FORMER world Under-18 110m hurdles champion De'jour Russell says his mission next season is to produce a lifetime best in his quest to secure a spot on Jamaica's team to the World Championships to be held in Budapest, Hungary.
Russell, who made his return to the track last season after a three-year absence due to injuries, told the Jamaica Observer he wants to eclipse the 13.32 seconds he ran in Kingston in 2017.
"Yes, most definitely — and I have no doubt that I can do it," said Russell. "I am training with Coach Fitz Coleman and [Olympic Games 110m hurdles champion] Hansle Parchment and, therefore, I have no doubt of running a personal best next season," he said.
"As long as I keep injury-free and keep focus and, by the grace of God, I know that it will happen and so the sky's the limit. I see where in training I have been magnificent, but I just need to put it out on the track," Russell expressed.
The former Calabar athlete who made it to the semi-finals of the 110 hurdles event at the National Championships in June, produced a season's best time of 13.46 this year.
Russell pointed out that he will be working assiduously to improve his technique over the obstacle event and will also be tryng to maintain a clean bill of health throughout next season.
"I also plan on working a lot harder next season and there is no doubt about that because I can't put in any lapse work as I have the likes of an Olympic champion training with me and he works very hard, so that is added motivation for me," he said.
"I still have a lot of improvements to do as my technique is still not a hundred per cent, and I will be working on all of these things for next season because I know that I have way faster to go," Russell opined.
He said he is a bit disappointed with his performance at this year's National Championships, but has now put that behind him.
"My training was looking magnificent going into this year's National Trails this year but we had a little mishap, and we can't blame that. I just have to go back to the drawing board and start back over for next season," Russell opined.
"I have no doubt that I can achieve great things because I am never one to doubt myself."
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