Jamaican-born veteran sprinter, Merlene Ottey has not ruled out the possibilities of running at this month’s IAAF World Championships in Osaka, Japan, though her currently season’s best is nothing to write home about.
Ottey, who now competes for Slovenia, after switching from her Caribbean Island native in 2002, became the oldest Slovenian national champion, at age 47, after she captured the women’s 100-metre title in seasonal best of 11.69 seconds.
The former Jamaican multi-championships medallist believes her current year best certainly will not trouble the top sprinters in Osaka, but she is hoping to step up the sessions in an attempt to improve on her performances.
“This isn’t nearly fast enough to compete at the World championships,” Ottey was quoted as saying with some disappointment about her time.
“I’m feeling better, so I expect to run faster by the end of the week,” Ottey added.
In the meantime, reigning European 100m bronze medallist Matic Osovnikar warmed up well for the worlds with an impressive sprint double win, also at the Slovenian Championships.
On Saturday Osovnikar clocked 10.28 to win the 100m dash prior to taking the half-lap event the following day with a run of 20.62.