Photo: Jason Morgan participating in the discus event at JAAA/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica last weekend. Morgan will represent Jamaica in his second consecutive Olympic Games in Brazil next month.
The only athlete in Jamaica’s throwers team with Olympic experience is 2012 representative and national Discus record holder Jason Morgan. Despite a fourth place finish at the recently concluded National Senior Championships, the USA based athlete was thankful he can still be a part of the history being written for his homeland.
“First all I am very thankful and humble to be able to qualify for my 2nd Olympics Games. All praise to God. Especially the challenges and struggles I been through and still going through, to be able to stand here today in the sport and still throwing well is a miracle.”
He recalled his trip at his inaugural Olympic Games which came in 2012 in London. For the 33 year old athlete, it was a wealth of experience he gained despite no living up to the expectations in the field.
“My best moment of London 2012 Olympics was epic. Being able to walk in that opening ceremony with one of my best friends Maurice Smith, who actually forced me to starting throwing the discus at Calabar High school and 2000. There is no bad moment at the Olympic Games for me. My one disappointing moment was not competing better and throwing farther, because of having back spasms.”
Heading to Rio, Morgan is really happy to have for company a host of other athletes, most of whom he has inspired to work hard and reach forward. He openly expressed his joy of seeing these lesser regarded disciplines moving to another level in Jamaica.
“It’s a jubilant feeling to see how far we Jamaican throwers have come. I remember I made a promise years ago to break down barriers and become one of the leading pioneers for Jamaican throwers,” Morgan said. “I remember I use to make teams and I am the only thrower on the entire team. Now we have 2-3 in different throwing events. It’s a breakthrough and a blessing. It’s Timeless. God is blessing our hands and not just our feet.”
This time around as Morgan jets off to Rio, he is looking forward to enjoy his competition while inspiring the younger throwers to give of their best. A podium finish is also in the picture.
“You can expect nothing but Jason ‘Dadz’ Morgan giving his best. I have shown the world through my social media and expression of faith that I work hard honestly. Despite the odds, determination and dedication and faith will make me successful on all levels. My aim is the podium in Rio. And I don’t need anyone’s approval to do what I am destined for, because God is my guide on my journey.”
Morgan will have young Fedrick Dacres for company in the Men’s discus as they are the only two to have obtained the Olympic standard for Jamaica.
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