Nelson eyes sweep of top four places in women’s 100m

WESTERN BUREAU:

Most previews for the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, have predicted a Jamaica clean sweep of the medals in the women’s 100 metres. It could, however, go even further with Kemba Nelson in the mix. Jamaica could register an unprecedented sweep of the top four places.

The favourite for the gold is defending champion and world leader Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce ahead of Olympic champion and fastest woman alive Elaine Thompson Herah and recently crowned national champion Shericka Jackson. Nelson’s second-place finish at the National Trials, beating Thompson Herah, has become somewhat of a fluke.

Nelson, who recently graduated from the University of Oregon, is also quite familiar with the track where the championships is being held as not only has she competed there a lot in recent years but also trained there in her two years at the university.

Nelson, who keeps running faster and faster with each race this year, said there are no limits to what she can do, so getting on the coveted podium is certainly a possibility.

‘ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE’

“Once I make the final, which is the main goal, anything is possible. I’ll give it my all there and see what happens. It’s going to be tough getting on the podium but I don’t think limiting so, yeah,” said Nelson who admitted that a Jamaican sweep of the top four places has crossed her mind.

“Oh yeah, I thought about that (a 1,2,3,4). That would be insane. Even if that happens and let’s say I got fourth and missed the podium, I don’t think I would be sad with that,” she added.

When asked about how she has settled in with the team and how is she feeling ahead of Saturday’s first race, the former Mount Alvernia starlet said she is still working on her finishing.

“Everything is good. Coach is still working on my finish. It might have come on in that race at trials but we are still working on maintaining that speed,” Nelson said.

Andrew Henry, who coached Nelson in high school at Mount Alvernia, has expressed how proud he is of her earning an individual spot at the World Championships and believes Nelson can medal and even be part of a historic first four for Jamaica.

“It (medalling) is always a possibility but it will come down to what happens on the day. She stands a chance as anyone else. I’m confident that she is ready for this dance and not going there just to participate but to compete,” Henry said.

Nelson’s proud mother Sandra Campbell said she is looking forward to a podium finish from her daughter.

“This year she did not run as many races as last year so has a lot left in her legs. I think she can sneak in and get on the podium, I believe she can,” she added.