‘I want to be the first’

IT HAS been a great season for Foga Road High Class 3 female athlete Shameika McLean.

She gave early warning of her potential at the Foga Road High Over Distance Meet last December, where she stunned some of Edwin Allen High’s best to capture the 150 and 300-metre double.

She carried that good form into the various Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association meets, competing in the 100 and 200 metres before making a rare appearance in the 400 at the Carifta Trials. There, she delivered an impressive personal best of 54.47 seconds to win the under-17 event — making her the fastest among her peers heading into Champs.

Earlier, at the Central Athletics Championships, McLean proved she was in top shape, clocking 24.45 seconds to finish second behind the outstanding Rihanna Scott of Ferncourt High, who won in 24.13 seconds. In that race, she finished ahead of Edwin Allen’s Donelia Clarke and Holmwood Technical’s Moya Oakley.

Now, with Champs approaching, McLean remains optimistic as she prepares to contest the 200m and 400m. She is especially eager for another showdown with Scott.

“I really want to win both events, but I know Rihanna is a very good athlete. However, I am not scared of her because my coach has prepared me well — it’s just about execution,” said a very shy but determined McLean.

The Carifta Trials win could also prove a history-making effort if the feat leads to her making the team to the Carifta Games. If all goes according to tradition, she will become the first female from her school to make the national team, McLean is hungry for more success.

“I want to be the first female to earn points for my school at Champs and also win medals. I believe my performance will definitely motivate my teammates,” she said.

When asked about her preferred event, she admitted her love for the 400m over the 200m.

“I love both events, but I prefer the 400m. Even though the training is harder, my coach prepares me for it, while the 200m helps with my speed work,” she explained.

McLean also spoke highly of her coach, Milton Sergeant, and her principal, Orrette Wallace.

“My coach is like a father to me. His training is very hard, but he’s really nice after practice,” she said.

After her victory at the Carifta Trials, Wallace was seen helping her to her feet as she lay on the track — exhausted.

“I was very happy to see my principal coming to help me at the end of the race. He really loves sports, especially track and field, and that made me feel very good,” said McLean, who also had a message for the top schools.

“I will never leave Foga Road High because they treat me very well. They took me from an average athlete and turned me into a good one, and I will never turn my back on them,” she said.