Grenadian quarter-miler Gamali Felix is setting his sights on making his first-ever World Championships team this September, drawing inspiration from his mentor Kirani James and fellow countryman Rondell Bartholomew. Felix, who currently trains at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln under the guidance of his junior college coach Trent Edgerton, believes he has found the right environment to elevate his performance.

"I think he is a great coach. I think he can get me to where I want to be on the professional level, so that’s where I am currently training now," the 25-year-old Felix explained in an exclusive interview with Sportsmax.TV. His trust in Edgerton is built on past success, and he is confident that this training setup will help him reach the next stage of his career.

With a personal best of 45.12 seconds in the 400m, Felix has set ambitious targets for the season. His vision extends beyond just incremental improvement—he is aiming for a significant leap forward. "I want to be between 43 or 44.2/3. That’s the pace I am currently training at right now. I am still learning the different phases, but I think as time goes by I will get there," he said.

"The plan that we have with me and my coach is something I believe I can achieve by the time September comes around. The main goal is to be low 44 by then. Not only to be at that time but also to be consistent at those times."

Grenada has a rich history of quarter-mile excellence, led by 2012 Olympic champion Kirani James, who has medaled in three Olympic Games and was fifth at the Paris Games in a blistering 43.86. Felix is aware of comparisons being made between him and the Grenadian greats but embraces it as motivation rather than pressure.

"I wouldn’t say I dismiss it. It just shows that people see my potential and that I can be a great athlete," he explained. "Kirani and Rondell, they are the stepping stones and I am just taking from them and what they have done for the sport and for the country. I am grateful for that. I don’t feel pressured. At the end of the day, I am Gamali Felix and I am just trying to write my own name and make my own history. I am just using their guidance and listening to them."

Felix enjoys a close bond with James, whom he regards as both a mentor and a brother. Their relationship was strengthened during Felix’s time in Arizona, where James was also based. "Rondell and Kirani, especially Kirani. When I was at Arizona State, because he was also based out there, we built a great relationship. We talk and check in on each other. He is my mentor, someone I look up to. He is guiding me, he is always there for me, not only as a mentor but also as a brother," Felix revealed.

James’ advice has been invaluable as Felix navigates the challenges of professional athletics. The legendary sprinter has emphasized the importance of mental strength and consistency, lessons that Felix takes to heart. "He always tells me to make sure I’m mentally in a good place. When you compete, you want to be mentally in a good place. He said I should focus on my mentality, focus on being strong going out there and competing, and having fun. He also speaks about, one of the key things, about being consistent. He has been through four Olympics and he is always in the top five, so he also tells me about being consistent, training hard and being humble, and do my best in each race; giving it 110 per cent instead of 100 per cent."

Felix has been in training since November, with his sights firmly set on outdoor competition. While his primary focus is on peaking for the World Championships, he will be using a few indoor meets as stepping stones. "My agent has put me in a few meets. We are currently in week 13 of training, and he thinks I should be in a few meets indoors just to set up my outdoors. But most importantly, the goal is to make the World Championships."

With a commitment to his training and the wisdom of legends guiding him, Felix is determined to carve his own legacy in Grenadian athletics. His path is clear, and the ultimate goal remains: securing his place on the World Championships team and making a mark on the global stage.