Matthews makes indoor pitch

OLYMPIC relay medallist Peter Matthews believes his tactics in the 400m favours indoors and wants the selection committee to consider him when choosing the 4x400m relay team to compete at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, England, this year.

Matthews, who ran the lead-off leg on the Rio de Janeiro Olympic 4x400m relay silver medal winning team, said his willpower on the first leg would ensure Jamaica grabbing the lead at the 200m mark where athletes merge into lane one.

"I normally run the first 200m fast, so I think I could help the team out in that area," Matthews said. "I don't' have any experience running the flat 400m indoors but for the relays, I have what it takes. I am not afraid so I will go for the post."

MENTALLY READY

Though he has never run on a 200m oval, Matthews said that he has been watching tapes of the 400m indoors to get himself mentally ready if selected.

Matthews and many local-based athletes have been competing here in Jamaica in outdoor conditions, hoping to attract the attention of selectors.

Apart from Edino Steele and a few others, not many Jamaican quarter-milers with indoor experience are vying for a spot on the team this year.

Kemar Mowatt is the fastest Jamaican on a regular size indoor track this season with a time at 46.83. Auburn University's Akeem Bloomfield (45.92) and Nathon Allen (46.68) have recorded faster times running on indoor tracks of other sizes.

Athletes aspiring to make the indoor team have up to the February 15, when the qualifying period ends, to impress selectors.