Williams aims for sub-49

Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer

Olympics 400m silver medallist, Shericka Williams, is aiming to run close to or sub-49 seconds to enhance her bid of winning gold at the World Athletics Championships in Berlin.

"Having a personal best, at least running 49.2 or going 48 or somewhere along that line and also to win in Berlin," were identified by Williams among her major goals for 2009.

To enhance her chances, Williams says she is working on her weak spot, which is the first part of her race.

"I have to be more aggressive there," she explained. "The end part of my race is always strong, so that is not a problem, it's just to work on my first part of the race coming up to World Champs," continued Williams.

In Beijing last summer, Williams dipped under the 50-second barrier for the first time, running 49.69, the second-fastest time in the world last year, to place second behind Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu of Great Britain (49.62).

Williams entered the home stretch in about seventh position, but her superior speed took her past everyone, except Ohuruogu who barely held out for the win.

"I will have to get my race right, perfect in order to achieve my goals of winning in Berlin and running sub-49," she reiterated.

So far this season, Williams has had one 400m run, clocking 51.08 seconds for third behind the United States' Allyson Felix (50.75) and Amantle Montsho of Botswana (51.08).

Williams had mixed feelings about that race.

"I think I ran the 400m pretty well, but it was not what I expected because of a setback I had in training over the past three, four weeks."

Earlier in the season, Williams ran 11.57 in the 100m in Sydney and in three 200m races, 23.77 (Grace Jackson Meet, Jan 31), 22.93 (Sydney, Feb 23) and 23.90 (Melbourne, Mar 5).

"I think I am very satisfied at the moment," said Williams. "I am looking forward to my next race in New York and hopefully it will be better."

In New York, Williams will face Americans Allyson Felix and Sanya Richards, along with compatriot Novlene Williams, at the Reebok Grand Prix on Saturday.