Russel

AFTER failing to get it right all season, Holmwood Technical's multi-talented athlete, Janieve Russell was at her best on Saturday in the Girls' Under-20 400m hurdles at the JAAA/Supreme Ventures Limited National Junior Championships.

The 2011 Carifta Games champion posted her second-best time, as she won in 57.74 seconds to be the fourth fastest so far on the World Junior IAAF Top List. The United States' Shayer Little clocked 57.44 at the US Junior Trials on Saturday to be the world leader in the event.

Russell, who was a member of Jamaica's 4x400-metre bronze medal team at the World Junior Championships two years ago in Moncton, Canada, was as expected pleased about her performance as she came close to her personal best of 57.71, done in Montego Bay last year at the Carifta Games.

"Today, I went out there and although I had no competition I was determined to do well as all season I have not put up the performances I wanted and I was getting a bit frustrated," said Russell, who only had one other competitor in the event.

Russell credited the move to GC Foster College for her preparation as a major reason behind her improvement.

"I would like to thank the principal of G.C. Foster College Mr Shakes who gave me permission to train on the school track with my coach Mr (Maurice) Wilson, as this allowed him to spend more time in the event with me," she stated. "Running close to my personal best is a positive for me as with several weeks to go to the World Junior Championships, I am hoping for bigger improvement and with the Junior CAC Championships coming before, this will be good competition for me to step up big time," she said.

Over the years, Jamaicans have done well in the event at the World Junior Championships and Russell is determined to continue this trend.

"I know it will be very competitive as this is the highest level for junior athletes but I am ready for the challenges and hopefully on the day, I will be at my best," she concluded.