PARIS, France — Despite not advancing to the final of the Women’s 200m competition at the Olympic Games on Monday, sprinter Niesha Burgher has described the experience as a boost for her career and has promised to return to the track much better next season.

Competing in her first Olympic Games, Burgher, 21, finished fifth in her semi-final in 22.64 seconds. The event was won by gold medal favourite Gabby Thomas of the USA in 21.86 seconds.

Burgher told the Jamaica Observer that her experience at the Olympic Games has been an incredible journey and that she will take many positives from it and move on to bigger things next season.

“I will use this as motivation, knowing that I made the semi-finals,” she said. “Although I didn’t get the results that I wanted, I am still grateful. I can’t complain about anything, and I am just happy that I made it this far. Moving forward to the World Championships next year, this has given me a lot of confidence, knowing my weaknesses and knowing what I need to strengthen.”

Burgher has recorded a season’s best time and personal best effort of 22.39 in 2024. She was the fourth-fastest Jamaican this year in the half-lap event.

“I am just going to stay focused and keep grinding, as everyone’s success is going to be different,” she said. “So, I am just going to train hard and keep doing [well], and the results will come one day.

“The experience was great, and I am happy. I was nervous, but I did the best that I could, and I am grateful. This means a lot to me, knowing that I had a long collegiate season, knowing that I finished healthy, and knowing that I am still running 22 seconds. I am just happy.”

Jamaica’s other competitor in the women’s 200m semi-finals, Lanae-Tava Thomas, finished seventh in 22.77 seconds.

Nickisha Pryce began her charge for the gold medal in the women’s 400m on Monday by winning her first-round heat in 50.02 seconds to secure her place in the semi-finals. Jamaica’s other competitors in the event are also through, with Stacey-Ann Williams finishing second in her heat in 50.16 seconds while Junelle Bromfield clocked in at 51.36 seconds. The semi-finals of the event are set for Wednesday at 1:45 pm Jamaica time.