MIAMI, Florida, CMC – Two-time Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown has pledged her commitment to her native Jamaica, and was thrilled about the success of her fellow female athletes at the recent World Championships.
Campbell-Brown admitted that she did not fulfil her goals at Worlds, but she was pleased about the success of other athletes.
“By now, you know the results – a 100 metres fourth place, as well as my second consecutive 200m silver medal at the World Champs,” wrote Campbell-Brown in her online diary on the website of the sport’s World governing body, the International Associations of Athletics Federations.
“I did not participate in the 4x100m and a lot has been made of that, incorrectly I might add. I have however, put that aspect of Berlin behind me, except to say that my boundless devotion to Jamaica should never be questioned.
“I am happy Jamaica won the 4x100m being especially glad for ‘Simmy’ [Simone Facey] and Kerron [Stewart] winning their first ever senior global gold medals.”
Campbell-Brown had to shrug off two lengthy injury-induced layoffs early in the season, and was clearly not in her best form at Worlds. She however, enjoyed her experience in Germany
She said: “August. . .what a month! It came and went in a flash however, it was not fast enough to escape my enjoying my first extended stay and competition in Germany.
“Over the years, I have had so much fan mail from Germany yet I have never competed there, it was therefore a thrill for me to finally grace a track there.”
She added: “Prior to settling in the German capital for the World Championships, team Jamaica had its camp in Herzogenarauch or ‘Herzog’ as it is commonly referred.
“Incidentally, it was in Herzog as well that Jamaica had its pre-Olympic camp in 2004. With minimal distractions, it is quite useful a place to prepare.”
Campbell-Brown is now looking forward to the end of the season, next year’s IAAF Diamond League, and the release of her first book.
“The season is winding down and I have two more races on the slate,” she said. “Both will be in Asia, one is in Shanghai [one of my favourite places to compete], and Daegu [the site for the next World Champs].
“Shanghai will be part of the new Diamond League in 2010 and I am looking forward to that new athletic series.
“Speaking of ‘looking forward’, the off-season is just ahead and I eagerly await that as well. I will be launching my book, ‘A Better You, Inspirations for Life’s Journey’, in Jamaica as well as a continuation of my ‘giving back’ to assist in the betterment of the lives of children in Jamaica.”
