Tonique Williams-Darling hopes
to take home the 400m gold for
the Bahamas.
Already a world champion in 2005, and an Olympic gold medalist in 2004, Tonique Williams-Darling from the Bahamas has her eyes on a win in the 400m final.
The 30 year old is looking to stamp her dominance in the 400m following the retirements of French sprinter Marie-Jose Perec and Australian Cathy Freeman.
“I think I have to get as many (titles) as possible now because I’m not as young as some of the others out there,” Williams-Darling said.
“Right now I’m hot, I’m healthy, I’m training well, so this is the time to go after whatever title there is out there.”
Williams-Darling’s main competition in the sport is from new young star Sanya Richards from the USA. However, without the American competing at the Games, Williams-Darling is full of confidence for next week’s race.
Other sprinters to watch out for in the 400m will be Williams-Darling's team mate Christine Amertil, and Novlene Williams from Jamaica who won a bronze medal at the Athens Olympics in the 4 x 400m Relay.
Williams-Darling says she is ready for the Games and is aiming to break her personal best time of 49.07 seconds. However, she admits there were some issues in preparing to run fast so early in the year.
“I’m the type of person who likes to take her time getting into shape. I was a little bit worried about the mileage that I’ve gained over the last few years competing so hard and trying to get ready so quickly. The challenge and the temptation for another medal got me out to Melbourne - and I’m happy I came because I feel like I'm in 49 (second) shape right now."
Williams-Darling will be ready in the starting blocks saying “I’m not an athlete who needs 10, 15 races just to have a good run. I have one chance and that’s when I have to do it.”
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