BEIJING, China (CMC) – Jamaica’s distance relay team were left hurting after missing out on a medal on the final day of the IAAF World Championships on Sunday but have already turned their attention to next year’s Olympics in Rio.The quartet of Peter Matthews, Ricardo Chambers, Rusheen McDonald, and Javon Francis were edged out in their attempt for a podium finish in the 4×400 metres event, and were forced to settle for fourth place behind winners, the United States.
“To be honest, I am really disappointed that we didn’t make the podium, but we are thankful at the same time,” Matthews was quoted as saying.
“I am really feeling hurt, and I’m sure the other fellows are as well; we really wanted this.”
He added: “With everyone, healthy next year, we have a good chance of even winning the 4x400m in Rio. We had a good side this year, but the competition was also very good.”
Jamaica clocked two minutes 58.51 seconds, the identical time to that of bronze medal winners, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as Francis was nipped on the line by Martyn Rooney.
The U.S. stormed to a world-leading 2:57.82 with Trinidad and Tobago ensuring a place on the podium for the Caribbean with silver in 2:58.20.
Chambers, who ran the second leg, described the result as one of his most “hurtful” experiences.
“From I have been losing races, this is one of the most hurtful losses I have ever experienced but we came out here as a team, and we fought as a team, but … we didn’t have enough to win,” he said.
“We got the same time as Great Britain, but we just have to accept the result and move on to next year and different targets.”
The time by Jamaica was a season-best.