No excuses, says Holmwood’s Russell

BALTIMORE, Maryland

Holmwood Technical High’s 400 metres runner Rickiann Russell has had a dream season in 2023 so far after average performances last year in her pet event.

Going into last Saturday’s Puma East Coast International Showcase, it was a perfect record for her in the one-lap event. On three occasions she has gone sub-52 seconds, with her best effort coming at the Central Athletics Championships where she raced to a personal best of 51.26.

Going into last Saturday’s meet, she was favoured to continue her unbeaten run but she ended up in second place. After a slow start, Russell came back well and was in a keen final 80 metres tussle with American Madison Whyte who held off the Jamaican to win in 52.49. Russell was second in 52.54.

It was her first defeat this season but Russell was far from disappointed.

“I have no excuses for losing as I think I did my best and was able to finish second which is still good,” she stated.

Russell does not believe her slow start was the reason why she lost.

“I am not a usually good starter as my first 100 metres is usually a bit slow,” she said.

She is very grateful for what has been an awesome season.

“Based on my performances last year I am very grateful for what I have done this season and I must give credit to my coach (Dave Anderson) who made the necessary adjustments with my execution,” she said.

Russell will now focus on end-of-year examinations at her school.

“It has been a very long season and my focus now is on preparations for my CAPE examinations,” said Russell who is undecided on whether she will go to college or enter the professional ranks.