Remember me! - James looks to announce herself to the world

Andre Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

LILLE, France:

For those who do not already know her, Vere Technical athlete Olivia James is looking to introduce herself to the world at the IAAF World Youth Championships (WYC) here in Lille, France, with her sight set on impressing in the 400m.

James, who will join compatriot and world leader Chris-Ann Gordon in the one-lap event at the WYC, is the current owner of the fifth fastest time over the distance, with a best of 52.64 seconds.

Besides securing a podium spot, James, the Carifta Under-20 champion, is also looking to break into the 51 seconds mark and establish herself as a bona fide future star in the event.

"I would really like to go out there and lower my time first of all, get a medal and make my name be known," said James, prior to her first-round run tomorrow.

The 17-year-old is as determined as ever to have her way and is using her top-five status as a tool of motivation going into the July 6-10 championships.

"I'm quite confident going into the championships and being one of the fastest in the event, I have used that to motivate me and I am expecting to come out among the medals when I represent my country," James said.

Selection

The youngster is extremely proud of her selection to the team and reports that she has been working well in the build-up to the championships, focusing on her technique, as well as her endurance.

"I'm very happy to be selected to this team," said James. "I'm really looking forward to going out there and representing my country to the best of my ability. This is a great honour for me and I am really proud of this opportunity."

She added: "Training has been going very well, I have been working well with my coaches. I have been training and working very hard and I feel in great shape, so physically I am ready. I have been focusing on my technique and my endurance has also improved."