Powell targets 4x400m gold

BUDAPEST, Hungary:

Does Jamaica stand a chance of snatching gold in the men's 4x400 metres relay at the World Championships? Jevaughn Powell hopes so and is intent on doing his part in seeing what he calls the best group of quarter-milers he has seen Jamaica have.

Powell's role in this year's World Championships will be to be part of the team that he hopes will achieve that feat, after not making the World Championships individual standard, despite finishing third at the National Junior and Senior Championships (Trials) by clocking 45.19 seconds.

In a season in which national champion Sean Bailey, Antonio Watson, and Zandrion Barnes have all gone sub-45 seconds and made the individual team, Powell says there is a collective belief among the group and a desire to stand on the podium first.

"For me, I think that for team Jamaica, we have the potential to do really well in the relays, but it's like we never put the team together to go out there and win the medal. This year will be different, and the drive that we have, is great," Powell said.

"I spoke to the guys that ran at Trials, and everybody's mindset is like, 'We can win this thing'. That is the best thing about this year for the youth movement in the Championships.

In addition to Rusheen McDonald, who is among the relay pool and is currently the third fastest man in the world this season, Powell believes that they have the weapons necessary for a maiden gold after years of bronze and silver.

He earned his first major World Championships medal as part of the 4x400 metres relay team that got silver last year in Oregon, United States of America.

"This is the best I have ever seen in a minute for Jamaica. They have been consistent in their times. As long as they go out there and be consistent, we can cross the line first," Powell said.

For the former national champion who has had to adjust to a new coach and injuries hampering his season, delivering the gold would be a rewarding prize, and he believes he is finding himself in a new and improved space.

"I think it is a learning experience for me. I had changed coaches and everything. Injuries happen, but that is not an excuse not to get back up on your feet. This was something new for me this season. It has taught me a lot. I will take this as a lesson and move forward and get better next year," Powell said.