VCB targets Olympic history

André Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

MONTE CARLO, Monaco:

Two-time Olympic 200m gold medallist, Veronica Campbell-Brown, has her eyes focused on creating history at next year's Olympic Games in London, England, even though she acknowledges that getting to the Olympics in the first place will be the first real challenge.

Campbell-Brown, who started her 2012 programme three weeks ago, is hoping to become the first woman in history to win three consecutive Olympic 200m titles, following her victories in Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008).

Only one other female has successfully defended an Olympic 200m crown, Germany's Barbel Wockel, who had victories at the 1976 and 1980 Olympic Games.

"It would be a tremendous milestone in my career if I am able to win the 200m in London, I would of course become the first woman to get three consecutive Olympic victories in the 200m, so of course I will have that in the back of my head as I continue to work towards next season. We'll see what happens," Campbell-Brown told The Gleaner here on Saturday.

She added: "I am a woman of faith and I always believe that if it's my destiny to do so then everything will position itself for that to happen. I just have to work hard and be confident in myself and the talent that God has given to me."

However, the 29 year old is not getting too far ahead of herself, recognising that it will take her best to guarantee a place on Jamaica's team to London, given the immense talent of her countrywomen.

"The first hurdle though is to make the team. Jamaica has a lot of great athletes and it's going to be a big challenge to make the team in the first place come next June. In the back of every athlete's mind is to win, for me the objective is to focus on the things that I need to get better, work hard and execute well and we'll see if it is my destiny to have a successful Olympics next year - if I make the team of course," Campbell-Brown smiled.

Pleased with training

"My mind is set on London, but it is not guaranteed, I have to earn my place at the trials," she added, before touching on her training progress.

"So far, I am very pleased with the way things are progressing," said Campbell-Brown. "As you know, this time of year training is hardest because this is when you lay the foundation for the year to come. Yes, it's quite early, but I think that things are progressing well.

"The main thing I worked on last year was my technique and that will again be a focus this year because it's important to be able to run more efficiently and, of course, strength is also important and that is where the fall training comes in. The objective is to work hard and work on all the areas that I need improvement in and stay positive and pray for good health. I am looking forward to an exciting 2012," Campbell-Brown noted.