Edwin’s Kennedy has unfinished Champs business

Quarter-miler Delano Kennedy, in his final season at Edwin Allen, is hoping that being in the best shape of his high school journey has set him up for an ideal farewell by claiming the Class I boys' 400 metres title at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs) that starts on Tuesday.

Kennedy enters Champs with the fastest time of 46.25 seconds and second fastest of 46.60, which has him quietly confident of getting the title that eluded him last year. He finished fourth in 47.30 seconds in a final won by St Jago alum Gregory Prince.

Kennedy hopes to mirror Prince's exploits, to sign off his time at Edwin Allen with a win.

"This year, I have been running faster than last year so I have a good feeling about going to Champs and winning," Kennedy told STAR Sports. "To go to Champs with the fastest time in the country is a good feeling."

Kennedy had challenges in Class I, dating back to two years ago, when he was disqualified in the first round of the 400 metres, ending his campaign early. Kennedy's disappointment of missing out on the podium last year was replaced with joy a week later as he won the Carifta Under-20 title in front of his home crowd at the National Stadium.

While he did have a positive end to last year, when he struggled with nagging pain, what has boosted his confidence this year is staying healthy.

"Last season I was training with a bit of uncomfortable pain. This season I have been training better without any problem," Kennedy said.

With those issues a thing of the past, Kennedy is looking forward to finishing his Champs career on a high, after post disappointments, hoping he can repay what Edwin Allen has given him these past few years.