Janeil Bellille Athletics – Track (400m Hurdles)

Bellille, 27, said she is more confident on this occasion after doing psychological work between the 2012 Olympics and the 2016 Olympics. She said, “the first one (Olympics) I was so scared, but this time I am going in with a more calm head so I am more relaxed and looking forward to it.” Bellille is one of four hurdlers on the team along with Mikel Thomas (men’s 110m), Sparkle McKnight (women’s 400m) and Jehue Gordon, who won gold in the men’s 400m hurdles at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow.

Bellille, who attended Texas A&M University from 2010-2014 added, “Mentally I was messed up (at the last Olympics) because I was so scared. Olympics is a big thing so going into it I was scared and I did not run as good as I wanted to but I’m ready this time.” At the 2012 Games, Bellille finished seventh in 57.27 seconds in heat four of round one which was not good enough to advance to the semifinals. More is expected from Bellille after she ran 56.11 to win the women’s 400m hurdles at the NGC/Sagicor NAAA National Open Championships in June.

Bellille believes that one of her keys to success is to stay healthy. “The most important thing is to stay healthy for me. I am going there with a positive mindset, I am going to go through the rounds and make it to the final.” Asked whether she is focusing on making a personal best time or medalling she said, “going to the Olympics the goal is always to medal. I am hoping for the best and I will push myself and leave everything on the track and medalling will come if everything goes well.” Bellille ran a personal best time of 55.41 in 2014.