Gardener plans surprise for big two over Champs 100m
Published:Sunday | March 5, 2023 | 1:58 AMDaniel Wheeler - Staff Reporter
WHILE THE talk has been about the battle between Hydel’s Alana Reid and Edwin Allen’s Serena Cole for the Class One girls’ 100-metre title, newly crowned Corporate Area 100-metre Class One champion Mickaela Gardener says she is hoping to cause a surprise of her own at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs) later this month.
Gardener took the crown in 11.95 seconds on Friday, ahead of Essence Burbridge of Immaculate in 12.48 and Mikela Coombs of Excelsior High, who was third in 12.53.
Gardener would be the first to tell you that she was disappointed with her performance, as she was hoping to have surpassed her personal best time of 11.67. However, she says she has been encouraged by how her season has been progressing.
My season has been going pretty well and most of the time I have been running pretty well and I like it,” Gardener told The Sunday Gleaner.
Gardener has gone faster this season, clocking 11.85 seconds in January, good enough to be the seventh fastest Class One schoolgirl fighting against the wealth of talent from Hydel, Edwin Allen and Petersfield, with world Under-20 100m hurdles silver medallist Alexis James clocking 11.24, the fastest among the field this year.
When asked about the possibility of causing an upset in the event in three weeks at Champs, she expressed confidence in being able to surprise.
“Yes, I’m coming (for it),” Gardener said.
Gardener says she will need to improve her technique to make those dreams come true but she is determined to take a laser-focused approach in order to give herself the best chance for success.
“My start needs work as well as my technique with my arms,” Gardener said.
“I try to motivate myself every time I’m in a race and to put my mind in the race and to give it my best.”