Shian Salmon’s win at the Racers Grand Prix in Kingston was another step towards achieving a personal best this season and with it, a place on Jamaica’s team to the World Athletics Championships in Budapest this summer.
Following her victory, the 24-year-old Salmon, revealed that while she was not pleased with the winning time of 55.10, was elated at the fact that this was her third win from five races so far this season.
“My season is going awesome. The conditions weren’t what I expected but who cares about times when you’re winning,” said Salmon, who went into Saturday’s race off a 54.42 third-place finish at the Diamond League in Rabat, Morocco on May 28.
“I came out here to win and did just that so I am happy with my performance.”
The time might not have been important on Saturday, but it will be as the season unfolds for Hydel High alum who ran a personal best of 53.82 on that same track during Jamaica’s National Championships in 2022.
“If I am being really honest, I am just trying to get back to my personal best and go beyond that; anything I get I will be grateful,” said the 2018 World U20 400m hurdles silver medallist, who believes a new personal best will assure her a ticket to the World Championships in Budapest in August.
“There are three spots available at trials and I am aiming to get one of them. Whatever time gets me into the top three I will be happy with that.”
Having beaten all the contenders for those three available spots, Salmon revealed, has boosted her confidence that she will be able to do so once again once the championships begin in July.
“But of course (I am confident). I don’t want people to be beating me left and right so whenever I get the chance to beat them, I beat them.”
For her next race, most likely in Europe, Salmon hopes to take a crack at her personal best that will further empower her to return to Jamaica knowing that only good things can come from it.
“Hopefully, the conditions will be right and I can get close to my personal best but I am just aiming to perfect my execution and I will be okay.”