André Lowe, Special Projects Editor - Sports

Christine Day's time on the clock at last year's Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA)/Supreme Ventures Limited National Senior Championships was 50.16, when she crossed the line in second place in the women's 400m final.

It was a surprising finish for the slim-built MVP Track Club athlete, who had never ran faster in her entire life.

Day, who went on to win a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games a few weeks later pulled another rabbit out of the bag on Sunday afternoon, posting the same time as she out-powered her more fancied club-mate Stephenie-Ann McPherson on the home stretch to win her first national title.

More confident than ever, Day, who is yet to transfer her rising promise into better positions on the major international circuits, says she is ready to show her real potential, adding that Sunday's win could be the catalyst for improved personal fortunes.

Day noted that she was looking to dip below 50 seconds for the first time in her career, but given her improvements, who is to say that won't happen sooner than later?

Some setbacks

"I was looking for a sub-50 seconds time but I'm still grateful for the win. I'm really confident because I had some setbacks earlier in the season so to come back and run my personal best here after two tough rounds, I'm really happy with my performance," said Day, shortly after leading Shericka Jackson, 50.31 and McPherson, 50.49 to the line.

Track confident

"After the semi-final, I was really confident going into the final because I felt really comfortable running the 50.38 that I did, so I went on the track confident that I could win, and that's what I did, and I am very happy about that," added Day.

Day, also believes that the women's 400m in Beijing will be an open affair given the absence of American Sanya Richards-Ross and perhaps Francena McCorory, who finished fourth at the US trials over the weekend, and must wait to see if she gets the third spot if winner Allyson Felix decides not to run the 400m in Beijing.

"The 400m is open and of course I'm not just going there to showcase. I am going there to ensure that I earn a medal and I am really working hard and looking forward for that," Day noted. "This is a different year and we won't say everything in the public but once I remain healthy, this year will be very good and you can expect a difference this season."