Hansle Parchment "I tried to maintain my fitness by doing a lot of swimming and weights training that did not put pressure on my leg"

Hansle Parchment’s performance at the recently concluded Jamaica Olympic Trials (24-27 June) was one of the pleasant surprises. The London 2012 Olympics bronze medallist started his 2021 campaign positively before a turn of events almost placed him on the sidelines.

Parchment after opening his season on 11 June was scarcely seen afterwards, except as a GraceKennedy ambassador in TV commercials. His form coming into the JAAA National Senior Championships was unknown until his semi-final victory in 13.19 seconds gave an indication of his readiness.

In the final, the 6ft 5-inch athlete not known for his start was in contention from early. He remained competitive throughout the contest with eventual winner Ronald Levy before the fast-finishing Damion Thomas Jnr, from lane eight, rushed by him at the wire.

“It’s been a tough season,” said Parchment.

“It started out well and I was in line to run really fast before I got a stress fracture in my foot which took me out for a while. Nevertheless, I tried to maintain my fitness by doing a lot of swimming and weights training that did not put pressure on my leg.

“I am about 85% of where I want to be, but I am thankful for today’s time (13.16), I still have some improvements to make in terms of my technique and better execution, which will me make run faster.”

Ronald Levy won the event in 13.10 ahead of World U20 champion Damion Thomas, 13.11.

The international multi-sport event is scheduled to be held from 23 July to 8 August 2021 in Tokyo, Japan

Previous articleNoah Lyles turns the table on Erriyon Knighton at US Olympic trials
Next articleWorld Athletics searching for replacement city for 2022 World Race Walking Team Championships
blank
Noel Francis is without doubt one of the most naturally gifted track & field writers in Jamaica. His passionate, creative, informative and engaging writing style has been recognised and enjoyed worldwide. He started out writing several articles with trackalerts.com in 2013 and his marketability soared with a number of his stories being featured on the US based Track and Field News – The Bible of the Sport. He is now the IAAF correspondent in Jamaica and a regular contributor for the Florida based high school track website Dyestatfl.com. Noel has a first degree in Banking & Finance and works as a Treasury Officer in the financial industry.