PARIS, France:

Proud to continue the legacy of the Burgher name, Niesha Burgher is hoping that she forges her own path as she makes her Olympic debut. Burgher will open her first senior major championship campaign in the women’s 200 metres tomorrow morning at 3:55 a.m. Jamaica time.

Burgher who made the top-three at the national championships is the second member of her family to represent Jamaica at the Olympics as her distant relative Michelle collected 4x400m medals at the Sydney Games in 2000 and the Athens Games in 2004. Their conversations haven’t been about track and field, but Niesha is proud that there will now be two Olympians in the family.

“I’m just happy to see that I am the second Burgher to make the Olympic team knowing that it is not a big name,” Burgher told The Gleaner.

While the experience in some ways could be better, especially the food she is absorbing all she can in relishing in the fact that she has achieved a life-long dream.

“I have been enjoying the experience, not the food, but right now I am not eating for taste I am eating for nutrients. I’ll say it is a great feeling. I’m happy, I’m blessed. I have been wanting to make the Olympic team. Seeing that my long-term goal has finally arrived now, I’m super grateful,” Burgher said.

Burgher achieved a new personal best time of 22.39 seconds in the half lap event at the JAAA/Puma National Junior and Senior Championships in June signifying a season of growth for the University of Texas El Paso athlete. She now hopes that she will continue to keep elevating herself to make even more progress this season.

“It is already memorable knowing that I’m here but making the final would be super memorable,” Burgher said.