Wilson

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana (CMC):

Jamaican hurdler Nickiesha Wilson has decided to give up her collegiate eligibility and turn pro, following her outing at the Beijing Olympics.

Wilson, a semi-finalist in the 400 metres hurdles at the just concluded Olympics in China, made the announcement yesterday after returning to Baton Rouge from the Games.

"I wouldn't trade my experience at LSU for anything," Wilson, in her final year at Louisiana State University, said. "I owe everything I am today to coach (Dennis) Shaver, coach Debbie (Parris-Thymes) and this programme.

"I've learned so much these last two years and I know that I wouldn't have this opportunity without them. This is definitely a programme that has allowed me to reach the goals I've set for myself.

"Even though I will be leaving LSU, I'm very excited about starting a career in this sport. It is my passion. I just feel so blessed to be in this position and I can't thank my coaches and teammates enough for all of the support they've given me. I will always be a Lady Tiger in my heart."

Battle

Wilson was dominant at the collegiate level, winning three NCAA titles, including last season's exciting battle with Nicole Leach for the 400 metres hurdles title.

She also finished with 10 All-America honours, with personal bests of 53.97 seconds for the 400 metres hurdles and 12.85 seconds for the 100 metres hurdles.

Wilson said she was pleased to break the 54 seconds barrier in the 400m hurdles at the World Championship in Osaka last summer where she finished fourth, but was more proud of the 12.85 which was achieved in a Lady Tigers uniform.

"I think I'm more proud of that (12.85 secs) than anything else. It makes me feel really good to know I helped LSU win a national championship and kind of leave my mark on the programme," she explained.

"I knew when I came here that LSU has had many great athletes come through here in the past and I just wanted to live up to their legacy. I feel like we did that as a team this year."

The 22-year-old will now take the rest of the season off before starting her preparation for next year's IAAF World Champion-ships in Berlin, Germany.