Natoya Goule-Toppin is one of the most talented and consistent 800m runners but she has struggled to make an impact on the global scene, the World Championships and Olympic Games in particular.
Her long-time coach Mark Elliott believes the Jamaican 800m record holder has all it takes to win a medal this year, at the Tokyo World Championships but has revealed what makes her lag behind reigning world champion Mary Moraa and
Mark Elliott has worked with her since her days at the Louisiana State University (LSU) and knows her inside out. He believes that once the challenges have been addressed, will be the athlete to beat.
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Her best performances at the World Championships are in Doha 2019 where she finished sixth and then finished fifth in Eugene 2022.
“It’s not an obvious technical flaw, and she’s one of the hardest workers you’ll find. But there’s a mental aspect to racing rounds at a championship level—handling the pressure, the expectations, and the weight of proving yourself,” Mark Elliott said in an interview with Sports Max TV.
“She has one of the fastest 400m times among 800m runners, running 51 seconds in the quarter. Only Keely Hodgkinson and Mary Moraa are probably quicker in the 400m. So, it’s not a speed issue—it’s about executing at the right time.”
Kenyan and England international Djed Spence is one of the few bright sparks going on right now for Spurs side that is experiencing a slump in form.
The 33-year-old hopes to finally make a point on the global stage and her coach plans to change the strategy in her season this year.
She has signed withand that will be the main focus of the season. Natoya Goule-Toppin will start her campaign in Kingston, Jamaica from April 4 to 6.
The Jamaican will then compete in Miami, and Philadelphia and then round up her Grand Slam campaign in Los Angeles.
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“She won’t race a lot. She’s expected to run at Grand Slam Track—that will be an early test to see where she is. She’s only run two races this year, but she was sick, so the results don’t reflect where she actually is,” Mark Elliott added.
“She’s never been one to jump around between coaches. She trusts the process, and now it’s just a matter of execution when it counts.”
The Jamaican now eyes redemption at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan and she will be out to stretch to the LA 2028 Olympic Games hoping to make an impact.