Russell changes focus to CAPE

Holmwood Technical High's quarter-miler, Rickiann Russell, is impressed with her performance this season but is ready to pay attention to her academic goals as she pursues her Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) tests, which are under way.

Russell, in the 400 metres, her pet event, has had a dream season so far, after average performances last year, and has gone sub-52 seconds on three occasions.

"Based on my performance last year, I am very grateful for what I have done this season, and I must give credit to my coach, who made the necessary adjustment with my execution.

"It has been a very long season, and my focus now is on preparing for my CAPE examinations," she said.

Russell ran a personal best of 51.26 seconds at the Central Athletics Championships earlier this year. She went to last Saturday's Puma East Coast International Showcase favoured to maintain her unbeaten tag.

She started the race slow but recovered for a keen final 80 metres tussle with Madison Whyte of the United States of America (USA) and was held off to finish second in 52.54 seconds, with Whyte clocking 52.49.

Russell was, however, unperturbed about the loss.

"I have no excuse for losing, as I think I did my best and finished second, which is still good. I am not a usually good starter, as my first 100 metres is usually a bit slow," she said.

Meanwhile, according to Russell, she is undecided whether she will go to college or enter the professional ranks.