McLeod glad she persevered

BUDAPEST, Hungary:

Candice McLeod is crediting her perseverance for winning a medal as part of the women's 4x400 metres at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, yesterday, after a difficult start to her season.

According to McLeod, the medal means more to her than those won before as she led off the Jamaicans to their second silver in as many championships, which was in a season's best 3:20.88 minutes. They were edged on the line by The Netherlands, who clocked a world-leading 3:20.72 to take the gold, while Great Britain and Northern Ireland were third in 3:21.04.

McLeod contemplated not competing in the National Senior Championships two months ago and possibly missing Budapest.

"Leading up to this, it was one per cent of Candice and 99 per cent of my supporters, family, friends and God. I couldn't do it on my own. It is one per cent me because mentally, I was not there at all," McLeod said after qualifying for the 400 metres final.

With another medal around her neck, she says it justified being at the championships.

"That proves that the last two days were not the end of everything. It was a bit challenging picking back up from whatever happened and the media being on your back," McLeod said. "Like every other medal I have gotten so far, it means a lot."

McLeod finished seventh in the women's 400 metres final in 51.08 seconds on Wednesday and expressed relief in making the final. Reflecting on what the last few days have taught her, she said she is surprised that she is further along than expected at this stage of her career.

"I think reflecting on where I am coming from before being a professional, I thought it would have been way longer to get a medal at this stage overall. So each medal means a lot regardless," she said.