Skeen sets sights on 200m medal

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Lille, France:

Having missed out on the chance to build on last year's Youth Olympic 100 metres triumph at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Lille, France, through injury, Jamaica's Odean Skeen has no time to be distracted by disappointment and has fully recalibrated his focus on the 200m, an event in which he intends to medal.

Skeen had to be withdrawn from his 100m pet event at the 11th hour because of an aggravation of a hamstring injury to his left leg, and there remained question marks over whether or not he would actually recover in time for yesterday's start of qualifying for the 200m.

However, Skeen eased those concerns with a comfortable 21.75 seconds clocking en route to winning his heat and booking his spot in today's semi-final, scheduled for 4:40 p.m. (9:40 a.m. Jamaica time).

The Wolmer's student stated that he is not too disappointed about missing out on a shot at the 100m, because he understands that his long-term future is the most important thing at this point.

"I didn't have any problems with having to sit out the 100m because I understand the situation and knew that it would give me enough time to rest the injury and also to come back and try my best at the 200m. I wasn't really disappointed," said Skeen who, like most Jamaicans here, also complained about the temperature, which has been averaging 15 degrees Celsius with 16 miles per hour winds.

"It was a little bit uncomfortable though, because the time is very cold, but I'll adjust," Skeen noted.

The youngster is elated to finally be able to step on the track here in France and is looking forward to a successful championship for himself and the country.

"Trust me, it's a wonderful feeling to finally be able to compete. I have been waiting for quite a while now and I'm just happy to be back on the track," Skeen beamed.

"I am very happy to be here, it's an exciting experience and I'm looking forward to the other rounds," said Skeen. "This year has been a rough year, but I'm always happy to represent my country and I'm hoping to do well here. As long as I get on the medal podium I will be fine," he added, before sharing his thoughts on Odail Todd's 100m success a day earlier.

"I'm very excited for him. I saw him in the semi-finals and saw his start and knew that if he got the same start in the final he would do well," Skeen shared.