Having dipped below 45 seconds for the first time in his career, GC Foster College’s quarter-miler Zadrion Barnes is now more than ever determined to make a name for himself as one of Jamaica’s top 400 metres runners this season.

The race where he achieved the 44.9-second mark for the runner-up spot was won by world record holder Wayde Van Niekerk from South Africa in 44.21 at the Racers Grand Prix. Third went to Jamaica’s Rusheen McDonald who clocked 45.24.

Barnes joined two other Jamaicans — Sean Bailey (44.43) and Antonio Watson (44.78) — who have dipped below 45 seconds this season.

The 21-year-old Barnes, who is a former Manchester High student, said he was not surprised with his performance on Saturday because he knew that once he executed a proper race then he would have run below 45 seconds.

“I know that this was achievable because I have been working very hard for this all season and I have been executing my races, but tonight I thought this was a good field and so I just went all out for it,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“I am feeling great about this time because I have been training very hard, staying disciplined and listening to the coach’s instructions and putting God first all the time,” he said.

“You can expect a lot more great things from me this season because I am very determined and hungry to achieve my goals of being one of the top 400 metres runners this season,” Barnes added.

He underlined that last Saturday’s performance is a major boost to his confidence ahead of next month’s National Trials, which will be held from July 6-9 at the National Stadium. Barnes also pointed out that once he stays injury-free going in the trials then he is expecting another great performance from himself.

“This will enhance my confidence a lot but I just want to stay healthy going into the National Trials because going into the previous trials I had some niggling injuries and so I just want to stay healthy going into this trials next month,” Barnes said.

“Yes, I know that I can run a lot faster because I am still loaded because I haven’t done anything near lightening up, so I know that I can definitely go a lot faster this season,” he said.

“My aim is to make the World Championships team and then try and get into the semifinals and then take it from there,” Barnes reasoned.

This year’s World Championships will be held in Budapest, Hungary, August 19-27.