Janieve Russell has achieved much on the track but she is as hungry as ever for more. The two-time Olympian and double Commonwealth gold medallist, still has one major goal in sight, the National record for her pet event, the 400m Hurdles. This fabulous record of 52.42 is owned by Melaine Walker since 2009.

Russell, who posted 52.38 at the JAAA All Comers Meet #2 at the National Stadium on May 13, spoke with athleticsja.org about her present condition and her aspirations for the future.

“I am honestly grateful. I am a multieventer who has singled out one event and has tried to perfect the craft. I’m so overwhelmed and grateful for what I have accomplished so far,” she said. “My highest achievement is being a two-time Olympian, making the Finals and coming out with a personal best.”

Janieve Russell - Photo by Earl Bailey

Janieve Russell – Photo by Earl Bailey

When asked about her plans for the future, she didn’t have to search for an answer.

“I honestly want to be the National record holder of the 400m hurdles,” said Russell. “And to be one of the many medallists at the Olympics and the World championships.”

Russell was pleased with her performance at the JAAA All Comers Meet which was run after a downpour.

“I’m so happy that I came out with a season’s best despite the climate and the conditions under which we ran,” she said. “I am hoping for a consistent season based on how I’m training and hopefully a personal best.”

Hibbert sail to World Lead

The big news coming from overseas was the 17.87m posted in the triple jump by teenager Jaydon Hibbert at the SEC Finals.

Hibbert’s performance, competing for the University of Arkansas, was the second-best ever for a Jamaican behind James Beckford’s National Record of 17.92m. It also broke the world Under-20 record which was held by East Germany’s Volker Mai at 17.50m from 1985.

Wayne Pinnock posted a personal best of 8.37m in the long jump with Carey McLeod second with 8.14m.

Sprint hurdler Ackera Nugent was second in the 100m Hurdles with 12.43 seconds, while Roje Stona won the discus with 68.48m. Ackelia Smith was also spectacular, posting 7.08m to win the long jump in a separate conference.