‘I am here for Jamaica’
McDonald puts controversy over individual spot behind him
Published:Thursday | August 17, 2023 | 12:10 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
BUDAPEST, Hungary:
WATER UNDER the bridge is the way quarter-miler Rusheen McDonald seems to be dealing with the intense debates surrounding his place on the World Championships team to Budapest.
McDonald comes into these championships with the third fastest time in the world this year, however, he is only an alternate in the individual 400 metres and may t run in the mixed relays or on the 4x400-metre team.
The 30-year-old has taken a philosophical view about the affair, saying he is ready to bring success to his country in any way required of him.
McDonald met the 45-second-flat qualifying standard when he clocked 44.83 and went on to run 44.03 but did not complete all the rounds at the National Championships. His performance at trials meant Zandrion Barnes was offered the third individual spot to the World Championships.
However, McDonald was on the start list, which was released by World Athletics last week, with Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association selection committee chairman Lincoln Eatmon confirming that he had been added as an alternate.
McDonald has put all that behind him and is focused on how he can best help his country succeed.
THANKFUL
“I’m thankful to Jamaica for having me here. I appreciate everybody. Sometimes people go through obstacles, but I am just happy to be here,” McDonald said.
“I am going to give my all to win a medal, try to win, try to do my best for Jamaica.”
McDonald has been entered in the relay pool with options either in the mixed relay or the men’s 4x400, and he is ready to deliver in any way that he can.
“Based on the management team, any leg I get I will be happy with it. If I am going first. I don’t have anything over my head. I just want to run and focus on myself for this year,” McDonald said.
His season has not been without a silver lining despite not being in the individual event, having made the Olympic qualifying standard for next year.
But McDonald is only focused on the here and now, wanting to finish the season strong, starting at the World Championships.
“It is kind of sticky right now. Next year, I have to see what I will go through. But my focus now is on the Diamond League and trying to get a better time. I am not trying to put any time on myself, but I appreciate this (being on the championship team). I am here for Jamaica and to represent my country,” McDonald said.