Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
( left - right ) DIXON and STODDART
HURDLERS SHEVON Stoddart and Vonette Dixon are in high sprits ahead of tomorrow's start of the Supreme Ventures/National Athletics Championships at the National Stadium.
Dixon, the Commonwealth Games 100m hurdles silver medallist, faces a tough field starting on Sunday with the heats.
She is aware of the field's class and believes everyone is at the top of their game.
"Everybody is running well and it's going to be hard, of course," Dixon said.
"I just have to go in the race and stay focused as my goal is the top three," said Dixon, who won silver at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in England behind Lacena Golding-Clarke.
Dixon is expected to face reigning national champion Delloreen Ennis-London, Golding-Clarke, who was fourth at the Olympic Games, national record holder Brigitte Foster-Hylton, Michelle Freeman and Andrea Bliss.
Despite her form this season, Dixon, who is the sixth fastest, could click at the right time and secure a top three spot.
"Everything is coming together now and I am happy," she said.
Her best time this season is 12.91, this is behind Ennis-London (12.60), Golding-Clarke (12.72), Foster-Hylton (12.76), Freeman (12.84) and Bliss (12.85).
Dixon said she overworked herself on the indoor circuit.
"I ran so many races indoors and it kind of slow me down a little bit especially in my speed work, but I am fine now," she explained.
Meanwhile, Stoddart, the fastest over the one-lap obstacle event this season, also believes she is in good shape.
She said she has been training hard after just finishing her NCAA career.
"I am in good shape coming into the meet and I am just going to do my best," she said. Her best time this season is 54.47, which gave her second at NCAA champs.
"Coming off a 54.4, running out of lane eight at Nationals (NCAA), I feel like I am in good condition. I have been rested and I am running my best here ... I can definitely better my time - maybe to a 53 seconds."
The 22-year-old athlete said last year's Olympic experience had helped her a lot.
"That helped me because it allowed me to see where my potential is," she said.
