Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Entering yesterday's women's long jump event at the 2007 Supreme Ventures/Puma National Athletics Championships at the National Stadium, very little, if anything, was known about national long jump champion Chelsea Hammond.

Though she said, "I have been coming to trials for years and years now," most of the spectators were unaware of her until she battled through the rounds with former champion Elva Goulbourne.

Hammond opened with 6.63m and recorded 6.65m on her second attempt, but Goulbourne replied with 6.66m. Both women leapt 6.66m on their third attempt, before Hammond took the title with 6.87m on her penultimate jump.

And before the end of the event, Hammond won not only the long jump, but some fans for herself.

Hammond said in previous years she finished fourth in the Under-20 100m and third and fourth at the long jump, but is happy to finally win first place.

"Hopefully people will remember me now," said Hammond, who finished second behind Goulbourne at the 2004 Olympic trials.

As for her performance, Hammond, who attended University of South Carolina, said "I feel blessed.

"I am excited that I jumped that and I know there is more to come," added the 22-year-old.