Ferguson-McKenzie Gears up for London 2012, Excited about Young Bahamian Talent

“My speed is not there as yet, but I am not worried about that because the program that coach Bauman [Lance] has us on, you get stronger and faster as the season goes on,” said Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie. She continues, “so far, I am where I need to be. I have been working on my speed. Eventually, I need to put together the other pieces of the puzzle, then go out there to compete. As the season progresses, my time will drop.” Ferguson-McKenzie, a member of the Bahamian Golden Girls relay squad is aiming to compete in her 5^th Olympic Games in London 2012. Due to minor health reason, Ferguson-McKenzie has opted to bypass the 2012 Penn Relays Festival this weekend (April 26-28). She is scheduled to compete at the Jamaica International Invitational on May 5^th. Excited about Miller and Strachan: Despite missing the Penn Relays and a chance to compete with her Bahamian teammates, Ferguson-McKenzie is very excited about the young talent of Anthonique Strachan (pronounced strawn) and Shaunae Miller. Commenting on Strachan’s ability, Ferguson-McKenzie said “When you see what she is doing right now, breaking VCB [Veronica Campbell-Brown] record twice. She is amazing, she is awesome. She is running very well and doing very well, I am so proud of her.” Strachan ran a personal best 22.85 seconds to capture the Under-20 200m title at 2012 Carifta Games in Hamilton, Bermuda earlier this month. Ferguson-McKenzie is also impressed with 18 year old Shaunae Miller who has a personal best and junior world-leading 22.70 seconds in the 200m. “She is amazing, she is really good, she is amazing.” said Ferguson-McKenzie. Also added to the mix is 22 year old Sheniqua “Q” Ferguson (no relation to Ferguson-McKenzie), who is in recent fine form under the guidance of Henry Rolle.  In recent weeks, “Q” clocked a personal best and world-leading 11.07 seconds in the 100m and has a season best 22.64 in the 200m.  On the Jamaica Invitational on May 5^th   “It’s always a fantastic meet” said Ferguson-McKenzie who said she has been competing at the Jamaican Invitational every year since it started. “I like competing there because of the Diamond League quality competition, the best of the best is there, the atmosphere is great and the crowd is always spectacular.” Ferguson-McKenzie who is scheduled to compete in the 200m said “I pray that I am 100% healthy and to compete and run a decent and respectable time.”