Hill hoping to spring surprise - World Under-20 100m hurdles champion in first season with Elite Performance

Entering her first season as a fully-fledged professional, Under-20 100 metres hurdles champion Kerrica Hill is hoping to spring a surprise or two but is ready to begin to challenge herself at the elite level.

Hill joined Elite Performance Track Club after the World Under-20 Championships in Colombia last year, forgoing another year with Hydel High. Hill was honoured on Friday at the RJRGLEANER National Sportsman and Sportswoman Awards for her accomplishments which included that world title-winning run of 12.77 seconds as well as being a part of the 4x100m team that won gold and broke the World Under-20 record. The other members of that quartet were Serena Cole, Tia Clayton and World Under-20 100m champion Tina Clayton.

Hill said that she has been enjoying the environment so far at Elite, appreciative of a culture that motivates and encourages. While there may have been a surprise to move up the ranks early, Hill said that she felt it was just the right time to make the leap.

"I talked to my mom as well as others around me and I felt that it was just the right time," Hill told STAR Sports. "I'm adapting well. It's a new background training schedule. I like the people around me. They have been motivating me. So it has been pretty good."

For Hill who turns 18 in March, the only objective that she has set for herself is hat she remains in peak condition for her first season with Elite, and taking a measured approach to 2023. "The main focus is to stay healthy so I can have a great season and run some surprising times," Hill said.

Hill and World Championships 4x100m silver medallist Kemba Nelson are among the new additions to the club which has grown over the last two seasons. While she is the youngest of the group, Hill says she is relishing the competition and camaraderie which she believes will help to push her to her best.

"It's a good feeling because I am the youngest. So they are going to encourage me and I am going to (do the best I can.)," Hill said.