Jamaican 400m athlete Rusheen McDonald is setting his sights on more than just victory — he’s looking to redefine his limits and break his own national record. As the World Championships in Tokyo approach this September, McDonald is determined to secure his place on the Jamaican team, not as a relay runner, but as an individual contender in the 400m.
Kicking off his season at the Gibson McCook Relays at the National Stadium this past Saturday, McDonald secured a win in the Men’s 400m with a time of 45.53 seconds. While the performance was solid, McDonald has his eyes on surpassing the Jamaican 400m record he currently holds: 43.93 seconds.
“I’m aiming to take that individual spot at the World Championships,” McDonald shared. “I’ve been a part of the relay team for years, and now it’s time to focus on my own race. I’m not just defending my record — I want to break it again.”
While his season opener was promising, McDonald admitted that it didn’t reflect his peak performance. “I wasn’t at my full potential today,” he revealed. “I had some cramping, and the wait before the race was long. But finishing the race healthy is what matters at this point, so I’m satisfied.”
This year, McDonald is focused on consistent progress, with an emphasis on refining his technique rather than chasing times. “My training is going well, and I’m just focused on improving with each race,” he said. “I’m not obsessed with the clock. I just want to get better and perform when it matters.”
For McDonald, mental preparation is just as important as physical training, and he draws inspiration from those around him. “Being around athletes like Rasheed Broadbell really keeps me motivated. The people in my circle push me to work harder every day,” he added.
Though McDonald’s plans for the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, remain unclear, he is keeping his eyes on the bigger picture — Tokyo and a chance to prove he’s ready to take his place among the world’s best. With his sights set on breaking barriers, McDonald is gearing up for a season that could define the rest of his career.
