Wolmer’s East confident of Class Three sprint double

Natrece East of Wolmer's Girls' School is confident of winning the Class Three girls' sprint double at this year's ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls' Athletics Championships (Champs), despite the presence of the dangerous Kerelle Etienne of Edwin Allen.

Last year, a special one for Wolmer's Girls, East placed second to Edwin Allen's Thieanna-Lee Terrelonge in the Class Three girls' 100 metres and returned to turn the tables on her opponent by winning the 200 metres. Terrelonge is now competing in Class Two.

At last Saturday's Camperdown Classic, East turned back the challenge of St Jago's Adora Campbell to clock a season-best 11.72 seconds, to be the second-ranked in the class, just behind Etienne's 11.70.

"My preparation coming into this season is fantastic as I have been doing good in training. My expectation at each competition, including Champs, is about execution," said East, who believes she has been carrying out the instructions from her coach superbly.

Coming into the season, East would have been a clear favourite to dominate her peers, being a second-year athlete in the class and after her performances last year. However, Etienne, out of Dominica, has changed the narrative, as in her first year at Edwin Allen she looks excellent.

"She will be in the race, and so am I. It should be a great race as I like the competition, but as long as I do what I have been doing by executing well, I will be fine," said East.

East, who prefers the 200 metres over the 100, appealed for continued support.

"I really love the 200 metres, as coming off that curve and then going into the straight, it feels so good.

"I see all my fans in the stands supporting me, and I love this, and I must say a big thank you and hope they will continue supporting me," she said.

East expects a better showing from Wolmer's this season.

"We have a stronger team than last year. We should do better. The girls have been working real hard, and I am very confident that we can retain our Corporate Area title at Champs, and there is also a possibility that we can go better than our fifth-place finish," she said.