In a bid to overcome a disappointing NCAA season, her last, 100m hurdler Demisha Roswell is determined to prove her worth and earn a spot on Jamaica's team for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
Her disappointment is further deepened considering her desire to pursue a professional career as an athlete. “That’s the reason I started in the beginning,” lamented the Texas Tech senior, whose 2023 season-best time of 12.77 was well shy of her lifetime best of 12.44 set at the Big 12 Championships last year. By comparison, even though she successfully defended her Big 12 title in early May, her winning time was 13.02, more than 0.5s slower.
Despite facing setbacks during her final year in college, Roswell remains focused on regaining her form and showcasing her talents on the international stage.
Reflecting on her NCAA season, Roswell candidly shared her disappointment, revealing that things didn't go as planned. As a senior athlete, she had hoped to make a significant impact, but various undisclosed issues affected her performance. However, she clarified that she did not sustain any injuries during that time, emphasizing that it was simply a period of struggle and unfulfilled expectations.
"I wasn't injured but to be honest, my season didn't go as planned, and it made me upset because I'm a senior and I didn't prove myself," said Roswell, who missed out on the NCAA Championships 100m hurdles final by 0.08s after running 12.99, the 11th fastest time from the semi-finals. "I had some issues that I can't share with the world, but no, I'm not injured. It just wasn't my shine."
Despite the disappointment, Roswell remains determined to turn her fortunes around. She is currently focusing on improving her technique and preparing herself for the championship trials, where she aims to secure a place on Jamaica's team for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, scheduled for August.
When asked about her most memorable moment from her collegiate career, Roswell highlighted winning the Big 12 championships in 2022 when she ran her lifetime best to beat her more celebrated compatriot and rival Ackera Nugent and the opportunity to meet other talented athletes from around the world. The experience of connecting with like-minded individuals has fueled her passion for the sport and motivates her to strive for success.
She also acknowledged the invaluable support of her coaches, including Calvin Robinson, who has played a significant role in her athletic and personal development. She also expressed gratitude towards Zach, another influential figure in her journey, for encouraging her to learn and grow from setbacks rather than letting them deter her.
"My coaches are amazing, and I love and appreciate them," Roswell praised. "Calvin Robinson is like a father to me, someone I can go to and tell anything without judgment. He pushed me academically to continue working hard to earn a college degree, which I'm graduating in August. But yeah, good people."
With her sights set firmly on Budapest, Roswell has made it clear that her ultimate goal is to represent Jamaica at the World Athletics Championships. She is determined to shine at the national championships trials and leave no doubt about her readiness to compete on the international stage.