Smikle locks in on growth to medal

Traves Smikle is grateful for the consistency that has governed his discus season.

He knows, however, that he must improve if he is to fulfil his ambition to win a medal at next year's World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, or the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

His pragmatic view has been formed by the exceptionally high level of throwing in the event this year.

Just hours after the 30-year-old led training partner Fedrick Dacres in a Jamaican one/two at the just-concluded NACAC Open Championships in The Bahamas, Smikle observed, "The discus world is in a crazy place. If you're not throwing over 67 metres at the world games, you're in no contention to medal."

The consistent lefthander launched his disc past 64 metres in 11 meets, with four more than 65, including a season's best of 66.60. He was 12th, with Dacres ninth at the World Championship final in Eugene, Oregon, where the event produced brilliant throws. Six men threw more than 66 in the qualifying round and three went beyond the 68-metre line.

In the final, five soared past 67, with two over 69 and the untouchable Slovenian Kristjan Ceh, a clear winner setting a championship record of 71.13 metres.

Australian Matthew Denny, fifth in Eugene, later tossed 67.26 metres to win the Commonwealth Games, with Smikle third.

The grateful Jamaican is, therefore, looking to improve.

"When I look back, I see all the hard work and consistency playing its part in my success and obviously for some of these championships I could have improved in a number of ways. But you know how sport is, in the moment you have to deal with what's in front of you in the moment and the important thing for me this season was that in most of my competitions I've given a good account of myself and there is room for improvement, a lot of room for improvement," he said.

The Julian Robinson-coached thrower thinks the year has advanced his ambition.

"It's put me in a position to work on the small things and the other parts of my development as a discus thrower, to be more competitive in 2023 and for me personally, as I said previously, I have room to grow and this season has set up myself well to just build for next season."

His victory in Freeport carried another plus.

"I was also very happy for this win because it also helps my ranking points and with better ranking, that equals better meets for the next season. So I'm just pretty grateful," he rejoiced.

The NACAC champion has his eyes on the horizon.

"Next year is Budapest. I know what I'll be facing worldwide and I just want to keep a high level of consistency and have a good two years and that includes the Olympics as well and looking for something big between next year and 2024," Smikle said.