Women's 100m Beijing Olympics 2008

The women's 100m sprint is one of the most highly anticipated events at this year's staging of the Olympic Games. The Americans have for many years dominated the sprints and plan on continuing their tradition of excellence. Standing in their way are a trio of Jamaican athletes who have established themselves as worthy opponents.

Leading the list is 2007 NCAA champion Kerron Stewart. Stewart who has posted some blistering times this season finished ahead of Sherone Simpson and Olympic champion Veronica Campbell - Brown at the Jamaican Olympic Trials held in June 2008. Stewart has been having a season to remember with only one loss coming to mind in late July where she stumbled from a bad start while competing in the 100m. Stewart, a world junior 100m finalist and gold medalist (4x100) is finally realizing the talent she promised in 2002. Her top end speed is unmatched and is considered to be one of the fiercest competitors in the sport - she will be hard to beat!

The next athlete representing Jamaica is Shelly - ann Fraser. Not known to many, Fraser burst onto the scene in virtually one race; a race which may be considered the most important race in her short professional career. The race spoken about is the 100m final at the Jamaican Olympic trials where she narrowly missed defeating Kerron Stewart while shaving eons off her personal best in the event and subsequently defeating favorites, Sherone Simpson and world champion Veronica Campbell - Brown. Many experts consider that race to be one of the biggest upsets of this track season as Campbell - Brown failed in qualifying for the team as Fraser announced her arrival in the big league. Fraser's greatest assest is her start and without a good one she may find herself staring at the heels of her opponents. Her inexperience and small statue are noteworthy weaknesses. Despite this she has been able to run under the 11 second barrier twice this season, she is no fluke!

Jamaica's other entrant, Sherone Simpson, is no stranger to the winner's circle. In 2006 she was the most dominant female sprinter as herself and teammate Asafa Powell lit the world a fire recording impressive performances. Simpson has established herself as Jamaica's most versatile sprinter as her prowess extends to the quarter mile event, the 400m. Simpson has produced many sub 11 clockings in her career but is yet to take home any hardware from a major championship. If she get's it right in the final of the 100m it will require a super - human effort to defeat her.

Jamaica has put together their best team ever. Only the Americans can boast the speed and versatility these women bring to the table. It will be interesting to see who makes the final. Only eight competitors are allowed in the final and if the U.S and Jamaica's athlete's make the final that would leave only 2 lanes for other countries. With the current form of these gifted athletes and history between the countries, the likelihood of this occurring is not far - fetched.

I know the Jamaicans are ready, and the Americans always deliver! But is the rest of the world ready to fill those 2 lanes and become a part of what may be the fastest Olympic women's final in history? Lace up your spikes, say a prayer and take a deep breath. This one will be down to who can keep their nerve best!

Here is how the race unfolded:

Beijing Olympics: Women's 100m final