Bridgeport's sprinting sensation Jazeel Murphy powers his way to victory in heat five of the Class Two Boys 200m at the National Stadium yesterday during the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championship. Murphy posted a time of 22.54 seconds. - file

Bridgeport High's Jazeel Murphy one of the country's most promising junior male sprinters will not be able to defend his Class II 100 metres title today at the ISSA Boys and Girls' Championships, as he was withdrawn from the preliminary round of the event yesterday.

Murphy, who won the sprint double, last year, his first year in Class II, will now focus on the 200m where he was easily the favourite in the preliminary round of the event on Wednesday's opening day, where he clocked 22.54 seconds.

slight injury

"Jazeel came into the championships with a slight injury and we have made the decision that it would not have been wise for him to double at the meet," said Carl Page, Murphy's coach.

Carl Page

According to Page, Murphy's preparation has not been the best leading up to the championships and because he is also a part of the boys Class II 4X100m relay team, it would have been too much for him. The athlete had been also unable to compete in the 200m on the opening day of the Carifta Trials, earlier this month, due to a hamstring injury.

Despite being the firm favourite to take the 200m title, Murphy is not expected to have things all his own way. He is expected to be challenged by Delano Williams of Munro College and Odean Skeen of Wolmer's who clocked 21.53 and 21.49 seconds respectively in winning their heats yesterday.