Medal on Novlene's mind

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

DAEGU, South Korea:

National 400m champion Novlene Williams-Mills is anticipating a hotly contested battle here in Daegu, South Korea, at the IAAF World Championships in Athletics, but is remaining confident in her ability to secure a spot on the medal podium.

If Williams-Mills is to have her way, she will have to get the better of the likes of defending champion Sanya Richards-Ross, Amantle Montsho, Allyson Felix and her own countrywoman, Berlin 2009 silver medallist, Shericka Williams.

"It's going to be a really good race and for me. The objective is to get a medal," said Williams-Mills. "I know that when it comes to the final, anyone that's in that race can get a medal ... so with me, I just have to keep an open mind and know that everyone has a very solid chance of winning.

"I am very confident ... and I honestly think I can get there (on the podium)," added the 2006 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist who spoke ahead of yesterday's semi-finals. The final is scheduled for 7:05 a.m. today. Williams-Mills will be in lane eight while fellow Jamaican, Shericka Williams, is drawn in lane seven.

Time not important

Williams-Mills reached the final by placing second in semi-final heat two in 50.48 seconds. The heat was won in 50.24 by American Francena McCorory.

She is, however, bothered slightly by an injury to her quad and will be hoping that it won't be too much of a hindrance when she competes. The athlete is determined to maintain her focus and not pay too much attention to the injury.

"At this point, I don't want to be worrying about any injuries because if you start doing that then you are going to start finding so many things hurting you. So for now, I don't want to think about it, I just want to go out and compete," said Williams-Mills before stating that she is more concerned about winning a medal than running a good time at this point.

"To be honest, I am not really looking for a time per se, the most important thing for me at this moment is to get a medal, whatever time it's going to take to get it. Right now, a medal is more important to me than the time," she said.