In the world of sprinting, where milliseconds matter and dreams are pursued at lightning speed, Alana Reid, Jamaica’s junior 100m record holder, has embarked on an exciting chapter in her athletic journey. The stage is set in the Sunshine State of Florida, training base of the dynamic American world 100m women’s champion Sha’Carri Richardson.

Reid’s decision to switch training camps last October, bidding farewell to the familiar grounds of her high school Coach Corey Bennett, was a bold step toward her aspirations. Now, in the company of Richardson and other world-class sprinters, Reid, who turns 19 on January 20, finds herself at the heart of a powerhouse training camp.

In her first interview since joining Star Athletics Track Club, Reid, who has a 100m personal best time of 10.92 seconds, says she has been adapting well and is focused on improving each time she steps out on the track.

“It has been okay so far because my main focus is for me to chase my dreams and stay and try to make the Olympic team this year. I have the World Under-20 Championships coming up, and my focus is also on that,” said Reid, who is signed to sportswear manufacturer Nike.

“My new environment has been good so far, and it has been a good experience to meet people from different places. But besides that, I am here to get the job done, and that is my main focus — do what I need to do and just continue chasing my dreams,” she said.

Reid, whose time of 10.92 secured victory in the girls’ Class One at the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association Girls’ Championships in March last year, ranked her as the fifth fastest Jamaican in 2023, behind reigning world 100m silver medallist Shericka Jackson’s time of 10.65.

The former Hydel star is targeting a spot on Jamaica’s senior team for the Olympic Games in Paris, France, in July and the World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, in August.

In the highly competitive world of sprinting, where milliseconds separate triumph from defeat, Reid recognises the importance of adjusting to a new coaching programme.

“It [training] has been going well so far, and I have to thank God for that, knowing that I have been adjusting to a new programme, a new coach, and a new environment,” she pointed out.

“All I have to do is stay focused because I know what I am capable of doing, so I have to put my mind to the task and do what I need to do. To be honest, I don’t put limits on myself and well, you know the sky’s the limit for me. Once I stay focused, determined, and go out there and do my best, I know that the results will come my way.”

Amidst the speed and intensity of elite training, Reid finds inspiration and mentorship in her fellow sprinters, particularly Richardson and another American, Twanisha “Tee Tee” Terry.

“It has been a great experience training here because I have known Tee Tee Terry before I came here, so having her around to guide me helps me a lot.

“As for where Sha’Carri is concerned, it is a good feeling being around her. She teaches me a lot and she shows me a lot of stuff. There are times when I will make a few errors, and she will put me aside and say whatever. But it’s not for me to come here and focus on anybody; it is to focus on myself and prepare myself to be better than who I am,” she explained.