Fraser-Pryce embraces 200m challenge
Published:Tuesday | June 25, 2013 | 12:00 AM
Ryon Jones, Staff Reporter
Two-time Olympic 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce now seems stronger for longer, as she is taking the 200m and making it her own after having initially been reluctant to tackle the half-lap event.
With the taste of international success in the event still fresh on her lips following her silver-medal performance at last year's London Olympics, the 'Pocket Rocket' appears hungry for more.
She showed her desire with an impressive run at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association/ Supreme Ventures Limited National Senior Championships on Sunday evening inside the National Stadium, to capture the women's 200m in a world-leading 22.13 seconds.
"As a 100m sprinter, which I am primarily a 100m sprinter, I have to learn to do the things that will make me better," Fraser-Pryce shared. "I think the 200 (metres) has definitely made me better in the 100 (metres) and as this year continues to spring out a lot of stars you have to do something differently. And doing the 200m and a lot more of it has definitely helped me, and I am just looking forward to doing more. I pray that God continues to give me the strength to execute."
Fraser-Pryce, who by virtue of having won the 100m at last season's Diamond League gets a bye to compete in the event at this summer's World Championships, was able to focus solely on the 200m at trials.
"I am very happy this evening, because I think I executed well," Fraser-Pryce shared. "I ran the first 100 (metres) very hard and tried to stay upright and finish the race. Overall, I'm pleased with the time."
She added: "The season is still young, as they like to say, many more races to come, many more executions."
Stephen Francis, who coaches the 26-year-old at MVP, revealed that he expects her to dip below the 22 seconds barrier very soon.
Fraser-Pryce is not putting a timeframe on when she will achieve the feat, but intends to be patient.
"As an athlete, I am always confident," Fraser-Pryce stated. "I have nothing to fear once I step on the line because if is one thing I believe in is hard work and preparation and I have done that. So I'm just waiting on my time and when it comes it will come."