Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer

WILLIAMS-MILLS - File

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS bronze medallist Novlene Williams-Mills failed to reach the finals of the 400 metres at the Beijing Olympics this summer, but believes she is still an elite athlete.

"I am still a great athlete," said Williams-Mills, who pocketed a bronze medal in the Olympic 1600m relay. "These things (disappointments) do happen (in life)," she pointed out.

Williams-Mills, who bowed out in the semi-finals in Beijing with a 51.06 run, had earlier lost her national crown to new kid on the block, Rosemarie White, at the Jamaica trials in June. She also failed to break the 50-second barrier, a feat she achieved twice in 2007. Her fastest time this year was 50.11.

Personal best

"It was a disappointing one (year) for me, but at the same time, I have to give God thanks because things could have been worse," said Williams-Mills, who has a personal best of 49.53, achieved in 2006.

Although she opted against acquiring the services of a new coach after the death of Tom Jones, her former coach in March 2007, Williams-Mills said that was a factor in her below-par performances.

"Losing my coach in 2007 was one of the hardest things for me," she explained, while saying it was not wise at the time to get a new coach.

New coach.

She said, however, at the time "to find someone to trust was kind of hard", though she added, "I did have some guidance throughout the season, but at times, not having a coach there was kind of a factor for me."

She felt with the World Champion-ships in Osaka last year August and this summer's Olympics in Beijing, it was not the best time to get a new coach.

With next year's World Champion-ships in Berlin beckoning, Williams-Mills is now coach-hunting.

"Coming up next year, I am going to find a coach and hopefully I will have a good season," she said.