TOKYO, Japan — Disappointed to have missed out on a spot in the women’s 400m event, experienced quarter-miler Roneisha McGregor says she is looking to make her impact elsewhere at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

McGregor failed to qualify for the individual event in Tokyo after finishing sixth at the National Senior Championships in 51.65 seconds.

Although that time registers as her best so far in a challenging season for the seasoned athlete, McGregor has certainly seen better days and at one point in her career, was teasing a sub-50 seconds time, with her 50.02 seconds personal best run in 2021.

McGregor has helped Jamaica to a 4x400m bronze medal at the 2020 Olympic Games, and the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha. She was also a member of the country’s only 4x400m mixed relays team to medal at a major global championships — the silver medal-winning quartet also from Doha.

“I have to give God thanks for helping me to be here at my third World Championships. As a team we just want to go out there and do our best with the help of Jamaica praying for our strengths,” McGregor said, ahead of Saturday’s heats inside the Japan National Stadium.

“Actually, it isn’t what I wanted but being a part of team Jamaica is always a privilege and it’s an honour going out there and representing my country with pride. I wanted an individual spot but I had some setbacks so I have to just come out here and perform as best as possible in the relays.”

The mixed 4x400m relays heats were scheduled to get underway at 11:40 am (9:40 pm on Friday in Jamaica).

McGregor admits that Jamaica has not always been able to deliver its best in the mixed 4x400m and is hoping to encourage her inexperienced teammates Leah Anderson, Zandrion Barnes, Shaquena Foote, Jasuana Dennis and Bovel McPherson.

“It’s just to motivate them as younger athletes coming up, just encouraging them to stay mentally and physically ready and just go out there and perform at their best,” said McGregor.

She was also named in the pool for the women’s 4x400m relay alongside Nickisha Pryce, Stacey-Ann Williams, Dejanae Oakley, Foote and Anderson.

She believes the energy and bond among the teammates will be positive factors going into the mile relay, with the team looking to return to the podium after their second-place finish in Budapest in 2023.

“With the camaraderie in this team, I think we need to just focus and go out there and perform at our best and rely on each other to bring around the baton. In Tottori (at the pre-championships camp), the whole camp was a good experience and the team really came together, so there are a lot of positive vibes right now.”

The women’s 4x400m relay heats are to begin on September 20 at 8:00 pm (6:00 am Jamaica time).