Woolery expects big run from James at Junior Trials

Machell Woolery, coach of Petersfield High’s hurdler Alexis James, says that his young charge is looking to put on a show in the 100 metres hurdles at next month’s National Junior Trials as she seeks to earn a place on the national team at this year’s World Athletics Under-20 Championships.

The championships will be held in Cali, Colombia, August 2-7.

James, 18, is currently the second-fastest Jamaican junior in the world this year, with a time of 13.16 seconds. Her countrywoman Aneka Wilson of Hydel High is the fastest with 13.00. Kerrica Hill, also Hydel, is third-fastest in the world this year with 13.25.

James, who is the Western Championships record holder in the 100m hurdles, is coming off a big victory in the event at last month’s Carifta Games.

Woolery said James is very focused and determined to secure a medal at this year’s World Under-20 Championships because this has been one of her main objectives from the start of the season.

“I think that once she gets to the World Under-20 Championships then she will do great things,” said Woolery.

“However, she is looking forward to the Trials first because winning is one of the objectives but in the hurdles, anything can happen,” he said.

“She is a very focused young lady because she knows what she wants. She has set some objectives at the start of the season and is working towards them,” Woolery said.

He pointed out that James, who finished second in the 400m hurdles at last month’s ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Championships, is also looking to lower her times in the 100m hurdles at the Trials.

“Training is going well so far. After the Carifta Games she started preparing for her examinations and so we are just taking our time with her at the moment because she has had a very long season,” Woolery said.

“I think that she can achieve it (good time) but she had some struggles earlier this season and she is recovering steadily, so I am expecting her to do well at the Trials,” he said.