Bittersweet, but national record means the world to Tracey
Published:Tuesday | August 22, 2023 | 12:07 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
BUDAPEST, Hungary:
Of course, Adelle Tracey would rather be competing in the women’s 1500 metres final today.
But breaking a national record, which, until Sunday, stood for almost 30 years, has filled her with immense pride in her second year of running in the Jamaican colours.
Tracey clocked 3:58.77 minutes, despite finishing seventh in the semi-finals of the women’s 1500m, taking almost three seconds off the old record of 4:01.84 set by Yvonne Graham in 1995. Despite all that, it wasn’t enough to make the final.
And while the moment is bittersweet, she said that becoming a national record holder means a lot to her, having run the race of her life.
Look at the positives
“Really bittersweet. It is hard to think about last year’s qualification standards in a race like that. It would have made a final. But I think I am just going to look at the positives. I wanted to come here and run the race of my life, and I think I just did,” Tracey said. “I set a personal best and a national record. I’m trying to focus on that and hopefully take that moment into the 800m.”
It made the rigorous training worthwhile, as she felt that she was peaking at the right time leading up to the championships.
“My coach worked hard at making sure that I was at my peak here. All season, I was a little bit frustrated with racing times when I have been training in the week and have my legs full of training. But the work put me in good stead to be here. And I am so glad that it has come together when it matters,” Tracey said. “When you have a goal like that in sight it is important that you focus on that. I needed to work on the process, ship off each section of the race and try to execute it strongly.”
In her second year since switching her allegiance, Tracey captured her first national championship and now she holds a national record. It is an achievement that means everything to her. It also puts her in good stead for next year, as she attained the automatic qualifying standard for the Paris Olympics.
“It’s amazing to be able to say that I am a Jamaican record holder. Honestly, it means the world. I think this is going to set me up for next year. This is my second year running 1500m in the Jamaica colours, so I can’t wait to see what is in store for the future,” Tracey said.