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O'Hara positive after season opener

Published:Sunday | February 10, 2019 | 12:00 AM
O'Hara

Former Calabar High sensation Michael O'Hara is optimistic the 2019 season will mark his long-awaited transition to the elite ranks.

O’Hara, who opened his season at the Camperdown Classics on Saturday, secured victory in his 400m heat, ahead of the pack in a modest 49.3 seconds.

“It feels great to just return to the track. It’s been a while since I can remember opening my season this early, so I’m just grateful for finishing in good health," said O'Hara.

When asked about plans for the 2019 season, O’Hara expressed cautious optimism: “I’m taking the season one race at a time and the aim today was just to assess my current form. Preparations have been going well in training and I'm just excited to be back on track after injury setbacks in former years".

As it relates to specific plans for the season, “The events are up to Coach to decide. For me, the plan is to make the World Championships team this summer”.

O’Hara was a star athlete for Calabar High in the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships, which he left with four gold medals in 2015. The 22-year-old has personal best times of 10.19 and 20.45 seconds over 100 and 200m respectively. He was 200m World Junior Champion in 2013.