'That's a decision for VCB' - Father dismisses call for VCB to hang up spikes after 200m loss

Paul Clarke, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

After watching Veronica Campbell-Brown (VCB) striding to a fourth-place finish in the women's 200m final, her father, Cecil Campbell, said he was proud of her. He said he would dismiss any suggestions that VCB hang up her spikes.

"That's a decision for her to make. I cannot say it is time for her to retire at all because she is still producing," Campbell said.

The 30-year-old finished out of the medal placing, crossing the finish line in 22.38 seconds behind Allyson Felix of the United States (US), who was winning her first Olympic gold; Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (second); and Carmelita Jeter of the US.

Campbell-Brown won gold in the 200m in Athens in 2004 and in Beijing in 2008.

"She was beaten today (Wednesday) by three younger runners who were a little better today. They wanted it more, it seems, and congratulations to Felix for having a good race and to Shelly-Ann for second place," her father said.

Campbell-Brown came in third in the 100m final last Saturday behind compatriot Fraser-Pryce and Jeter.

"Younger runners will always come. So Veronica did her best in this race, but did not get a medal. I am still proud of her, and the whole Jamaica should be proud of what she continues to do," said her proud dad.

He said her chances were as good as anyone's, but that it was not her day, pointing out that her normal running would see her leading off the curb.

This time, however, she was matched for speed into the curb by Fraser-Pryce and Felix, who opened up down the stretch. Fellow American Jeter ran on to beat VCB for the bronze medal.

"She got a good start, man, but just couldn't carry through. But I am happy because she made the final. It also means she is the fourth-fastest woman over 200m in the world, and that is not bad at all," Campbell reasoned.

"I really don't know what's in her mind at the moment. She did her best and that's all that counts. Should she retire now and leave it for a younger athlete? That's for her to say."