'I came with only one intention' - Taylor fulfils target of breaking record

CALABAR HIGH School’s 400 metres sensation, Christopher Taylor, achieved another milestone in his young but illustrious career after he established the Class Two 400-metre record of 46.33 in the heats on yesterday’s first day of the GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletic Championships at the National Stadium.

The previous record, 46.64 seconds, was held by Jamaica College's Devaughn Baker in 2013.

The 16-year-old, who competed despite suffering from flu, left the field for dead and won by more than 20 metres. Despite his illness, Taylor has not ruled out lowering the record.

"I feel really pleased because I came out here with only one intention, and that was to break the record and I came out and I did it," he said.

The young star, who has been affected by the ailment for a little over a week, is nearly back to full health, but he is focused on getting back to his best.

"I don't think I will give a better performance (semi or final) because I have some illness issues still affecting me right now, so I am just taking it easy round by round and see how it goes. But anything is possible. Once I put my mind to it I can do it, so I will put my mind to it in the semi-final and the final," he said.