LONDON Olympic Games 100m bronze medallist and sprint relay silver medallist Veronica Campbell Brown has started preparation for what she hopes is a more successful 2013 season than the one just past.

Campbell Brown, who was chasing an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic 200m gold, finished fourth in the final in London and hinted that her preparations leading into the quadrennial sporting extravaganza might not have been what she was hoping for.

In her online diary for the IAAF, Campbell Brown said she had started background work for the upcoming season that will be highlighted by the IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia, in August, saying: “I pray for a healthy 2013 season.”

In her diary, Campbell Brown hailed the observation of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “October holds a special significance for me as a woman, as it is the month that added focus is placed on Breast Cancer awareness. I am very pleased with the emphasis being placed on this dreaded malady and trust that more women and girls will avail themselves to the screenings and other assistance readily available.”

She was one of the 50 Olympians who were recognised by the government during the Heroes weekend celebrations and while basking in the spotlight, took time out to visit with Terry-Shanice Matthias of St Andrew Technical High, one of the young ladies who received scholarships from the VCB Foundation earlier this year.

“Just being able to witness her smile and hear her words of appreciation reconfirmed my belief that we must invest in our youth. I am hoping to make an announcement shortly with regard to further moves by the Foundation,” she also wrote.

While in Florida where she is based, the athlete and her husband Omar also took time out to visit a children’s hospital in Orlando owned by golf legend Arnold Palmer.

“This facility has been a crucial cog in paediatric care in the Central Florida area. My husband Omar and I made a visit there to encourage the children. We spent the time talking with a number of the children and encouraging them. I left there more uplifted than I imagined possible. More of us who have been immensely blessed need to follow the example of Mr Palmer.”