Sherone Simpson

2008 Olympic silver medallist Sherone Simpson left the island on Tuesday en route to Shanghai, China, where she is opening her Diamond League season on May 15. She left brimming with confidence that this could be her best season since 2006.

Simpson finished third in the 100-metre sprint at last weekend's Jamaica National Jamaica Invitational. Her time of 11.07s was well off Carmelita Jeter's winning time of 10.86s, but she knows that it is just a matter of time before she hits the type of form that made her the world's number one sprinter five years and two knee surgeries ago. "It was amazing. I think the first part was good but the last part wasn't, but I am happy," she said while still breathless from the sprint and the resulting excitement. "It was a fast opener so I am happy."

much stronger

With her twice surgically repaired knee now stable, the soon-to-be 27-year-old sprinter has been working hard to stay on par with the world's elite female sprinters, including training partner Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the reigning World and Olympic 100-metre champion.

A key part of her preparation included getting much stronger and working on improving her start. She is also noticeably a little bigger. "Oh yes, I am bigger and lots, lots, lots stronger," she reveals with a laugh. The weight gain - approximately 10 pounds - has manifested in Simpson sporting bigger shoulders this season. She attributes this to the much greater focus she has put on being more powerful for the short sprint. This has meant working even harder than she usually does in the gym.

crucial element

She has also made gains in improving on her start, a crucial element in gaining advantage in the short sprint that at the very elite level ends in under 11-seconds. She also reveals that she has seen significant improvement in getting out of the blocks. Some sources say her improved start has had her matching strides with those of Fraser-Pryce whose legendary starts have helped earn her two major titles and a national record to boot. Simpson modestly confirms saying, 'It has been going well. I am right there."

In Shanghai, she will get the chance to work on those parts of her race that she needs to sharpen as she prepares for what is expected to be keenly contested national championships come this June. After Shanghai, Simpson competes again on June 4 at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, and on June 11 in New York at the Adidas Classic before she hones in on the nationals at the end the month. According to the 2006 Commonwealth Games champion, she can't wait. "I am so very excited about this season," she declared.