Antonio Watson targets strong 400m showing at JAAA National Championships

Antonio Watson is looking to deliver a standout 400-metre performance when the JAAA National Senior Championships take place from June 18 to 24 at the National Stadium.

The 2023 world champion has been working to regain the level that carried him to global success. Watson has not consistently matched that form since his world-title run, but his season has shown encouraging signs, including his role in helping Jamaica win silver at the World Relays in Botswana last month.

Watson, who represents Racers Track Club, said his priority is to keep things uncomplicated as he moves through the season. "I just want to stay focused, stay healthy. Um and just get myself back into the shape that I know I can be."

The 24-year-old has already run 45.11 seconds and 45.17 seconds this season. He said training has been positive, and the next step is to reproduce that work under championship pressure. "Training has been going great. Um hitting some good times. So, it's for me just now to go out there and execute a proper race in a competition and see what time we can come up with."

The former Petersfield High athlete said becoming world champion changed his life financially and emotionally, while also giving him added drive. He said being recognised as a world champion remains a special feeling because few athletes earn that status.

Watson also said he is not unsettled by the new World Championships qualifying standard of 44.45 seconds for the 400 metres. He said he is confident in his ability and believes qualification will come if he stays healthy, maintains focus and continues the work he has been doing.

The National Senior and Junior Athletics Championships will be broadcast live on TVJ.