Quarrie calls for stricter rules after McPherson withdrawal from 4x400m

Donald Quarrie is calling for stricter guidelines where national representation is concerned and says he will be submitting his proposals to the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association following a bust up between Stephenie-Ann McPherson and Shericka Jackson on the final day of the IAAF World Championships in London yesterday.

The MVP teammates were to run in the final of the women's 4x400m. However, hours after an altercation, McPherson withdrew from the race.

Anneisha McLaughlin-Whilbywas brought in to replace the athlete and completed the line-up with Chrisann Gordon, Jackson and Novlene Williams-Mills. McLaughlin-Whilby however suffered a leg injury 100m into her second leg run before crashing to the ground, ending Jamaica's hopes of defending their title.

Quarrie, the technical leader, questioned the reason behind McPherson's withdrawal and has called for stronger guidelines for national representation.

"Guidelines are going to have to be set up and enforced and athletes are going to have to understand that if you are not prepared to step up to the line you can be replaced even if it means we are not going to win," he said.

"We have to start somewhere as it relates to certain disciplinary means of making sure our athletes realise when it comes to the country, especially with the relays, the country comes first," Quarrie added.

Very strange

Earlier, Quarrie said McPherson threatened not to compete in the mile relay during her spat with Jackson while at the team hotel. He added that upon arrival at the warm-up track he was told by coach Paul Francis, that McPherson would no longer be able to compete because she was injured.

"My main issue is the fact that one young lady said she was not going to run, suddenly I show up at the track and her coach is telling me she has an injury and would not be able to run. The doctor did check with her and said it was a Grade One something - I can't remember what it is - but I find it very strange that between the hotel and here (warm up track), an injury could have occurred," said Quarrie.

The technical leader said the altercation began over team uniforms.

"I don't remember exactly why because when it was beginning I made sure I got in there to keep things normal," he said.