Posted by By Ricardo Chambers
Kingston – World Championship Decathlon silver medalist, Maurice Smith, says his aim is to win the event at the Berlin World Championships in August.
Smith registered a national record 8644 points to take the silver medal at the last edition in Osaka 2007, but says he wants to go all the way this time around, especially seeing Olympic champion, Bryan Clay, of the USA will be absent from the event.
“He is one of the best out there and has been so for the past couple of years and not having him there may make it easier for me, but I like the competition and regardless of whether he is there or not I am ready to compete, as I plan on winning”.
The 2007 Pan American Games champion seems to have taken much confidence from his win over the reigning World Champion, Roman Sebrle in the Czech Republic on June 24. Smith who scored a season best 8157 admitted that the win was a major confidence booster. “He is the world record holder and beating him says something.”
He added “It was really cold and rainy conditions but I was able to stay strong and win so it has given me motivation knowing I have already beaten him going into Berlin.”
The 28 year old says he is not pressured going into the August event despite being the defending silver medalist after missing out on a medal at the Olympic Games last year.
“I think just my presence out there says something to the other decathletes so I am definitely going to defend my silver medal or better.” Smith competed at the Jamaican Championships (June 26-28) where he threw 47.63 metres for third in the Discus Throw – the lone event he contested at the meet.
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We really need our athletes to continue winning medals in events other than sprinting. There is so much more talent we could capture if the young ones are sufficiently motivated by examples. I hope coaches are opening their minds to this possibility.
You have my support Mr. Smith. “Gwaan wid your dinner plate”.