Nickel Ashmeade

Daegu, South Korea:

Fast-rising sprinter Nickel Ashmeade can hardly wait to get his IAAF World Championships in Athletics campaign off the ground, and though he has quite a wait before he faces the starter here in Daegu, South Korea, he is already champing at the bits to test himself against the world's best.

Ashmeade, the second fastest man this year with 19.95, is beaming over his selection to the Jamaican team and is hoping that he will be able to deliver on the immense promise that he has shown over the past few months.

"It feels really good to make the team," said Ashmeade, "knowing that I have worked hard for it."

"Going into the World Championships, it is up to me to know that this is where it all counts, this is where it all matters and all I have to do is go out there when the time comes and leave everything on the track," Ashmeade said.

"Competing at this big stage is great, because it gives me the chance to see how well I can manage against other talented athletes too," he added.

The IAAF World Youth Championships 100m silver medalist and 200m bronze medalist from 2005 and 2006 IAAF World Junior Championships 200m silver medalist is, however, looking to do a bit more than merely compete and is confident that he can make his efforts over the past season count.

"My ultimate ambition is that I can be number one because these are the words I live by: 'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measures," said the philosophical-sounding Ashmeade.

"What always gives me the extra drive is knowing that I have worked and trained hard, so I should make it count in Daegu," stated the former St Jago High student.

"Also knowing that my family is always wanting me to do well, and others too, also helps me to give my best to get the job done," he added.

"It always feels good to know that people are supporting you, and are recognising your talent, and also all that you have been doing for over the past couple years. It's just for me to continue doing what I am doing and also inspire others too," Ashmeade said.