Coach Rolle hails Stewart

Raymond Graham, Gleaner Writer

Henry Rolle, the coach of World and Olympic 100 metres silver medallist Kerron Stewart, has hailed the athlete's tenacity and courage after her fifth-place finish in the 100 metres at the Lucerne Permit meet on Sunday in Switzerland.

Stewart, who has been absent from the track for two months because of injury, clocked 11.32 seconds in the event won in 10.99 by American Marshavet Myers.

Rolle, who has been Stewart's personal coach since her college days at Auburn University, stated that he was not unduly worried about the athlete's fifth-place finish.

"After suffering injury, this was Kerron's comeback race, and we decided to take a cautious approach. Our concern was not about time and position, as the main objective was to get through that race injury free, and we wanted to take it from step 'A' to 'B'," said Rolle.

Very concerned

"Any athlete returning from injury will definitely be very concerned when taking the track for the first time and will want to test themselves in their first outing. Kerron is a very hard-working athlete who is very tenacious and courageous, and despite some problems off and on the track, she came out and performed well," added Rolle.

The Bahamas native stated that his charge would be more aggressive this weekend when she competes in London.

"Kerron will be more competitive when she runs the 200 metres this weekend, and although the long layoff will take its toll, I expect her to do well," concluded Rolle.