BIRMINGHAM, England — News reaching the Jamaica Observer team are that while the Jamaican track and field athletes who have arrived at the training base are competing with poor weather conditions, the British track and field team as well as members of the USA and other countries have sought warmer climates to continue their preparations.

The weather has been very cool here with the weak sun coming out for short periods only to be covered by thick grey clouds with periods of intermittent rain.

The temperature plummeted yesterday and at least three athletes, who were among a group that went to a popular shopping mall in the centre of the city, complained of being ‘cold’ and wore heavy sweat suits.

The British team is reported to be in Portugal where it is said to be sunny and warm while members of the USA sprint contingent were in Spain where they had similar warm conditions.

There were also media reports of African athletes fleeing the cool climates of the United Kingdom to seek warmth and sunshine elsewhere.