KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – One of the athletes that helped to put the bright lights on track & field in the island has decided to retire from the sport.

The Jamaica Observer newspaper reported yesterday that sprint hurdler Lacena Golding-Clarke decided one week ago to put away her spikes after 11 years of professional competition.

“I’m now ready to take on the next chapter in life,” she told the daily newspaper. “I have been a professional athlete for 11 years, and it has been an amazing career.

“I’m very pleased and happy about what I’ve done throughout my career; the journey has been great.”