OLYMPIC gold medallist, Natasha Hastings, is looking forward to a competitive meet at tomorrow’s Quantum Invitational Track and Field Championship at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port-of-Spain.
Hastings participated in the USA team heats and snagged gold in the 4x400m relay in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“I’m training for the London Olympics and I’m looking to get a good run here and fit the pieces together in my regime. My preparations are coming along pretty well and I see this Trinidad meet as promising,” she stated.
“I’m looking forward to the 4x400 and the 400m in London but here, I’m eager to warm-up and get a crack at the 200m also,” added Hastings. She won the 2012 Ponce Grand Prix 400m recently with a run of 50.72 and revealed that this Puerto Rico run was her fastest season opener in seven years. Hastings confirmed that this TT race would be her second 400m of the year and she sees the field as high quality.
The 25-year-old, who has Trinidadian and Jamaican roots, is hopeful that her compatriot and rival, Francena McCorory would compete this weekend. Officials at the meet however confirmed that Mc Corory has pulled out of the event. Hastings was initially expected to compete in the 400 metres only but yesterday she confirm that she will also contest the half-lap race.
Hastings, who overcame a grave injury in 2006, added that she is keen to medal in London once more. “It was my childhood dream to be an Olympian and copping gold in 2008 was an indescribable joy. It’s surreal and I want to repeat this Olympic feat this year,” she said.
Meanwhile National sprinter Renny Quow returned home yesterday to compete at the games. Only Wednesday Quow claimed silver medal at the Colourful Daegu Championship with a time of 45.65 in the 400 metres. He finished behind the overwhelming favourite Kirani James of Grenada (44.72) in a run that met the Olympic B-standard time.
Quow will be lining up this weekend against Ivory Williams (USA) and Justyn Warner (Canada) in the 400m. The 24-year-old exacted revenge over Calvin Smith who ended third in 45.70 in Daegu after Smith bested him to gold in the recent 400m Jamaica Invitational race. In Jamaica, Smith won in 45.47 while Quow claimed silver in 45.48.
With Deon Lendore, Zwede Hewitt and Lalonde Gordon all impressing in the quartermiles recently, Quow has also been in fine form this year. The 2009 World Championship bronze medallist stated, “The shape I am in right now is the shape I was in getting ready for Daegu last year. It shows just how strong and how fast I am right now for the season.”
Source: www.newsday.co.tt
By RENALDO MATADEEN