Tracey goes out in a blaze of glory

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Despite Edwin Allen not gaining their first lien on the coveted title at the just-concluded Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Championships, held over four days at the National Stadium last week, the Frankfield-based school's top athlete, Ristananna Tracey, has gone out in a blaze of glory after claiming three individual gold medals - one of which was achieved in record-breaking time.

Tracey was responsible for the decimation of Melaine Walker's Class One girls' 400m hurdles record, romping to victory in 55.81, to eclipse the 56.55 set back in 2001.

standard qualifying time

Tracey's winning time was also an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) 'B' standard qualifying time, which makes her eligible to become part of Jamaica's World Championships team.

The 400m hurdles CARIFTA gold-medal winner did not plan on breaking the record, but was very pleased with her achievement.

"I just came out here to do my best and that is what I did. I was very surprised to hear the time, but I was happy at the same time," a beaming Tracey expressed.

"I didn't have the World Championships on my mind, but I don't know. I will just stick to what my coach has set out," she added.

On the final day of the Championships, the outstanding Tracey successfully defended her Class One girl's 400m title, achieving victory in 52.38 seconds. She wrapped up a treble of gold medals, claiming the Class One 800m in 2:05.95.

Tracey also added a bronze medal to her collection, in the 4x400m, as she anchored her team across the line in 3:41.26.

The 19-year-old, who has gained passes in four CXC subjects and is currently pursuing three CAPE subjects, is hoping to gain a scholarship to further her studies.

"I am hoping to get a scholarship, but I don't have any particular college in mind," Tracey disclosed. She, however, would not mind joining her sister, Nikita Tracey, who is currently studying at Oklahoma Baptist University.

"It would be good for the two of us to be by each other's side," Tracey, who has a love for cosmetology, conveyed.

benefited from past experiences

Tracey, who was a finalist at the 2010 World Junior Championships, where she placed fifth, and the 2009 World Youth Championships, where she suffered an unfortunate fall in the final, has benefited from those experiences.

"Those two experiences motivate me and enable me to be stronger and to be determined as well," noted Tracey, who has aspirations of representing Jamaica on the Olympic stage.

"I want to go to the Olympics, and with my level of determination, I know that I am going to make it. I will just give myself time. I am not rushing anything right now," she said.