RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Aug 21, CMC – Saint Lucian jumper Levern Spencer says she is looking forward to the remainder of track and field season despite her “disappointing” outing at the Rio Olympics which ended here Sunday.
The pint-sized 32-year-old finished sixth in the women’s high jump on Saturday to miss out on a medal, after entering the Games with high hopes of reaching the podium.
She cleared 1.88 metres on her second attempt, needed just one jump to clear 1.93 but then stumbled at 1.97 as Spain’s Ruth Beitia took gold.
“I think towards the end my approach was just inconsistent and I think that messed up my whole run in total but other than that I feel good,” said Spencer..
“I just look forward to the end of the season but thank God I finished injury free so I can still do a couple of meets before the season ends.”
Spencer entered the competition with a season-best of 1.95 and a personal best of 1.98, recorded six years ago in Athens.
However, she had been in relatively good form over the last year, winning gold at the Pan American Games in Toronto last year and claiming her first-ever Diamond League victory last May in Shanghai.
Spencer, a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist in Glasgow two years ago, said she had set her sights on a medal in Rio but was still pleased with her accomplishment for Saint Lucia.
“I was expecting to do a lot better than I did. I’ve been training really hard all year for this, I’ve been in really good shape so I’m a little disappointed but I don’t want to be too hard on myself,” Spencer said.
“Just making the final, [I am] the first ever St Lucian to qualify for a final at the Olympics” so it was already a plus but I was looking forward to at least being in contention for a medal but it just didn’t happen on the day.”
She said the support from Saint Lucians had been significant in her Olympic campaign.
“I just want to thank all my supporters. I know my whole nation was tuned to the TV and back home we have a great support team so thanks to everyone for their support and all their prayers.”
Spencer’s countrywoman, JeanelleScheper, failed to reach the final of the high jump after bowing out in the preliminary round.