LEIGHTON LEVY, STAR Writer

A puzzled Ricardo Chambers spoke to STAR Sports yesterday after Jamaica's team to the World Athletics Championships in Beijing was announced and his name was not on it.

Chambers, who has a season's best time of 44.93s set during the semi-finals of the NACAC Senior Championships in Costa Rica, was expecting to be a member of the mile-relay team in Beijing.

He finished third at the National Championships in June, but was disqualified because of a lane violation.

Still, he believed his performance in Costa Rica where he won bronze in finals in 45.27, would have ensured him a spot on the team.

"I am really puzzled. Because of my performances during the last part of this season, I would have assumed that I would have been selected for the 4x400m," he said.

Election committee

"I know that I was disqualified at the national trials for stepping on the line, but according to the rules, the first three are selected but the next two are at the discretion of the selection committee so I am not sure."

"Up to a few days ago, in my mind I was going to the World Championships based on my performances. After the team was selected and they had the addition with the NACAC guys and I wasn't on the team, I was very disappointed because at this time, Jamaica has a really good chance at a medal in the 4x400m and if I was on the team, based on my performance, we would have a really good chance at a medal."

He said that not being selected has only served to fire him up for next season when Jamaica will be sending a team to the OIympics.

"It gives me more motivation. Every single time I step on the track next season, I am going to remember that I need to win the trials to make sure that I guarantee my spot on the team to Rio," he said.