Tamsyn targets world hurdles E-mail
By JIM WILSON
The Advertiser
May 15, 2009

A REJUVENATED Tamsyn Lewis is leaning towards the 400m hurdles for the world championships in Berlin less than six months since her race debut in the event.

Lewis last night confirmed she's more than likely to opt for the 400m hurdles at the August world titles which may see her line up against arch rival and dual world champion Jana Rawlinson.

While Lewis is flying on the track after a successful trip to Japan last week, Rawlinson remains in doubt for the world titles in Berlin in mid August.

Rawlinson has returned to the training track after 12 months of frustration due to toe and ankle complaints.

Lewis has qualified for the 400m and 400m hurdles in Berlin and will also be a key member of the Australian 4400m relay team which qualified for the world championships in Japan last weekend.

If she's fit, Rawlinson will join Lewis in the relay in their first outing since that controversial relay win at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games three years ago.

"I hope Jana is fit and racing because she brings out the competitive best in me and the prospect of taking her on is of huge appeal," Lewis said. "You want to race the best and I have enormous respect of what she's achieved on the track. Jana is a tough competitor and has won two world titles."

Lewis will run in the Golden League meeting 400m in Oslo on July 3.

Her first hitout in the hurdles will come a week later in Spain a month before the world championships begin in Berlin.

Lewis is also thrilled at Australia qualifying a 4400m relay squad for the world titles.

The team won gold in Melbourne after the English team was disqualified.

There was friction between Lewis and Rawlinson over who was responsible for lodging a protest against the English team.

It's understood Rawlinson, as team captain, lodged the protest but denied any involvement when quizzed by the English team. It is also believed Rawlinson wrote a personal letter of apology to British athletes again denying any wrong doing on her behalf and pointed the finger at Lewis.