Clayton targets gold in Paris

Two-time 400 metres hurdles World Championships bronze medallist Rushell Clayton said while she is proud of her achievements as a professional athlete, she is aiming for a gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games next year.

Bronze is a regular among Clayton's top achievements as her other major competition medals include bronze in the Pan-American Games bronze medallist and two-time NACAC Under-23 Championships bronze medallist.

However, the 31-year-old said she is determined to break that cycle.

"The goal is always to win the gold, so, for me, it's always getting into that top three," she said.

The Elite Performance Track Club-based athlete, who had a fantastic season with several personal best times, admits doing better times will be the only way to climb to the top of the medal podium.

With a personal best of 52.81 seconds, set in the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, earlier this year, Clayton might have to run below 51 seconds to win a gold at the Paris Olympic Games next year.

She is doing the work to meet her target, which includes dipping below the national record of 52.42 seconds set by Melanie Walker.

"Personal records mean you're getting better, so it's always to run fast, and the faster you run, the more you get personal bests," she said.

"I do always have a time goal. Time goals are important, but I do not dwell on them because at the end of the day, when you get into that final, you always end up running fast, and when you get to the final, I don't think time matters, it's the medal that matters," she opined.

And for these reasons, the work never stops for Clayton.

"Training has been hard. I'm navigating my way through," she said.

Clayton's hard work and impressive performances last season have not gone unnoticed, as she has been nominated for the prestigious RJRGLEANER National Sports Woman of the Year award.

She said while she is not dwelling on winning the award, she would be thankful if she was bestowed such an honour.