Petersfield’s James eyes Champs, Carifta double

Having won a silver medal in last month’s World Under-20 Championship in Cali, Colombia, Petersfield High School’s Alexis James is now highly motivated to achieve a lot more silverware next season.

The 18-year-old James finished second in the final of the 100 metres hurdles behind her national teammate Kerrica Hill.

It was James’ first global medal and, according to her, this has boosted her confidence a lot for the upcoming season.

“This is added motivation for me to know that I went out there and won a silver medal on the global stage,” said James.

“ I am very proud of my achievements because I wanted to win a medal for my country and I did that and I am very grateful,” she said.

“This will let me work a lot harder because I want to win the event at Girls’ Champs and also at the Carifta Games next year,” James said.

The soft-spoken James is the second fastest junior in the world this year in the 100m hurdles with a personal best time of 12.87 seconds, which she achieved at the World Under-20 Championships in August.

Hill is the fastest in the world this season with 12.77. James pointed out that she is aiming to lower her time in the event next season.

“I am now more inspired to become the best hurdler next season and so I am going to work very hard in training to achieve that,” she said.

“I know that I can do it because I aim to become a great hurdler in the future and to make my family and friends very proud,” James stated.