Richards planning to go the distance

While winning an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships bronze medal is nothing to scoff at, O'Dayne Richards said the distance he threw in winning Jamaica's first shot put medal at the global showpiece fell short of his intended best of 22 metres.

Richards registered a national record and personal best, 21.69m, to win medals at the Pan Am Games in Toronto, Canada, and World Championships in Beijing.

"Hopefully, I can go a lot better, most people don't know but, last year, despite getting a medal, it was a little bit disappointing.

"I had a goal to go 22 metres, and I did not achieve that, so there is some disappointment there, but I am still grateful for the fact that I got a medal. maybe this is a learning experience where I learn to come with disappointments, bounce back and do a lot better," he told STAR Sports.

Richards said his approach is getting a good performance on the day. Whether 22 comes soon, he will be taking things in stride.

"I don't want to paint the picture as if every time I go out there I perform extremely well. that's not the case. I have been blessed to be able to get medasl at championships I have had some tough times, and down times. It's hard in the sense that I don't perform all the time, but I am only human," he said.

Richards is buoyed by the thought of a good year ahead.

"Five years ago, if anybody said I would be here, I wouldn't believe them," he said.

"It means a lot to be nominated for Jamaica Sportsman of the Year. Jamaica has so much spectacular athletes, and to be counted among them is a special thing," he said.

- S.F.