NFL experience part of Olympic journey for Roje Stona

PARIS, France:

The road to a debut Olympic appearance has been an interesting one for discus thrower Roje Stona, one which included a rare opportunity to try his luck, and skill, at a different sport, utilising that experience for his own growth.

Along with national teammates Ralford Mullings and national champion Traves Smikle, Stona will contest the men's discus in Paris.

Stona was a part of a contingent of athletes who arrived on Wednesday at Gare du L'est station from Stuttgart, Germany where they were involved in Jamaica's pre-Olympic camp.

Stona, who has completed his chapter with the University of Arkansas, was invited in May to a National Football League (NFL) rookie camp with storied franchise Green Bay Packers.

Describing the experience, Stona said he is grateful for what he has learnt, while acknowledging how steep the learning curve is.

"It is a totally different sport. I'm new to it but it was a good experience. I learnt a lot. It was like learning a new language," Stona told STAR Sports. "As to how it will help me in track and field, I mean, it is a different sport."

His learning curve was acknowledged by NFL analyst Lance Zierlen on NFL.com, stating that while his discus and shot put background are distinct advantages, Stona was uncomfortable with running and catching drills.

"He will likely be targeted as a developmental project at tight end where he will have to learn to block. If he's committed to making it, he might be worth prioritising as an undrafted free agent," Zierlen said.

Stona's immediate focus, however, will be on making the Olympic final, after a season where he threw a personal best 69.05 metres which earned him the Olympic standard, booking his spot at the Games with a top-three finish at Jamaica's National Junior and Senior track and field athletic championships.

Stona said, despite the magnitude of the occasion, he has treated this season with the same mindset, 'get ready to perform when it matters'.

"I don't try to categorise it that way, whether it's Olympic or World Championships, I just try to make sure that I am prepared to do my best for any championships that comes, and just to make sure that I manage my season well," Stona said.