Veronica Campbell-Brown with pupils of her former school in Troy, Trelawny, Jamaica (© Paul Reid)
Double Olympic champion Veronica CampbellBrown finalises early season competition schedule while keeping an eye on the competition which left her with so many memorable moments…
“My training is right on schedule and I am eagerly looking forward to the start of my season which appears more and more will be at the Jamaica International Invitational in Kingston on May 2 about a month from now.
“Time has really flown since coach (Lance) Brauman and I started a few months ago and I can’t wait to get on the track and see how the things we have been working on translate into making me run even faster.
“After the meet in Kingston which I expect to be as exciting as usual, it will be off to the West Coast for the adidas Classic on May 16.
“While I am training real hard and focused on what I have to do, I have to admit a bit of my heart and my attention will be in Kingston this week for the Jamaican high school championships (April 1-4) and on my high school Vere Technical.
“‘Champs’ as we call it is very dear to all us Jamaican athletes as this was where we got our first taste of big time track and field, where we ran rounds for the first time and were watched by thousands of very loud spectators.
“What are my fondest memories of Champs? Wow! My years competing at “Champs” were awesome … there are so many memorable moments: The anticipations, the vigorous training sessions, the extreme competitions, the thrills of winning, the joy of celebrating my school’s victories, also the cheers and energy of the thousands of supporters.
“I must point out that I am particular thankful for all my victories and experiences at the Boys and Girls Championship, every bit of my hard work have paid off. If you can compete at “Champs” you can compete anywhere!
“Although I am not living in Jamaica right now, my heart is still there and I have assisted in the past with the nutrition programme for the track team at Vere and most recently, I helped by providing mattresses for the dormitory there.
“I do watch from a distance their results and I am happy to see that they are making a move to regain the top spot among the girls. On the boy’s side my brother, David trains with the team so of course I have special interest there as well. I am hoping he will compete at “Champs” and give of his best. Like all Jamaicans all over the world, I will closely follow all results.
“Well, of course I would like the Vere girls to win but that may be a bit difficult this year. It seems the boy’s competition for top honours will be much more competitive than the girls. I watch the progress of Dexter Lee as he and I are the only two Jamaicans to win the World Youth and World Junior 100m titles. I also have the 100m record for the Class I girls so it will be interesting to see if that remains after the 2009 “Champs.”
“I wish all participants at “Champs” the very best!
“Until next time,”
VCB
