Not totally happy with the execution, was the obvious expression on her face as Rushell Clayton of the UWI Mona, crossed the finish line at the 2015UTech Classic, to win the Women’s open 400m Hurdles. She held off a stern challenge Danielle Dowie (unattached) to win in 57.71 seconds. Dowie was timed at 57.87 seconds. Both athletes were not able to trouble the meet record of 55.64 seconds set by Ristananna Tracey in 2014.
Happy for the win, but not a totally satisfied with her overall race, she explained to Yardie Sports,
“I was satisfied with the first half of the race, that is normally the best part of my race. But I have been having a rough season thus far, so I am trying to get my technique together, and my strength increased, so that I can be ready for the senior trails. Focus is on my race pattern pretty much”.
She finished third at the 2015 Intercollegiate Championship, in 59.41 seconds, behind Janieve Russell of UTech who lowered Clayton’s 400m hurdles record of 56.41 seconds set last year to win in 55.83 seconds. GC Foster’s Ronda Whyte was second with 57.41 seconds.
Clayton has moved forward from those disappointments, setting for herself some high expectations for the remainder of the season and is determined to give of her best.
Chief among the many objectives to be met on the track are a spot on the plane to Beijing for the Senior World Championship and victory at the World University Games.
“I have been thinking of the World Championships and the World University Games, those are my main goals. I am hoping to do well and make the team for both. Also I have the 400m hurdles at Penns (Penn Relays) and a next race in early May”.
Her personal best times stand at 56.41 seconds which she knows will have to be reduced significantly if she will have a realistic chance at meeting her goals in 2015. Jamaica at present, enjoys huge success in the 400m hurdles on the female side, with 2008 Olympic and 2009 World champion Melanie Walker, and the 2014 world number one ranked, IAAF Diamond League and Commonwealth Champion, Kaliese Spencer and bronze medalist from the Commonwealth Games, Russell, being products of the land of the black green and gold.
Clayton will have to battle with both Spencer and Russell, along with a number of other young aspiring stars if she desires a spot on the team to fulfill her dream.
With hard work and determination the young athlete is convinced that the sky will be no limit for her in 2015.
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