ADELLE Tracey won her first national title when she clocked 4:19.23 minutes to “tick one box” in the women’s 1,500m, as she looks to represent Jamaica in the 800m/1500m double at next month’s World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Tracey, who switched allegiance from Great Britain last year, ran both events at last year’s Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) national Championships but as a ‘guest runner’, as she was days away from being cleared to represent the country of her father.

On Friday, former Commonwealth Games steeplechase champion Aisha Praught-Leer was second in 4:23.05 seconds.

“This time last year I came to the National Championships in Jamaica not being confirmed as a Jamaican athlete, so yes, you’re correct [that] this is my first official time winning,” she told the Jamaica Observer. “It feels really good. It’s amazing coming here this year and knowing the staff and the team and yeah, I feel really feel like I’m coming home.”

Tracey, who had attained the qualifying times for the 800m and 1,500m from last year and ran 4:04.65 in the 1,500m three weeks ago, said her time on Friday was “definitely not what I’ve run this season”.

“I feel like this was about ticking a box today. Me and Aisha work together a little bit and then I wanted to just finish strong. I really just like to confirm my spot on the team and yeah, make qualification,” she shared.

Tracey said she had trained through this championships so that she would be ready for August, claiming “I actually feel excited.” She confirmed the longer race was her focus but that she would be running the 800m as well on Sunday’s final day.

She is, however, taking nothing for granted and would be coming to run fast for a top three spot.

“You always have to do your best, you know, not be complacent. It’s very much about ticking the boxes and getting the job done.”