The usual fanfare surrounding our athletic performances at the World Championships, in Berlin was noticeably missing from the hometown of Olympic Champion Veronica Campbell-Brown.

Persons in the rural community of Clarke's Town, Trelawny, yesterday gathered in small groups to watch their own sprint queen take to the tracks in pursuit of her first gold medal in the women's 200m at the World Championships in Athletics. The scenes were devoid of the usual hype and celebrations.

Brother, Errol Campbell, who sat with bated breath as he watched each stride from his sister, expressed his disappointment with her run saying, "This is not one of her best runs".

Disappointed

"Yes, I am disappointed because I wanted her to take the gold. She is a very good athlete, she got the silver, but I wanted her to get gold. I hope that there will be another 200m with her (Allyson Felix) so we can challenge the American and dominate the race, too," he told The Gleaner. Campbell-Brown clocked 22.35 seconds.

He, however, conceded that she had done her best considering the fact that the two-time Olympic 200m champion has been hampered this season by injuries and possibly, could not find the extra gear needed to edge race favourite Allyson Felix, who clocked 22.02 seconds.

Recuperating from injuries

"She is just recuperating from the injuries this season, because the time that she ran is slower than her race times, but I am satisfied with her running. It is just that I wanted her to get a gold," her concerned brother remarked.

However, dad, Cecil Campbell, did not get a chance to watch the race with his son at home as he was stuck in Falmouth and unable to get transportation to head back home.

In a telephone interview, he told The Gleaner, "She did the best she could do. A suh race guh. Sometimes, a nuh everyting she (a) go win. Wi give God thanks for what she accomplish".