AFTER a ninth-place finish at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, 400m hurdler Malik James-King has shifted his attention toward a podium finish at the NACAC championships in Freeport, The Bahamas, next month.

James-King’s coach, Gregory Little, told the Jamaica Observer that his athlete is now focusing on sharpening performances ahead of what he hopes will be a successful showing at both the NACAC meet, scheduled for August 15–17, and the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September.

“Malik is in training trying to get ready for the NACAC championships and he is putting in some work,” Little said. “He is not exactly where I want him to be at the moment but we are making steady progress.”

James-King finished third at the national senior championships with a season’s best 48.49 seconds last month, but Little says travel fatigue may have played a role in his most recent performance.

“He arrived in Eugene on Friday morning and had to compete the next day,” Little said. “He said he felt a bit heavy on race day and didn’t have the usual zip in his legs. But mentally, he’s focused and doing what he is supposed to be doing in training.”

The NACAC championships is expected to feature a strong field, providing a benchmark for James-King whose personal best stands at 47.42 seconds.

“This meet will be a good test to see where we are and what we may need to tweak before the World Championships, so we are expecting good competition there,” Little said.

The 2025 season ended in heartbreak for James-King after he stumbled in the semi-finals at the Paris Olympic Games. Little says James-King has gained valuable experience.

“He just has to stay focused and be hungry for what he wants,” Little said. “There’s no pressure on time right now. We are just putting in the work and preparing for the NACAC championships.

“He is looking to medal at the NACAC championships — and that is a must for us — but everything right now is about staying focused.”