I’m not bitter! – McDonald says he’s not vexed at 400m snub
MOSCOW, Russia — Rusheen McDonald is not upset that he was not chosen by the selection committee of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) to run the men’s 400m here at the 14th IAAF World Championships, despite running the ‘A’ qualifying standard a full two weeks before the entries were to be submitted.
McDonald, who made the team for the Olympic Games last year but could only manage sixth place at the JAAA National Trials, tying up badly at the end and unable to maintain his blistering start, had run 45.28 seconds — the exact time for the ‘A’ standard on July 16 at a meeting in Lignano, Italy.
Omar Johnson, who was third at the Trials and took the silver medal at the Central American and Caribbean Senior Championships in Mexico, last month, will however, join national champion Javere Bell and Javon Francis as the three Jamaican men who will contest the event on the second day.
Johnson had only achieved the ‘B’ qualifying standard after a season-best 45.50 seconds at the Trials, but got the nod ahead of McDonald.
According to the JAAA’s selection policy, McDonald with the ‘A’ standard, could have been selected.
In an interview with the Jamaiaca Observer yesterday, McDonald said he was okay with the decision. “I would have liked to run,” he said,” but it’s okay, I wish the guys good luck.”
McDonald said he would now turn his attention to the 4x400m relays where he hopes to help the team get a medal. “I will still train hard as the 4x400m is coming up and we can make the finals.”
He was not included in the Jamaican team for the relays last year as he was struggling with an injury at the time.