#WorldChamps2023: Rusheen McDonald named in men’s 4x400m relay team
BUDAPEST, Hungary – National record holder Rusheen McDonald has been named in the men’s 4x400m relay team for Saturday’s qualifying round at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, while Stacey-Ann Williams, who earlier in the championships competed in the mixed 4x400m, has been included for the women’s race.
The teams were announced Saturday after management told journalists on Friday that the naming of the team publicly was being delayed for “tactical” reasons.
McDonald’s inclusion in the world championships team had sparked debate because he had only competed in the first round of the men’s 400m at the national trials. But he later ran three consecutive sub 45.00 seconds times including a 44.03 seconds in Hungary, faster than any other Jamaican man this season.
In the prelims on Saturday, McDonald will lead off with Jevaughn Powell, Zandrion Barnes and national champion Sean Bailey anchoring. World champion Antonio Watson is to be added for the final if the Jamaicans qualify.
The women’s team comprises Charokee Young, Nikisha Pryce, Shiann Salmon and Williams. Individual 400m finalist Candice McLeod will be added to the team in the finals if they progress to the medal round.