Barbadian student-athlete Jonathan Jones may not be able to accept monetary awards and gifts because of the NCAA rules on scholarships.
But the Texas University freshman and new Barbados 400 metres record holder is still being presented with lane positions among professional athletes in the IAAF Diamond League because of his dazzling performances in the fast lane.
Following his commendable fourth place on debut at last Saturday’s Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, the fleet-footed Barbadian quarter-miler will make another appearance at the Monaco Diamond League at the Stade Louis II in France on July 12.
Jones clocked 45.46 seconds from the difficult lane nine in Eugene, while leaving the likes of experienced Trinidadian Machel Cedenio, Botswana’s Baboloki Thebe (46.20), Grenadian Bralon Tapin (45.94) and Americans Wilbert London (45.57) and Michael Cherry (45.92) in his wake.
The 20-year-old, who culminated his United States’ collegiate circuit maiden season with a lifetime best 44.64 seconds, will once again square off against American prodigy, Kahmari Montgomery.
Montgomery, who motored to a sizzling 44.23 to defeat Jones while representing the University of Houston in the 400 final of last month’s NCAA Outdoor Championships, was second in 45.12 seconds, behind Prefontaine champion, Michael Norman (44.62). (EZS)
