Gleaner Athletics

It hasn’t been the best year for Jamaica’s male 400m hurdlers. Only Kemar Mowatt, the national champion, managed to meet the IAAF’s 49.30 seconds qualifying standard for the 2019 World Championships, resulting in him being Jamaica’s only representative here in the event.

It’s weird reality for the 24-yearold, who says he is looking to make the step up at this his second World Championships, after finishing fourth in London two years ago, in what was his first appearance at the senior international level.

“It’s a little different being the only Jamaican 400m hurdler. I am usually out there with the other guys, but I guess I will have to go out as the lone soldier and do what I have to do,” said Mowatt, the Pan American Games bronze medallist.

Mowatt says his target is to first navigate his way through

a the rounds and again qualify for the final and give it his best shot. He is hoping that the experience gained at the London 2017 World Championships will serve him well as he looks to become the first Jamaican man to medal in the event since Winthrop Graham (bronze) in 1993. Graham, who also won silver in 1991, is actually the only Jamaican to win a World Championships medal in the men’s 400m hurdles

event.

GFOCUSING ON

MYSELF

“There will be some really good competition because you have some guys that are really running fast this season, but you have to come to the championship and do the same. I am focusing on myself and I am looking to go out there and do my best,” Mowatt said.

“Going through the rounds is my main focus and with my experience from the last World Championships, that should make that part easier for me but with each year comes different competition, so I know I still have to go out there and execute like each race is my last,” he added. “It’s all about getting through the rounds, making it to the final. That is my main focus.”

Mowatt’s season best so far stands at 48.70 seconds, which he registered on his way to winning at the National Senior Championships in June. His personal best is 48.49 seconds. This was done in Eugene in 2017.

Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission legal representative Ian Wilkinson arriving for the anti-doping hearing between his client and sprinter Briana Williams at the Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa in St Andrew, yesterday. National 400m hurdles champion Kemar Mowatt during Jamaica’s training session at the Qatar Sports Club yesterday afternoon, ahead of Friday’s start of the IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar.