PICKERING - Perhaps now, the detractors, naysayers and skeptics will melt into the woodwork after Perdita Felicien’s return to form at the 2007 IAAF World Track and Field Championships in Osaka, Japan.
On Wednesday, Aug. 29, just after 9 p.m. Osaka time, the newly minted 27-year-old served notice she’s back and better than ever.
Hoping for a medal of any colour, Felicien delivered a sensational silver on the world stage, signaling she’s back among the world’s best.
She’d probably admit it wasn’t the start she was hoping for, bursting out of the starting block with the third slowest reaction time. She nonetheless gained momentum throughout the race and, at the finish line, almost reeled in gold medallist and defending world champ Michelle Perry of the U.S., who crossed in 12.46 seconds.
Running progressively faster in her 100-metre hurdles heat and semifinal, the two-time Olympian and world champ finished her silver-medal-winning performance in a season’s best time of 12.49.
It was the best birthday present the proud Pickering resident could have asked for.
And, it’s great to see her competitive fire burning brightly once again.
One couldn’t help but pull for Felicien, who was the underdog in Wednesday’s race, just as she was when she lined up against older and more experienced competitors and delivered a gold-medal effort in St. Denis, near Paris, at the 2003 worlds.
She’s endured so much heartache and injuries to get back to this point.
The emotional and physical pain following the catastrophic end to her Olympic dreams at the 2004 Games in Athens was like a millstone around her neck. Heel and leg muscle injuries kept her from performing at the peak of her abilities. And, by her own admission, she needed time and space to get past the self-doubt that creeps into one’s psyche when times get hard.
Felicien can truly claim Wednesday’s silver is the dawning of a new era in her career.
It’s a testament to her courage to get back up after falling down, to her ability to put aside the past and focus on the future, and to her unfailing belief in herself and her abilities.
And, now, Beijing is in her sights.
Felicien’s stated previously nothing will slow her down in her pursuit of a medal in 2008.
“Beijing is something I’m definitely preparing for now. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a while. I am healthy and I have moved beyond Athens. It won’t indicate any future successes or failures. It was just an event that happened. I’ll answer the questions, but the focus will be placed on Beijing. I feel hungry, I feel excited, I feel healthy for the first time in two-and-a-half-to-three years, I have the whole package again.”
Al Rivett’s column appears every third Friday. E-mail arivett@durhamregion.com.
