean island, which has never won gold in the event, will not only land the big prize but also the silver.

American world champion Tyson Gay stands between the Jamaicans.

"Tyson Gay is an awesome athlete, but I don't think that he can beat our two big guns," said David Wray from Mandeville in the south-central region.

The common sentiment is that there has never been a more anticipated race at the Olympic Games involving Jamaicans.

Numerous discussion programs on radio and television, letters to newspapers, and countless arguments in bars, parks and the workplace have overshadowed the usual talk surrounding the state of the Jamaican economy, crime and unemployment.

"This is the big race. Never before have we seen two Jamaicans in an Olympic or world championship 100-metre race and any of the two can win," said Junior Thelwell, an avid sports fan.

"When the race is run at 9.30 a.m. Jamaica time on Saturday morning, I expect that the entire country will be shut down and everybody will be focused on their TV sets.