From left: Merfelin Spencer, mother of Kaliese Spencer, along with her daughter Kadisha Spencer and son-in-law Juan Wright could not remain in their seats as they watched the final of the 400 metres hurdles for women. - Photo by Tashieka Mair

WESTERN BUREAU:

Despite her failure to cop a medal in the 400-metre hurdles final, the family members of 22-year-old Kaliese Spencer, who ran a personal-best time to earn fourth place, were elated at what they say was a "good performance".

Kaliese's mother, Merfelin Spencer, sister Kadisha and brother-in-law Juan Wright, who watched the race at their home in Catherine Mount, St James, rose to their feet on the sound of the gun, which signalled the start of the race, and cheered even after they realised that Spencer would not have a place on the medal podium.

Despite their disappointment, they were still happy that this was her best performance yet in what was her second World Championships.

Her best

Kadisha said that the fact that her sister is now the fourth fastest woman in the world is an indication that she had done her best.

"She barely missed out on the bronze but she ran a really good race," Kadisha said.

"I think after this we can expect a much better performance from her in other games," she added.

Mother, Merfelin, said her daughter did exactly what she said she would when they spoke hours before the race.

"She was relaxed and said she would go out there and just do her best and I really think she did today. It's just a pity she was not able to medal but I am still so proud of her," she said.

"She has always said her desire is to reach the Olympics, but she never got there, but she's in World Championships and I think that's a great accomplishment for her."

School sports performances

Keliese, who was raised in Darliston, Westmoreland, is a past student of The Manning's School. Her talent as an athlete started to show when she was attending Ensfield Primary School where she would always perform well at the school's sport days.

She is currently studying childcare at the University of the Technology and is coached by Stephen Francis, who also coaches former record-holder Asafa Powell and gold medallist in the 100m hurdles, Brigitte Foster-Hylton. She was the world junior champion in 2006 at Beijing.