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After a splendid 22.49 run in the 200 metres final at the Jamaica Amateur Athletic Association National Senior Championships at the National Stadium on Sunday night, the calls became a little more pronounced for Olympic and World 100m champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser, to add the event to her repertoire.
The time was the second fastest registered over the distance by the 23-year-old, after a 22.15 clocking in 2008.Only six Jamaican females have bettered that time.
Sunday's run, which was posted in almost no wind, showed once more that if taken seriously, the 'Pocket Rocket' could develop into a real world beater in the half-lap event.
But try telling this to her.
"No, no, no ... trust me, I can't manage it, I'm being honest," she rebutted when it was suggested that she could do very well in both the 100m and 200m.
She did, however, concede that ultimately, whether she doubles would be a decision for her coach, Stephen Francis.
"It's really all up to Stephen Francis. If he tells me that I'm going to double next year then I will just have to do it," she acknowledged, with a look of defeat.
A few concerns
Fraser also admitted that she had a few concerns heading into the race, given it was her first 200m for the year and the first since injuring her ankle.
"I was a bit scared of running the corner because I haven't been on it (corner) for a while because of my ankle injury, so I had to be careful of how I run the corner," said Fraser.
"I'm excited about the time. It's my first 200m for the season so I'm very happy with that," Fraser added. "The season didn't start off as well as I wanted it to, but everything happens for a reason, so I'm excited about coming here, running a good time and leaving healthy."
As it relates to questions around her participation at this year's Commonwealth Games in India, Fraser all but ruled out any possibility, despite the fact that the National Championships was serving as a qualification meet for the October 3-14 Games.
"I really doubt that I'll be going," said Fraser. "I have some obligations at school and this is a really important year for me at school.
"Also, next year is the World Championships and I will be defending my title and I plan to do so in style," Fraser stated. "So I'm getting ready for that. I'm always up for the challenge. Sometimes things are up, other times they are down, but when it really matters then I think that I can go out and do my best."
Regarding her ambitions for the remainder of the year, the MVP Track Club star is hoping above everything else to remain injury free.
"This year, I just want to stay healthy, run fast and hope to God that I can finish the season in good shape. I also hope to work on some technique and enjoy the season," said Fraser.
