Hydel’s Salmon sends clear signal to rivals ahead of Champs

Photo: Shian Salmon of Hydel High clears the penultimate hurdle of the Class One Girls 400m hurdles at the Youngster Goldsmith Classics on Saturday. Salmon won the event in 59.31s.

Shian Salmon of Hydel High school, underlined her favourite’s tag more than a month before the ISSA/Grace Kennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, when she stormed to victory in the Class One Girls 400m hurdles; leaving the field in her wake to win by more than 10 meters, at the Youngster Goldsmith Classics inside the National Stadium on Saturday.

Having finished fourth in the final at Champs last year there are huge expectations in the Hydel camp and Salmon admitted as much.

“I think there is a lot of burden because my teammates as well as my coaches are expecting big things from me. I feel a little bit nervous, but not as how as I was before because I am getting more experienced at the event.”

Finishing in a smart 59.31 which was almost a second better than second place, was Sanique Walker of Vere Technical (1:00.24). Salmon has definitely thrown down the gauntlet for all who would challenge her for the gold medal at Champs.

“I feel better than I have ever done before, each time that I compete. I am hoping to hit some new PR’s and to get on the podium if I can,” said the soft spoken Salmon. “I have been seeing a lot of improvements and I am ahead of where I was this time last year.”

With more than a month to go before Champs, the Hydel star athlete has more than enough time to put together the perfect race and do more than just finish on the podium.