Trust, patience put Knight in Budapest
Published:Sunday | July 9, 2023 | 12:16 AMDaniel Wheeler - Staff Reporter
A YEAR ago, a fall from a clipped hurdle denied Andrenette Knight a chance at a World Championship team.
With an emphasis on trust and patience, Knight booked her place in Budapest, finishing second in the women’s 400m hurdles final, clocking 53.78 seconds on Friday night at the JAAA/PUMA National Senior and Junior Championships inside the National Stadium.
Knight’s performance, a season’s best, was down to the patient approach she took and the trust that she placed not only in herself and the process, but in the trust she ranks among the best three one-lap hurdlers in Jamaica.
“I have to give God all the glory. He deserves the glory. My objective coming out this season was to just remain patient. Trust myself, trust my body. Trust my preparation, trust my coach, trust God most of all, and make it to Budapest,” Knight said.
Knight headed into last year’s National Championships in great form, having clocked a personal best effort of 53.39 in the final meet before it.
In the final, she clipped a hurdle and a tumble ended her chances of making the team suddenly.
Knight credited a change in mindset this year, as opposed to 2022 where she had to deal with things off the track which affected her focus.
“It was a difficult year. Outside of track and field, I had a lot going on. And so I couldn’t just focus on track. But this year I’m in a better place and being on the team means a lot,” Knight said.
It was a race that was tight until the end, something that Knight didn’t expect but Knight expressed her gratitude for making her first senior global championship team.
“I felt good and felt strong. I didn’t expect the race to play out like that. I could fix a lot of things. But I kind of played it safe. I listened to my coach. He said to not get too ahead of myself and just be in the top two,” Knight said.
“I’m blessed. This is my first senior team and I can’t be too disappointed. We all come out here for the win. But I am happy to be on the team.”