Helps looking to continue growth
Former Wolmer’s High School for Girls standout athlete Shauna Helps is looking to finish her collegiate career with a bang as she positions herself to launch a professional career in athletics.
Helps, who is the record holder in the 100m for Class Three girls at 11.50 seconds at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championship, improved her personal best to 11.26 seconds last season and believes she will go even faster this coming season.
This confidence comes as she has been able to cut her time every year since she has set foot on the campus of Florida State University (FSU).
“I think I am going in the right direction. I am only 21 years old right now and I am able to have a personal best of 11.2. That is a positive sign that shows there is still a lot in me,” Helps said. “Since I have been at FSU I have been able to get a PB every year, and I think that will continue this year.”
MAKING THE TRANSITION
Helps’ teammate at Wolmer’s, Jonielle Smith is successfully making the transition for a collegiate athlete to a professional earlier this summer, when she won the women’s 100m at the Central American and Caribbean Games in 11.04 seconds (+2.4 m/s) and followed up that performance with a silver medal at the NACAC Senior Championship in 11.07 seconds.
“I think she serves as a motivation. Not just her, but others as well. But it is great to see what she has been able to accomplish,” the exercise and physiology major said.
Like Smith, the 21-year-old is open to continue her athletics career in the States. “I am keeping my options where that is concerned. I could come here (Jamaica) or stay overseas but when I get to that bridge, I’ll cross it.”