By Anthony Foster, Freelance WriterSPRING HURDLER Brigitte Foster is looking forward to giving Jamaica its first gold medal in that event at next year's Olympics in Athens, Greece. Foster, who returned to island two weeks after her unlucky second place finish behind Canada's Perdita Felicien at the World Championships in Paris, France, says next year will be "special".
"It's a big year for me I think its going to be a different year and a special year in my life," Foster, who holds a degree in Communication from Texas State University, told The Gleaner in an exclusive interview.
"The Olympics is the ultimate thing next season," the national record holder, with a personal best time of 12.45 seconds, said.
Foster, the fastest woman in the obstacle event this year, has her eyes set on winning gold in Greece.
Asked about her aim, she replied: "Gold, of course, gold, of course, I am going for the gold. I still believe I am one of the best hurdlers out there and I am going for the gold," the 2000 Olympic finalist added.
Foster is currently training with a number of other top local athletes under the guidance of well-known coach Stephen Francis at the University of Technology (UTech).
PARIS MISTAKES
Regarding her second place finish in Paris this year, Foster said, "The start in Paris, yes, I made a few mistakes. The biggest 'no-no' in sprinting is not to move in the set position. Once the starter says 'set' you hold that set, but I pulled off a big no-no, I rocked back in the set position and when I rocked back the gun went.
"That's something I learnt from and I am sure it won't happen again because whenever I go on my set I am going to remember that expensive mistake. But it's just one of those things," she remarked.
However, she added quickly: "Due to the circumstances, I did my best. I am the World Championships silver medallist and I am proud of that and I am enjoying my silver medal for this year."
The 2003 Pan American Games champion also picked up a hamstring injury while anchoring Jamaica's sprint relay team later at the World Champs, but she explained that is now better as "... I stayed back in Europe and rehabilitated my sick hamstring."
Foster, who celebrated her 29th birthday last Friday, said she has got over those mishaps.
