Bailey-Cole eases into post-injury return

April 14, 2016
@Normal:Kemar Bailey-Cole

Kemar Bailey-Cole isn't putting any pressure on himself as the Rio Olympic Games approaches.

Instead, the 2014 Commonwealth 100 metre champion is focused on a gradual return to full speed after an injury forced him out of last year's World Championships in Beijing, China. He will be paying attention to the mental aspect of recovery.

Although only three men can earn the right to run the 100 metres for Jamaica in Rio, the 6"4' speedster isn't worried when he looks forward to the National Senior Championships in June.

"I'm not putting any pressure on myself," he said at the Seniors Link-Up meet held inside the Stadium East, recently.

"I'm just going out there to make the final," the 2013 World, Championship 100m finalist revealed.

Unlike at the Worlds, where defending champions have a reserved wild card entry, giving their countries four possible spots, the number of competitors from countries in individual Olympic athletics events is three.

Bailey-Cole was surging to the finish at the London Anniversary Games last year when he tore a hamstring muscle.

Though he set a personal best 9.92 seconds, his season ended soon after. The 24-year-old has said his recovery is going well.

"It's just the mental part of the training now, is to get back on track."

He particpated at the recent UWI Invitational in the 400m, an effort he labelled as a test. That was part as a gradual build up to top speed running.

"The hamstring tear, everything is healed so far," he said, admitting, "I still have a little fear in me."

His 52.13 second run at UWI helped him mentally. "It was hard, but I got over it," he said.

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