Fit-again Sherone eyeing the 'good times'

Kwesi Mugisa, Gleaner Writer

After a few frustrating seasons of seeing her career literally hang in the balance, Sherone Simpson, as healthy as she has been in a long time, can think of few things better than reclaiming sprinting's top spot.

"It felt good being number one," Simpson told journalists via a conference call.

"I knew injuries would have set me back, but, guess what, I'm very determined and I'm ready to go back there."

It would be fair to say that a lot was expected of the petite sprinter, who pushed herself to the pinnacle of world sprinting in 2006. That year, Simpson waltzed her way to the tape in a series of stellar runs, which saw her claim the Commonwealth 200m title, set a 100m personal best of 10.82 at the National Trials and record two memorable wins over then United States superwoman, Marion Jones.

In fact, Simpson went on to record eight of the 10 fastest times in the world in the 100 metres and the fastest time over the 200 metres, that year.

But seemingly destined for stardom, it was her feet that failed to bear the weight of great expectations.

She ended a break-out season with surgery on her left knee and, although recovering to take some part in the 2007 season, missed the majority of it and the Osaka World Championships after sustaining another injury, this time to her right quadriceps muscle.

Sidelines after knee surgery

There was encouragement for Simpson the following year, as she sprinted her way to a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics, behind MVP teammate Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

However, it was back to the sidelines soon after - with a second surgery on the same knee - after the Games.

Although she recovered in time for the National Trials ahead of the Berlin World Championships, the athlete was nowhere near her best and failed at qualifying, to experience a second straight World Championship as a spectator.

It's been slow progress for the 27-year-old, who failed to impress soon after her return to the track, but having experienced an injury-free 2010 and an equally unhindered training schedule, Simpson hopes for big things this year.

"I'm working hard and I know, with God's help, I will be able to get back to the top," she said.

"Things have been great; my knee is feeling good and I just look forward to go out, get through my races and get on the team for the World Championships," she said.

All's well at club

Despite rumours which surfaced late last year that Simpson was set to leave the MVP track club, as she felt she was not getting the required attention, the athlete insisted things are fine at the club and says training with Fraser-Pryce - the reigning World and Olympic champion and the club's premier female sprinter - is a plus.

"Training with the World and Olympic champion, what better motivation could I ask for?" she quipped.

"It (training) has been good for both of us. I think with each of us pushing each other we will run fast times," she added.

With the Adidas 2011 Grand Prix scheduled for June 11, just ahead of this season's National Trials, Simpson is looking forward to the meet, where she will challenge American Allyson Felix over 200 metres.

"It's a big meet, I want to do well there in front of all the Jamaicans. It's not far from the National Championships, and that will show me where I am heading into the championships. I consider it an important meet," she said. "Coming back from injuries, I'm looking forward to going out and running some good times."