Immediately after competing in the finals of their respective events at the Jamaica national senior trials in Kingston from June 23 to 26, several athletes who placed in the top three expressed how they felt about their performances and aspirations heading to the World Championships in August. The following quotes were taken from post-race interviews.

800m & 1500m Champion Kenia Sinclair:

Will she ever take on the 1500m on a larger scale?

I have to go out there and run wire to wire with those girls in the sub-4 minutes or 4:04 [bracket] and then I’ll determine my true 1500m [potential]. I just have to prepare myself mentally for it, like I do for the 800m. Maybe that decision could come earlier than expected.

How disappointed is she over not winning a World Championships or Olympic medal?
I’m just happy that I’m still running, considering my injury. I have a herniated disc that I’ve been battling. It’s a struggle, but as time goes by I’m kinda getting over it. I’m just praying that it holds off until I decide to retire. I’m also happy to be competing in the meets that I go to.

My goal is always to make the final and be in medal contention. I’m happy that I was even able to make my country’s team and be there to participate. If I could run in my country colors every time I step on the track, I would.
I might be disappointed in not getting a medal but I’m still thankful; it could have been worse as I could not have been there.          

Has she set a time to hang up her spikes?
No. I’m still a sweet 30, so I’m not going to retire any time soon.        

100m 3rd place winner Jura Levy:

How does she feel about her 3rd place finish in the 100m?
I’m happy with it. I knew I could have done it because I was running pretty good times in training, which was going well.

 

What was going through her mind as she lined up with Veronica Campbell-Brown and Sherone Simpson?
I was just trying to stay focused, not to think of anybody but myself, and get the start that I needed. I didn’t get the best start that I wanted but I got one that I’m satisfied with. I’m happy I PRed; that’s what I  was working on, and my PR took me to 3rd so I’m pleased with it.

Did her 8th-lane draw affect her?
I don’t let my lane bother me.

Going forward into the World Championships
I’ll just wait to see what comes at the World Championships. I will try to stay focused; hopefully, I'll make the final, even get a medal. It’s my first year as senior and I’m happy. I definitely know that I’m ready for it.
If you doubt yourself before you enter the race you are half-defeated. So I never underestimate myself in what I can do. I know that I've put in the work, so I just have to go out there and do what I have to do.

What college are you headed to from South Plains?
It’s a secret.

100m Champion Asafa Powell:

Why was he unusually late out of the blocks?
Well, I got a very bad start; I stumbled, but when I came out of my drive phase I saw myself pulling them in. So I ran back and won quite comfortably, but it was very close.

 

Was he surprised that he won?
I knew I was in front; I looked across and saw that the guys were close, and I just had to run towards the end.

What does the win mean for him?
It’s a great achievement because I am like 75% healthy right now and I did a good job, so I’m happy.

 

How does he see himself and Jamaica doing in the 100m final at Worlds?
Hopefully I can be 100% by then, because I was not training properly for the past couple of weeks.
It’s just a Jamaican thing. I hope we can take it 1-2-3-4.

 

Do you think you might run the lead-off leg on the 4x1 at Worlds?
It’s highly possible. I am quite comfortable with running the lead-off and the anchor; it doesn’t matter.