Stephanie strikes gold twice

McPherson, who spoke of being in the best shape of her life before the 400m finals, shattered the old record of 52.68 held by Shericka Williams when she ran world leading 50.78 taking almost 2 seconds off the record while eclipsing her personal best of 51.62 in the process.

Describing the race for Yardie Sports, the double winner said, “I was focusing on the first 300m because of the breeze on the last 100m (home stretch). I wasn’t thinking of going that fast but it happened, it’s wonderful and I am thankful.

“It was a surprise to break the record by that much, I was expecting 51.8 or 51.9, it was about a second faster than I expected,” she explained.

With the Intercollegiate season now over locally, Stephanie will next turn her attention to the UTECH Classics on Saturday April 13 where she is hoping to run the 400m again. That decision is left to her coach, but if she does, her expectations are to go even faster.

“If I run the 400m at the ‘Classics’ then I am looking to go really fast. In good conditions (no wind) and a competitive field, I am looking to run 50.2 which will put me in real contention to make the national team.”

The world leading time she ran on last Saturday suggests that she means business and should McPherson run the time she suggests come this Saturday, no one will be taking her for granted this season. One thing is for certain, winning both the 400m hurdles and 400m in record time was a very special performance by this outstanding athlete.