Alpha’s ever-improving Wilson wants Champs medal

IT HAS been a special season so far for the Convent of Mercy Academy’s (Alpha) belles at the various meets leading up to the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs). But their young team wants it to be even more special over the five days of competition.

One of their standout athletes this season is 14-year-old Seana Wilson, who has held her own against more senior competitors in her first year in Class 3.

A member of last year’s silver-medal-winning Class 4 4x100-metre relay team behind Edwin Allen High at Champs, the former New Providence Primary student also competed in the 70m hurdles and in the 100m.

This season though, she has shown exceptional improvement in both the 100m and 200m, winning both events at the Corporate Area Championships.

She displayed determination at the Carifta Trials, where a late surge in the final 20 metres saw her finish a close second in the Under-17 200m behind the outstanding Rihanna Scott of Ferncourt High.

All being well, that person — a personal best of 24.34 seconds — means she will be part of Jamaica’s team to next month’s Carifta Games in Trinidad and Tobago. Scott’s winning time was 24.13.

Wilson is excited about the possibility of going to the Carifta Games.

“I have never been on an airplane before, and I was really motivated at Carifta Trials because I was determined to do my best and achieve my goal,” she said.

Wilson also credited the team’s strong support system for fuelling her performance.

“We have a very loyal set of supporters who are always cheering for us, and that really motivates us because we don’t want to let them down,” she continued.

Looking ahead to Champs, she is eager to perform well.

“I really want to win a medal to make everyone proud, especially my coach, who has given us so much motivation. The training is very hard, but we don’t mind,” she said.

Despite her strong standing in the 200m, Wilson favours the shorter sprint.

“I really prefer the 100m over the 200m because the race finishes much faster,” she admitted.

Heading into Champs, Wilson will have tough competition in the 100m from Scott, Shayon Smith of St Mary High, and St Jago’s Shannia Campbell. Wilson’s 12.07 seconds this season leaves her sixth in the rankings.

In the 200m, where she is number two in the country, she will again have to contend with Scott, as well as Shameika McLean of Foga Road High, and Danielle Clarke of Edwin Allen. However, she remains confident.

“I have been well prepared by my coach, and I have no fear. I will go out there and do my best because I really want to leave Champs with at least a medal.”