RICHARDS AIMS TO CONTINUE BEING A SPORT WIDE INFLUENCE

Photo: National Shotput record holder and 2015 World Championship bronze medalist, O’Dayne Richards

National Shotput record holder and 2015 World Championship bronze medalist, O’Dayne Richards is yet to step inside a throwing sector for competition in 2016. His delayed seasonal debut is due to a minor injury which his support team is managing quite well, he says.

“It’s been a tough season, training so far. I haven’t opened my season yet. I have had a little injury here and there, but it’s nothing that we can’t handle. So with the help of God, everything will be possible. I can say this, that I will do my utmost best. The talent that God has given me to perform, it is for me to do my best,“ a very confident sounding Richards explained.

“It’s not so much goals for 2016, but it’s a focus, on remaining an inspiration to my fellow Jamaican throwers in my quest for Olympic glory,” he explained to Yardie Sports at the launch of the Jamaica International Invitational Meet (JIIM).

The MVP athlete created history for Jamaica in Beijing by snatching the country’s first ever World Championship medal in a throwing event. The young athlete realizes that he is now more than just a Shot Put athlete and that his mandate extends to that of being a motivator and encouragement for a lot of athletes.

“I don’t think my performance in 2015 was a lift for just Shot Putters, but to local throwers in general. They are very pleased to know that a Jamaican made it to the final and eventually to the podium. My fellow teammates congratulated me and said that they are inspired. So I am hoping to replicate this performance or even better (at the Olympics). I am becoming a sport wide influence and I am happy for that.”

 Richards was hoping he could get a chance to perform for his fans and supporters on home soil at this year’s staging of the Jamaican International Invitational Meet, but believes the  local women are set to benefit from the Throwing events that are on the program schedule.

 “Definitely I would have loved to participate at the Meet, but we have no control over the events. But I think athletes like Daniel Thomas will be afforded very good international competition as she look to qualify for the Olympic Games.”

The CAC and Pan Am Games champion believes that there is a lot of local potential to be discovered. The Olympic year come bring that to life, but there will be need for continued support for local athletes.

“I think it was an excellent move for the Government to have come on board and support the athletes. I know for sure the athletes are pleased about it and I say where they can do more to do so. Last year we finish second in medal count at the World Championships and I am hoping with continued support we can replicate these performances at the Olympics Games, later this year, as well”.

Richards will not be competing at this year’s staging of the JIIM as the Shot Putt is not mong the list of approved events by the IAAF.