Allen over injury, eyes Olympics

ALTHOUGH INJURY robbed Nathon Allen of a chance at the National Trials for an individual spot at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, last year, he played a pivotal role in Jamaica earning silver in the Mixed 4x400m and men’s 4x400m relays there.

Now, the former St Jago High and University of Auburn representative is hoping for an injury-free season as he hopes to take an individual spot in his pet event for the Tokyo Olympic Games.

“I was in great form going into the [National Senior] Championships, but two days before I got injured and I was disappointed to not compete,” Allen said. “But I am very thankful to the JAAA for having faith in me and to have selected me for Doha.

“I was really ready for a big run, but I am still grateful that I was able to represent my country and even more grateful to have helped the team to get two medals.”

Allen is happy to be a professional athlete and says his selection for Doha has been a turning point in his career.

“I got an opportunity once again to represent my country and I was happy for that and it was a turning point for me,” he said. “I was a bit surprised to be selected, but before I had given a good account of myself and they had faith in me.

“Last year was really a motivation for me and I want to do the things I didn’t do and do the things I need to do to make things right and that is the best possible way to put myself in a better position for this year.

“Once I remain healthy, I will be able to do amazing things and I am not predicting any times,” he said when asked about time projection in his event.

Allen also heaped praises on his coach Henry Rolle.

“Coach Rolle is a very caring and humble person, and I am very happy to work with him, and I could not have asked for a [better] person, as we have gelled well.”

Jamaica’s Akeem Bloomfield (right) hands off the baton to teammate Nathon Allen in men’s 4x400m semi-final at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar on, Saturday, October 5, 2019.