Look to the East

Wolmer’s Girls’ standout sprinter Natrece East is determined to go one better in the Class 2 100 metres at this year’s ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships at the National Stadium.

The 16-year-old, who finished second in the event last year, safely advanced to today’s semi-finals after winning her heat in 11.83 seconds.

East entered the semi-finals with the fifth-fastest qualifying time behind Mount Alvernia’s Giana Murray (11.69), St Jago’s Adora Campbell (11.74), and Shannia Campbell (11.75), as well as Excelsior’s Kedoya Lindo (11.80). Edwin Allen’s Kerelle Etienne, the fastest in the class and favourite for gold, also progressed comfortably after taking her heat in 12.02.

Despite the strong field, East remains confident heading into the semi-finals and final.

“I am okay because I am feeling confident going into the semi-finals and final tomorrow,” said East.

“I am just hoping that I can compete, finish healthy and injury-free, and have a good championship.”

East, who finished behind Shanoya Douglas in both the 100m and 200m last year, believes that she has grown mentally and physically over the past year and is now better equipped to challenge for gold in both events.

“Everything depends on the day because anything can happen — there could be heavy wind or even rain — so everyone has to come out and give their A game in the final,” she said.

“My preparation has been going well this year because my times have been lowered at the track meets that I have competed in, and I have been injury-free, so I am very pleased about that.”

East also emphasised the importance of mental strength in competition as she noted that this is a key part of her preparations for the championships.

“I am feeling confident because I think that before each race, you have to win it mentally before you can win it physically. I am going to be ready for the semi-finals,” she added.

“Every race is tough, and if you don’t execute properly, it can give you a challenge, but I am very determined. Determination is something that every athlete has to have when they are competing, and I am very determined to get this gold medal.”