Maiden national 400m hurdles crown lifts Wilson's confidence for Commonwealth Games push

Assinie Wilson, Jamaica's newly crowned national champion over 400-metre hurdles, says his first senior domestic title has lifted his self-belief as he targets bigger results this season, including a solid Commonwealth Games campaign.

Wilson claimed the crown last Saturday at the JAAA National Junior and Senior Championships inside the National Stadium, stopping the clock at 48.91 seconds. Romario Stewart of The Mico University College crossed the line second in a personal-best 49.43, with Malik James-King third in 50.07.

Wilson has led Jamaica's 400m hurdles rankings this season, and he said reaching the national podium for the first time felt long overdue.

"Winning the national title for the first time is a good feeling and so I am just going to go back to the drawing board and continue working hard and stay focused," Wilson said.

Even with gold around his neck, Wilson said the winning mark fell short of what he expects from himself and that faster runs remain within reach.

"I know that there is still a lot more to come from me this season because I want to lower my personal best time. This is a big motivation for me, even though, the time that I ran, I wasn't really pleased with it, but winning the national title will boost my confidence a lot," he stated.

Under the guidance of Gregory Little at Titans Track Club, Wilson carries a personal best of 48.29 seconds, the quickest by any Jamaican in the discipline so far this year. He set that figure at the National Stadium in March.

Wilson said the championship result has confirmed to him that he belongs among elite company.

"I have told myself now that I can do it because anything is possible, because I am a national champion right now," he said.

The victory has also sharpened his outlook on securing more starts abroad, especially in Europe, where strong home results often open doors to invitations.

"Once you win the national title, then it will help to get you races on the circuit and people will want to give you races across Europe," Wilson underscored.