Clarke eyes medal at World Indoors

February 21, 2018
Everton Clarke runs during a training session on the warm-up track at the Thomas Robinson Stadium in Nassau, Bahamas, on Friday, April 21, 2017, at the IAAF/BTC World Relays.

Rising Jamaica sprinter Everton Clarke said he is relishing the challenge of leading the country's charge for a medal in the men's 60m event at this year's World Indoor Championships, March 1-4, in Birmingham, England.

Clarke, the fastest Jamaican in the event this year with a personal best 6.54 seconds, said he plans to lower the mark and secure a medal for the country at the championships.

"I have been having a good season, so far, and am hoping that I can run a personal best and make the final, even get a medal. The world record has been lowered so I am expecting tough competition in Birmingham, but nothing that I am afraid of because I am going out there to do my best for the country," he said.

"I am aiming to move from this to bigger and better things because I have lowered my personal best to 6.54 seconds this season. I am hoping to break the 6.54-second barrier at this championship," Clarke said.

The powerfully built sprinter, conditioned by veteran coach Maurice Wilson at Sprintec, will be representing the country for the first time in an individual event at a senior championship.

"It was a big accomplishment, seeing that I made the World Relays team, but this is an individual event and a big accomplishment for me," said the 23-year-old.

 

GREAT COACH

 

"My preparations have been going great because I have a great coach in Maurice Wilson and a great programme here at Sprintec. I am really looking forward for this championship," he said.

Clarke is expected to face American sprinter Christian Coleman, who broke the world record on February 18, clocking 6.34 seconds.

Clarke said he is looking forward to a tough challenge at the championships.

"I have always been one to handle pressure because I work better under pressure. I know that I will rise to the big occasion," he said.

"This championship is a stepping stone for me. From this I am expecting bigger things from myself, onwards," said the former Herbert Morrison High School student.

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