Levell surprised by big run; focused on World Champs spot
BRYAN Levell had tongues wagging on Saturday as he blazed his way to a wind-aided 19.79 seconds clocking in the 200m at the Racers Grand Prix inside the National Stadium.
Levell, the only Jamaican to dip below 20 seconds in the half-lap event last season, picked up from where he left off in 2024 in what was his second 200m assignment of the season so far — one that delivered a welcomed surpise.
The 21-year-old’s run on Saturday was helped by an illegal +2.5m/s wind, which when corrected for effect and elevation still ends up in the region of 19.94 seconds.
With the National Senior Championships set for June 26-29, Levell believes he is right where he needs to be as he gears up to push for a place on Jamaica’s team to the World Athletics Championships in Toko, Japan.
“It was a good performance, especially considering that the trials is a couple weeks away. This is my second official 200m this season and its a good feeling,” said Levell who clocked 20.63 seconds at the Grand Slam Track stop in Philadelphia on May 31.
Levell reported that though he has been pleased with the work done in training and the progress observed under the guidance of coach Shanikie Osbourne, he was a bit surprised with what he was able to deliver at Racers Grand Prix.
“I really don’t know [where that time came from]; I wasn’t expecting that,” said Levell. “I was just looking to come out here and put in a good time and do my best.”
“I am expecting to do better and improve each time I step on the track but I am surprised a bit — but I also know that the work that I have put in, I can expect good times,” Levell added.
He pointed to his execution on the curve as a big part of his development this season, noting that it has been an area of focus in his training.
“Coach and I have been working on the curve, and to see that it is getting there, I am really glad,” said Levell.
A semi-finalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Levell is looking to head back into the lab and continue his work as he eyes his second senior international championships.
“I am just going to head back in training, keep on doing what I am doing, and look to get better and improve on the small aspects. I would say I am stronger than last year but I am still not where I want to be as yet, but it is a work in progress,” Levell said.
