Ver still waiting for Diamond League invites

ATLANTA, Georgia (CMC):

Veronica Campbell-Brown has a simple explanation for her conspicuous absence from the new IAAF Diamond League circuit.

The highly regarded Jamaican sprinter has revealed that she has simply not been invited to take part in the meets.

"I would like to speak on a topic that my fans have been bombarding me on with regard to my rare presence in the Diamond League series of meetings," she said in her latest entry to her online diary on the website of the IAAF, track & field's World governing body.

"No, I am not injured, though I did pick up a slight niggle in my hamstring just after landing in Monaco for the Hercules Meeting last week."

She added: "And no, I was not made or asked to be an ambassador, so I can only compete when and where I am invited. Of course, the invitation has to be favourable as well.

"I enjoy competing anywhere, and have taken my talent to places far and wide. I have enjoyed the few Diamond League stops I have had, and while wishing the concept the best, will continue to await those invitations."

Campbell-Brown disclosed that running her personal best last month has been the highlight of the season for her so far, in a year when she also claimed the World Indoor 60-metre title.

Personal best

"The month of July went well for me on the track," she said. "For the last five years I have been trying to lower my personal best in the 100 metres, and despite my best efforts, I just could not get below 10.85 seconds.

"Who would have thought that it would finally come at a venue I was visiting for the first time, Eugene, Oregon?"

She said: "My training had gone quite well, and I knew I was ready to compete at an optimum level.

"The competition was fierce, the weather was perfect, and the crowd was reminiscent of those seen in Europe, finally, a new personal best.

"I must also say thanks to the meet organisers who did their best to ensure comfort and performance."

Campbell-Brown concluded her latest post with congratulations for training partner and fellow Jamaican sprinter Dexter Lee. He retained his 100m title at the World Junior Championships in Moncton, Canada, last month.

"Despite his teenage years, it is clear Dexter is a natural at what he is doing," Campbell-Brown said.