Anderson can shatter Class Two hurdles record

A year after her record-breaking performance in the Class Three 80 metres hurdles, Vere Technical's Britany Anderson will be looking to continue that fine form when she steps up in class at the ISSA-GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships next week.

Anderson, who also won the long jump last year, has dropped the field event and will instead compete in the 200 metres.

The 16-year-old has been in terrific form so far this season, and after losing in her first attempt in the Class Two 100m hurdles at the Wint-McKenley meet, she has been on fire since. Twice this season she has gone under the Class Two Champs record of 13.38 seconds with times of 13.18 and 13.21 at the Youngster Goldsmith meet and at the Carifta Trials, respectively. These are the two fastest times at the World Youth level this year. Anderson has also beaten last year's Class Two winner, Manchester High's Daszay Freeman, and the bronze medallist Shanette Allison of Holmwood Technical.

She expects to go even faster at Champs.

"I am very confident of going much faster as I think I am in 13.1 shape, and with the expected competition from my main rivals, I know this will push me for a fast time," she said.

A BIT NERVOUS

Anderson admits that she was a bit nervous in early season as she saw what her rivals did a year ago and was going up against them for the first time.

"Coming into Class Two, I knew it was going to be very difficult because both Freeman and Allison are very good hurdlers, but after beating them both this season, I am now over that, and I am confident knowing that there is no more fear," she said.

Anderson will also start favourite to win the 200 metres. She has registered the fastest time among her peers so far after clocking 24.30 seconds at the Central Championships and is confident that she will win double gold. Freeman is her main rival in both events.

"Daszay (Freeman) is a great competitor, and I see her as my main danger. I will be hoping to get a good start to ensure I am successful in both events," she concluded.

- R.G.