Lewisham's athletics star Daryll Neita believes she can top the world's women 100m rankings next year, writes Ziad Chaudry.
The super-confident 22-year-old completed her 2018 campaign with a fourth place 11.24sec finish in women's 100m at ISTAF IAAF World Challenge event last Sunday at Olympic Stadium, Berlin, Germany.
Ivory Coast's recently crowned African 100m & 200m champion Marie-Josée Ta Lou won in 11.08, followed by Michelle-Lee Ahye of Trinidad & Tobago (11.13) and German favourite Gina Lückenkemper (11.18).
Neita, who helped Team GB claim sprint relay gold at the very same stadium last month, reviewed her 2018 campaign and is looking forward to doing great things next year: "It's just been one of those seasons but it's a lot of reviewing and reflecting," she said. "I've got two really big years coming up and I'm aiming to medal at the worlds and Olympics.
"I'm going into next season with a fresh start. I'm vying for the number one position in the world. That's what I'm going for and I'm that confident. I have to be or else I won't be doing it. I'm here to be the best."
Also in the German capital Blackheath & Bromley AC's Shannon Hylton is determined to have an injury free and successful 2019 campaign after ending her injury-plagued season with second place 11.62 in the women's 100m C race, won by fellow Brit Jodie Williams (11.57).
"I wanted to end in a high obviously it wasn't what I wanted to have done but it is what it is," said Chislehurst-born Shannon. "I just know what I've got to do for next season."
"I've had my injuries and it's been hard but everyone said if there was a year to have a big injury then it was this year so I just have to get a lot stronger in the gym and hope to stay injury free next year and beyond."
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