Russell to work on final few hurdles, sees medal possibility

AT LAST year’s World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, American Sydney McLaughlin took the 400-metre hurdles into the future with a super world record – 50.68 seconds. However, her departure to the flat 400 has left a medal open at this year’s Worlds in Budapest, Hungary.

Jamaica’s Janieve Russell is squarely in the hunt.

Last week at the London Diamond League, Russell was a distant second to Femke Bol, as the flying Dutchwoman produced the third fastest time in history – 51.45.

The Jamaican champion crossed the line in 53.75 seconds, armed with clear knowledge of what she must improve to make that medal hers.

“It was a pretty good race. I messed up towards the end, wanted to go faster, either 53 low or match my personal best, but my last part needs some tightening up. I’ve got a couple of weeks before the World Championships to work on it and hopefully come out with a personal best or a podium finish,” Russell indicated.

Her personal best – 53.08 – came in the 2021 Olympic final behind McLaughlin, Dalilah Muhammad and Bol, but she was a spectator for last year’s finale. Ironically, a faulty clearance at the last hurdles sunk her in the semi-finals.

The error doesn’t happen all the time. At the recent National Championships, a fine last hurdle clearance put her in touch with Andrenette Knight and 2019 World bronze medallist Rushell Clayton. She clawed her way past them to win in a season’s best, 53.75.

“I trust in God,” she said in London. “He brought me here for a reason and He blessed me with this talent for a reason. I’m just doing it by His grace. I trust in my programme and I trust myself.”

“The pace didn’t seem that harsh to me. It was just the latter part I messed up,” added the two-time Commonwealth champion.

The MVP Track Club star explained how she held off American Shamier Little, 53.76, and Clayton to hold second in London.

“I try to focus on my own race and that helped me stay so composed today. I’ve got no more races planned before the World Championships, so I can really focus on training and making those improvements in the last part of my race,” Russell explained.

In the meantime, Bol rejoiced.

“To be honest, I felt really good at some points in the race. I felt so strong coming over the last hurdle, so I’m really happy. I’ve been wanting to run a 51 ever since Tokyo. I had a feeling I could do it, but I still can’t believe I’ve done it,” she said.

Like Russell, the Dutch star wants to be even better in Budapest.

“I hope we can put up a great race at the World Championships and put on a great show. I hope I’m in even better shape than I am now. There’s always room to improve,” said Bol.