Sanjay Ayre

Former national 400-metre champion, Sanjay Ayre, did not fulfill his potential at the Beijing Olympic Games, but indicated he would not be distracted ahead of next year's World Championships.

Ayre, who was the national champion last year, is very optimistic about next season.

He says he is ready to do whatever it takes, especially with the 2009 Berlin World Championships being the main target.

"I have to look long and hard on what happened this season," said the 28-year-old while adding, "I can guarantee major changes will be made in my training next year.

"I'm still young, but it's hard if I'm not running consistently in the top three at meets," added Ayre, who at age 20 teamed-up with Gregory Haughton, Michael Blackwood, Danny McFarlane and Michael McDonald to win bronze in the 4x400m at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

World champs

Ayre said with the Berlin World Championships the main target, he is determined to improve on his personal best of 44.92.

In his last outing in Italy last week, Ayre bounced back with a fairly comfortable 45.67 victory.

"I'm glad to finish my season on a winning note. This win was a moral boost for me after the disappointment at the Olympic Games. It was hard walking off the track after the 4x400m knowing I was going home without a medal," he said.

Ayre, a former Calabar and Excelsior High student, also hailed the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) for laying the foundation which resulted in a great Olympics.

"It's always a pleasure representing Jamaica," he said. "I want to thank the country, my teammates and the JAAA for a wonderful job with everything associated with the success of this history-making Olympics."