Sanjay Ayre

Michael Ford, coach of former Jamaican 400m champion Sanjay Ayre, believes his charge should be considered for selection on the Jamaican team to the Berlin World Championships, despite his placing at the National trials.

Ayre, a consistent competitor for Jamaica, suffered a hamstring injury, which resulted in his eighth-place 46.60 finish in the one-lap event won by Ricardo Chambers (45.55)

"I think he deserves to be on the team, based on his experience," said Ford. "Most of the guys who finished ahead of him are mid-20s and I think they should have him there, because these guys could benefit big time from him," he added.

"I think only Danny McFarlane and maybe Michael Blackwood have similar or more experience. Sanjay's inclusion would help Jamaica to do well in the 4x400m."

relay pool

According to the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) rules, "Athletes placing in the first four positions in the 100m and 400m will be named to the relay pool. The remaining members of the relay pool will be selected by the JAAA selection committee."

Ayre has served Jamaica well on relay teams, running a 44.6 first-leg split at the 2005 World Cham-pionships; 44.6 in the semi-finals on fourth leg at the Osaka World Champs, and last year in Beijing did 44.8 on the third leg.

He has also helped Jamaica to bronze medals at the Sydney Olympics Games and Helsinki World Championships. He was a member of the team which won gold to beat United States for the first time at the 2004 World Indoor in Budapest.

Ford said, if selected, Ayre would be ready in time for Berlin.

He noted that they were very cautious about his hamstring injury at trials, but added that Ayre, who has a personal best 44.92, is a lot stronger this year.

"I know he can run 44 low ... he proved it at Penn Relays earlier this year."