'I hate this new false-start rule'

Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer

WORLD and Olympic 100 metres gold medallist, Shelly-Ann Fraser, is no fan of the new false-start rule, which automatically disqualifies an athlete for jumping the gun, even at first-go.

Previously, an initial false start would have been credited to the field, thus giving a second opportunity to athletes to still compete in an event, if one got up prior to the starter firing the gun to signal the beginning of a race.

The rule came into effect in January this year.

Fraser was disqualified for a false start during the recent Rome Diamond League meeting on June 10.

"It was very devastating and I cried because this was the first time in my career something like this was happening to me," remarked Fraser.

"When I walked back to the warm-up track my coach told me that it was a part of life and this is something I will learn from, and when he told me that I felt much better."

Fraser also vowed to try her best to prevent a recurrence.

"I hate this new false-start rule. I definitely do not like it," said Fraser.

She will line up for the women's 100 metres this weekend at track and field's senior National Championships at the National Stadium.

When asked about the time she is expecting to run, Fraser said: "I do not think about times, as once I am in good shape I give of my best, and once I do that, good times will come."

The defending champion, who is also known as 'Pocket Rocket', is expected to continue her dominance and retain her title, especially in the absence of main rivals Kerron Stewart and Veronica Campbell-Brown.

The latter fact was lost on Fraser. Following a recent training session, when asked if she was disappointed that her main rivals would not be competing, Fraser responded thus: "I didn't know that they would not be competing, this is the first time I am hearing this."

She added that with no major meets this year she is focused on having fun.

Following the National Champion-ships this weekend, her next competition will be the Prefontaine Diamond League meeting in early July.

"I am a Diamond League ambassador and because of this I will have to run the 100 metres at the Prefontaine meet," she pointed out.