Two of Jamaica's most high-profile athletes Olympic 200m champion Veronica Campbell-Brown and Asafa Powell will suit up to face off with American compatriots at the Reebok Grand Prix.

Both athletes despite battling injury earlier this season are in now in good condition and ready for the challenge. Powell, who pulled up with an ankle injury at Penn Relays on April 25, forcing him to miss the Super Grand Prix in Doha, was quick to dismiss any concerns regarding fitness.

"Everything is going smooth so far. I had an ankle injury, which I'd had for a while, but I'm back and I'm ready to run," he said at the press conference in New York yesterday.

fastest man

Powell' should start favourite, but will be challenged by two Americans, Darvis Patton and Travis Padgett, and the fastest man so far this season, Daniel Bailey of Antigua and Barbuda, who has clocked 9.99.

Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Winston Barnes, Yohan Blake and Steve Mullings are other Jamaicans listed for the 100m, which will be divided into two races.

Campbell-Brown, on the other hand, awaits another showdown with Lauryn Williams with whom she has shared two World Championships 100m titles in the past four years.

ready for the challenge

Campbell-Brown, who won 15 of 18 meetings between the two, is also ready for the challenge.

"Lauryn has always been a great competitor over the years, and one of my favourites, I must say. Whenever you are in a race, there are certain people you have to be ready for. Rivalries are good for the sport because they help you push each other," Campbell-Brown said at the press conference yesterday.

Tomorrow's race will be Campbell-Brown's second having been affected with a toe injury over the past weeks. She, however, warmed up at a small meet in Florida last weekend with a 10.81, backed by a 3.2 supporting wind.

Campbell-Brown, who said the injured toe is 'healing well', added, "I am staying positive and focused on the race this weekend. I will do my best and do my job.

Torri Edwards and Muna Lee, respectively, the fastest and fourth-fastest women of 2008, both faster than Campbell-Brown, are also in the field.

Aleen Bailey, Sheri-Ann Brooks and Schillonie Calvert are the other Jamaicans in the women's 100m field.