Francis backs Russell for big run in 400m hurdles
Published:Friday | July 15, 2022 | 12:08 AMRobert Bailey/Gleaner Writer
Paul Francis, coach of Janieve Russell, Jamaica’s top female 400 metres hurdler, says her confidence and maturity will play a key role in her quest to secure a medal at this month’s World Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
The 28-year-old Russell, who is the reigning Commonwealth Games champion, has been in good form this season and won the national title at last month’s JAAA National Senior Championships. Russell, who has a personal best time of 53.08 seconds, is the fifth fastest woman in the world this year in the event with a time of 53.63. American Sydney McLaughlin is the fastest woman in the event this year with a world record 51.41.
Francis says Russell has been preparing well for the World Championships and, therefore, he is expecting a podium finish for her at the event.
“Janieve is a very mature and solid athlete and the sky’s the limit for her,” said Francis.
“She is ready to run and our aim as usual is to be the best we can be and ultimately we are hoping for a medal,” he said.
Russell will be hoping to better her fourth-place finish in the event at last year’s Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. She finished fifth in her last outing at the World Championships in 2015.
Francis added that the former Holmwood Technical High School athlete is very focused and mentally prepared to fight for a medal in the event.
“Her maturity alone will tell you that she is very focused on her job ahead for herself and for the country,” Francis said.
The heats of the women’s 400m hurdles are scheduled for next Tuesday.