By Emmerson Campbell in Birmingham, England
Missing the finals of both the 400m and the 200m at the ongoing Commonwealth Games here in Birmingham, England has motivated star sprinter, Kenisha Phillips to return to the track a fitter, stronger and faster athlete.
After clinching a semi finals berth in 24.13s, Phillips clocked 24.35s yesterday at the Alexander Stadium finishing eighth in semi final two.
Following the race, the 21 year-old told this newspaper that it was the end of a long racing season which started in January and she was motivated to have a strong off season.
“These Games were a great learning experience for me and I learned a lot from my first Commonwealth Games. I love to race against the best and I love pushing my body to be better.”
“I am looking forward to some rest now and to have a strong off season to return a better athlete. The next time I come at these Games, I want to medal for my country. Phillips added.
Prior to Phillips’ event, Aliyah Abrams finished sixth in her semi final of the 400m and her individual campaign at the XX11 edition of the Games ended.Abrams clocked a below par 52.82s in the quarter miler which was won by Sada Williams of Barbados in 51.59s.
Abrams, 25, was way below her season’s best of 51.17s recorded in April.Speaking of season’s best, Chantoba Bright recorded a season’s best in the women’s triple jump event but failed to make the final eight.
In her senior international debut, Guyana’s most decorated junior athlete, hopped, skipped and jumped to 12.97m but it was not good enough against a stacked field of jumpers.
Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts earned gold in an eye popping 14.94m in her first jump which was a Commonwealth Games record. Dominica’s Thea Lafond earned silver in 14.39m and crowd favorite Naomi Metzger snared bronze with a personal best 14.37m.
