Jamaican Quarter-miler Stephenie-Ann McPherson is insisting that she did have a slight injury concern ahead of the women’s 4×400 meters relay final, but said that she felt ready to compete in the event at the IAAF World Championships in London.
Jamaican technical director, Don Quarrie, reported after the fateful race that McPherson along with her Jamaican and MVP teammate, Shericka Jackson were involved in a disgraceful bust up with he had to physically quell during a prior relay team meeting.
Quarrie said after the meeting he was informed by McPherson’s coach and a team doctor that she had an injury and would not be able to perform up to par. She was withdrawn from the line-up and was eventually replaced by Anneisha McLaughlin-Whilby, who pulled up injured on the second leg.
But McPherson, who returned to Jamaica on Monday, said she was not involved in any physical altercation as no blows were exchanged. She did, however, admit that there was a heated argument with a team member over team gear. She said members of the relay team wanted her to compete in an outfit that was too large for her.
The incident has drawn the ire of Jamaica’s track and field fans and has sparked calls for strong disciplinary action to be taken against the athletes involved.
