Ristananna Trace

AFTER an outstanding high school track-and-field career, Edwin Allen's Ristananna Tracey has decided to continue her track-and-field career on local soil instead of going overseas.

The 2011 female MVP athlete at the ISSA/Grace Boys and Girls' Championships and Penn Relays top relay performer will be heading to the University of Technology (UTech) in September. She is expected to rub shoulders with the likes of Olympic and World Championships 400-metres hurdles gold medallist Melaine Walker and 2010 Diamond League winner in the event, Kaliese Spencer.

Tracey, who will be doing a degree in Sports Management at the Old Hope Road Institution, is looking forward to her new school and believes choosing to study in Jamaica was the right move.

"I think I have made the best decision to stay home. With my multiple talent, going overseas could have been a negative choice. I would not have got the chance to concentrate on the one event I want to do because at the college level overseas, it is about doing all these events in order to get points. In the end, that would have burnt me out," said Tracey, who will be concentrating on the 400-metres hurdles.

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Tracey, following her outstanding performances in the past two years, was at her best this season as she posted outstanding times in the 400 metres, 400-metres hurdles and the 800 metres.

"Talking with my sister Nikita who is on scholarship overseas and some of my other friends also helped me in making the decision to stay home," said Tracey.

Tracey, who will be instructed by top senior coach Stephen Francis who is also the coach of MVP Track & Field Club, is very excited about her future linkage with some of the world's top athletes.

"I know that I will be training with world class athletes but I am prepared for the challenge. I think I am ready for it as working along with these athletes I will be able to push my self. I think I have a lot more in me," she said.

"At Edwin Allen High, I do not think I was pushed hard, so I have a lot in reserve, which will enable me to show my best potential," she continued. Tracey also spoke about her seven years at Edwin Allen.

"It is sad to leave Edwin Allen as that is where it all began, but in life, one has to move on and hopefully I will be able to set the pace for other athletes locally as they will be able to stay," said Tracey.

Her long-time coach, Michael Dyke also spoke about Tracey's decision to stay home instead of going overseas.

"It was the best decision because with her staying home she and the country will benefit as she will not have to think about the rigours of colleges overseas where she has to compete Indoors and Outdoors. She is a special talent and talent like this needs to nurtured."