Travis Seymour
The highly anticipated return of the AP Invitational promises to be a spectacle, with organizers unveiling a star-studded field of athletes for the women’s 100m event.
Set to take place on June 22 at the National Track and Field Centre, the invitational is poised to serve as a crucial Olympic qualification opportunity ahead of the June 30 deadline.
As part of the World Athletics Continental Tour, the AP Invitational has been eagerly awaited after a hiatus due to the global pandemic and necessary remedial works at the National Track and Field Centre.
With several Olympians aiming to secure qualification for the women’s 100m event in Paris, anticipation is running high among athletes and fans alike.
Namibia’s national record holder in the 100m, Beatrice Masilingi, boasting an impressive time of 11.20 seconds, headlines the field.
Joining her is Trinidad and Tobago’s Michelle-Lee Ahye, a seasoned sprinter with a sub-11-second personal best, yet to meet the 11.07-second qualification standard set by World Athletics.
The competition will also feature Athaleyha Hinckson, the CARIFTA Games 100m champion, alongside local talents Keliza Smith and Shantae George, representing Guyana.
Aliann Pompey, organizer of the AP Invitational, emphasized the event’s significance as a final opportunity for many athletes to secure Olympic qualification.
Pompey highlighted the unwavering support of the Guyanese government and sponsors, attributing the caliber of participants to this backing.
While the lineup for other disciplines is yet to be announced, previous editions of the AP Invitational have attracted renowned athletes such as Grenada’s Kirani James and St. Kitts’ Kim Collins.
In its inaugural edition in 2016, the event witnessed eleven overseas athletes achieving qualifying marks for the Olympic Games in Rio, underscoring its stature as a premier athletics competition.
With excitement building for the return of elite track and field action, the AP Invitational promises to deliver thrilling performances and Olympic-level competition.