Gordon, James hunt 400m gold

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

LILLE, France:

Two Jamaicans will be chasing medals in today's girls 400m finals at the IAAF World Youth Championships inside the Stadium Lille Metropole - Lille, France.

Chrisann Gordon, the fastest athlete over the distance so far this year, made a statement in yesterday's semi-final, easing to victory with a time of 52.79 seconds - the fastest of the evening; setting up an exciting showdown with Bahamas' World Junior Champion Shaunae Miller, who was the second-fastest qualifier with 52.92 seconds.

Gordon, who was indeed rather relaxed, particularly over the last 150m or so, says she will be unleashing her full force in the medal race, and confirmed that she will be gunning for Sandie Richards' 24-year national junior record, 50.92 seconds.

"Today, I gave about 80 per cent but, of course, I'll be going out at 100 per cent tomorrow," said the Holmwood flag-bearer before giving an update on the injury that has been plaguing her all season. "I was pretty relaxed throughout the race because I was feeling some shin pain earlier, but it's nothing serious, I am OK and I'll take care of that later."

Gordon has made it her point of duty to keep running sub-53 seconds times, but she believes the opportunity is ripe for her to push it a bit further. The 17-year-old has never gone below 51.62 seconds, but she is extremely confident of her abilities to lower her personal record and challenge the national junior mark.

"My time is OK, I'm happy with it at this stage. I didn't even realise that I was going that fast, to be honest, but I will definitely be going for low 51 seconds tomorrow, or maybe even 50 seconds. I think I can do it, I'm healthy and in good shape and I am very confident because I know that I have put in the work," Gordon said.

She is, however, aware that she will be pushed all the way by teammate James and the impressive Miller, who has been showing her pedigree throughout the rounds.

Trained hard

"I know I have Olivia James and the Bahamian but I am going out there to do my best tomorrow. I fear no one and I have put a lot of work and time into my preparation. I have trained very hard and I am going out for the gold tomorrow," Gordon affirmed.

Meanwhile, James is also looking forward to the big race with great expectation.

"I'm happy with the race and I'm hoping to secure a personal record in tomorrow's final and see what happens from there. I'm just looking to execute my race properly and see where it goes," said James. "I'm keeping the faith and leaving everything to God, because without him nothing is possible, so I'll try to remain focused and see what the final brings."