Novlene, Shericka looking to make amends in 4x400

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

DAEGU, South Korea:

Women's 400m finalists Novlene Williams-Mills and Shericka Williams are still disappointed that they were not able to return a medal for Jamaica in the quarter-mile a couple days ago, but they are now focusing on making amends in the 4x400m relay.

The United States are the dominant team in this event, having won gold three times at the last four championships. However, many see the Jamaicans as a possible threat to the Americans, with the likes of semi-finalist Rosemarie Whyte and Kaliese Spencer expected to complete the team. Russia are also seen as serious contenders for top honours.

The first round of the women's 4x400m is set for 10:20 p.m. today (Jamaica time), with the final expected to run off on Saturday at 6:40 a.m. (Jamaica time).

"I'm pretty disappointed because I came in the race expecting to get a medal, so I'm disappointed knowing that I'm walking away without a medal here," said Novlene Williams-Mills, who finished eighth in 52.89 seconds in the final, running out of lane eight.

"Now it's just for me to go and get ready for the 4x400m and see how well we can do there," Williams-Mills continued.

"I think I went out pretty well (in the 400m final) but coming off the last turn, my leg wasn't feeling well ... It's not the best result, it's not what I wanted, but things happen," Williams-Mills added.

Williams, who was sixth in that final in 50.79, has also shifted her focus to the 1600m relay and believes that the Jamaicans have an excellent opportunity to turn the tables on the Americans.

Jamaica's only victory in the 4x400m relay at the IAAF World Championships came in 2001 in Edmonton, Canada, when the team of Sandie Richards, Catherine Scott-Pomales, Debbie-Ann Parris and Lorraine Fenton won ahead of Germany and Russia, in a then world-leading 3:20.65.

"Right now, I'm just going to gear up for the 4x400m and see what we can do there because I believe we have the team to get the gold medal," Williams noted, before reflecting on the 400m final.

"I came here and tried my best but ended up with sixth," said Williams. "I definitely came here for a medal and was expecting one.

"Nobody expected me to be in the final based on how the season went, so I'm happy that I proved those people wrong," Williams added.