Veronica Campbell-Brown training at home (© Getty Images)
Despite a 2009 season hampered by injuries and setbacks, World Championships 200m silver medallist Veronica Campbell Brown is basking in the post season and has been named a UNESCO Ambassador.
“The 2009 track season has ended, however, for me what has actually ended is my having to put my spikes on daily. Track and field as well as non-track activities will occupy my limited time away from my spikes and before you know it I will be back on the track again preparing for 2010.
“I finished off my season with what for me was a satisfactory performance as I clocked my season best (10.89) in Shanghai.
“Shanghai is a wonderful place, I enjoy the facilities, shopping (LOL) and the organizers do go out of their way to make us comfortable.
“Omar (my husband) ran his first race of the season there, coming back from a year and a half away due to injury to finish in fourth place in his 200m race.
“I was in Jamaica as our government set aside the weekend (October 2-4) as a time to celebrate our success at the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics held in Berlin.
“It is always nice to return home as I get the opportunity to see my family, old friends, soak up the sunshine and of course, enjoy the culinary delicacies.
“All of our top athletes turned out for what was a glorious occasion. We were feted in Kingston, attended a church service on Saturday in the parish of St. Catherine and then on Sunday we ventured to the western end of the island for a celebration in the parish of my birth, Trelawny.
“During the festivities, it was made public that I have been nominated for a UNESCO Ambassadorial role. I will champion gender equity in sports. I will speak more to this in the future, however, let me say that I feel privileged to be so cited.”
VCB