Murielle Ahoure Looking Forward To Jamaican Energy

Murielle Ahoure has given Ivorians something else to care about besides football; her meteoric rise in the 100m and 200m and her national record breaking performances at the 2012 London Olympic Games, where she made both finals, catapulting her to national and international recognition.

"It's just mind-blowing, everyone has been telling me that they have never seen anything like this and for the first time ever, the world didn't revolve around football and it was all about track in my country. It was the first time that everyone stopped and watched track and field. It's unbelievable and (has) changed my life," Ahoure recounted.

Ahoure, who will line up beside local girl Veronica Campbell-Brown, American Allyson Felix and Trinidad and Tobago's Kelly-Ann Baptiste in the 100m at tomorrow's Jamaica International Invitational inside the National Stadium, seems intent on disrupting the female sprinting hierarchy - starting with her first outing on Jamaican soil.

"I am very excited and I am just thrilled to be here. I am training hard and I want to see what I have in store for the 100m this year, but I feel great and I am happy to be here," Ahoure told The Gleaner yesterday. "I can't wait to feel the energy inside the stadium. I have always heard the horns and screams when I watch the meet on YouTube and it's gonna be cool and I'm hoping to feel some of that energy."

She and her mother will both be looking forward to some of that energy as 'Mommy Murielle' Chantal Doue will also be in the stands cheering on her daughter - or will she?

"She is very supportive, but she normally covers her eyes when I race and pray a lot. That's how she experiences my races, but she will do all the screaming afterwards," Ahoure laughed.

The 25-year-old is certainly in bright spirits these days and why shouldn't she be, with her 6.99 seconds 60m clocking being the fastest time on the indoor circuit this year.

"I am really excited, everything is happening so fast," she beamed.


(jamaica-gleaner.com)