KINGSTON, Jamaica – IAAF World Championships 4X400M relays silver medallist Javon Francis has shown promising early season form following another good showing at Saturday’s finale of the Digicel Grand Prix Series inside the National Stadium. Francis looked much like his old self, as he flew out the blocks and took command of the race after only 150 meters before going to cruise control and comfortably heading home in 46.49s.
In a time final event, Francis’ 46.49s clocking at the G.C Foster Classic on Saturday ranked him second overall on the day behind Usain Bolt, who posted 46.38s. Francis’ 4X400M teammate from the 2013 IAAF World Championships Edino Steele completed the podium finishers as he stopped the clock at 46.80s to join Bolt and Francis as the only athletes under 47s in the Clubs and Institutions category.
“I am feeling better after each race. I can feel my legs getting stronger and that is always a good thing. I have to just continue working hard and zone in on the areas that I need to improve on so that I can put all the phases of my race together. I am pleased with much of my execution on Saturday, I came out hard and then controlled the race well to the line, but there is always room for improvement,” said Francis.
The young 400M phenomenon is now set to continue his preparations ahead of the National Senior Championships in June as he seeks to return to the World Championships in August as well as the Rio Olympics to follow in 2016.
“Well all focus is on being in good form when the National Senior Championships come around as I am definitely eyeing a return to the World Championships. The Olympics is a dream too, that I am working diligently to fulfill so I am definitely just taking it a day at a time and listening and executing the instructions from my coach Michael Clarke,” said Francis.
Francis’ next appearance could be as early as Saturday, March 21, as he hinted at racing at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Track & Field Invitational Meet.
