Aliann Pompey clocked 52.02s to place fourth in the women’s 400 metres final at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Championships yesterday in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
After returning the third fastest time of 52.26s in the semifinal rounds earlier yesterday morning, Pompey running out of lane two in the final misjudged some of her competitors in the upper lanes to miss out on the top three positions.
“I ran by lane 3 and 4 fairly easily and quickly so I thought I was in good position but when I came off the turn lanes 5, 6, 7 and 8 were well ahead. I ran my last 100 metres pretty hard but I allowed them to go away too far,” Pompey told Stabroek Sport via telephone after the race.
When asked how she views her chances for the World Championships to be held in August after the race, Pompey stated, “I still think I’m ok, this race was a tactical error… not at all a testament to my fitness,” the 400 metres specialist concluded.
Guyana’s distance king, Cleveland Forde also took to the track yesterday turning in a time of 3:49.17s to place seventh in the 1500 metres men’s final at the prestigious event. Forde will now compete in the 5000 metres today with hopes of a better finish.
Meanwhile Guyana’s third and final representative who paid his own airfare, 400 metres hurdler, Kelton Cumberbatch turned in a time of 52.55s in the heats of the 400 metres hurdles to finish in fifth position.
