From Jamaica Observer

Grenada’s 2012 Olympic champion Kirani James received his awards from Dr Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica National Group’s chief marketing and business development and research officer, after winning the Men’s 400-metre race at the JN Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday, setting a new meet record of 44.35 seconds in the process.

After the race, James said he was “trying to improve my health and preparation day by day. It’s just a blessing to be here and competing… I am just getting back to racing after a year and some months and trying to stay focused and determined.”

James produced a final burst to beat Fred Kerley of the United States by 100th of a second.

The impressive showing came one day after James announced that he has Graves disease, an immune system disorder resulting in an overproduction of thyroid hormones.

The 24-year-old James came from behind with about 40 metres remaining to catch Kerley who got off to a fast start.

The Grenadian, who won gold and silver at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, had announced in a pre-meet press conference Friday that he was suffering from the disease.

“I found out I had Graves disease and for people who don’t know what that’s about, it’s a disease that affects your thyroid.

“It’s been a long road, so I am just glad to be back. And I just want to thank the Racers Grand Prix for inviting me and giving me an opportunity to come back and open up to see where I am at. I am just happy to be back,” he said.

IMAGE: Grenada’s 2012 Olympic champion Kirani James receives his awards from Dr Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica National Group’s chief marketing and business development and research officer

For more on this story go to: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/-i-m-trying-to-improve-my-health-and-preparation-day-by-day-says-james_135520