Ashley Kelly Fifth in NACAC U23 Championships 400m Final

Ashley Kelly get out in the 400m final

IRAPUATO, Mexico, July 8—Ashley Kelly was fifth in the in the NACAC Championships U23 Championships 400m this evening, in the competition being held in Irapuato, Mexico, that wraps up on Sunday.

Kelly, running from lane 7, ran strongly through the first 250m before those on the inside corridors began making their move. She fought back to finish in 53.35 seconds. The time did not improve on her 52.77 season’s best nor put her in range of qualifying for the London Olympic Games.

“In the semi I was real relax and just trying to get to the next round because I know I had to run fast,” said Kelly who advanced with a 53.56 seconds time. “Today I didn't get out like normal. I felt like I second guessed to be safe and it backfired on me. But I am over it, looking forward to giving my all in the 200m” she said of Sunday’s race which will also see Britney Wattley in action.

 “The best thing about the 200 is you don't have to do a whole lot of strategizing based on wind and stuff. So I'm excited ,” she said. “My coach said go for it, you have nothing to lose and you have in it you. So I'm just going to rest and give it my all.”

Keron Stoute will also be seeing action in the High Jump competition during Sunday’s final day of action.