Cole’s resurgence steady – Stewart

Veteran coach Okeile Stewart says former World Under-20 100-metre silver medallist Serena Cole is steadily rebuilding her form and is encouraged by the progress she has shown this season.

Cole, now in her third year as a professional, is working with Stewart for the first time after making the move from the MVP Track Club at the end of last season. Stewart, head coach of the Swept Track and Field Club, said the change has sparked renewed focus in the talented sprinter.

He noted that Cole has been putting in consistent work as she aims to return to the level that made her a top-class junior sprinter.

“She is working, and we are hoping that she will be better than she has ever been this year,” Stewart said. “I am pleased with her efforts and we continue to work.”

According to Stewart, the focus has been on sharpening her strengths as a short sprinter while using a variety of training methods to help her take the next step.

“She has always been a short sprinter and we will use whatever measures we need to get the job done. So far, she is challenging herself. Just like any other athlete, everybody has their ups and downs, but she is focused on getting to the next level,” he said.

Cole owns a personal best of 11.13 seconds in the 100 metres and has also demonstrated her versatility with a long jump best of 6.36 metres. During her junior career, she was a key member of Jamaica’s sprint relay squads that produced World Under-20 record performances in 2021 and 2022.

Those relay teams featured her former Edwin Allen High School teammates Tina and Tia Clayton, both of whom now train at MVP. Tina Clayton recently secured a silver medal in the women’s 100 metres at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Stewart noted that Cole remains highly motivated by the achievements of her peers and is determined to re-establish herself among the elite ranks. He added that the training environment at Swept, which also includes World Under-20 400m hurdles record holder Roshawn Clarke, has created a competitive atmosphere that is pushing her forward.