Stona’s self-belief soars

AFTER MAKING his first senior championships final while competing at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games, discus thrower Roje Stona said he would like to repeat and even better his performance in other major athletics events to come.

“Reaching the finals at the Commonwealth Games was a good feeling. I wanted to make a bigger impact though, but as far as experience goes it was a step in the right direction for me,” Stona said.

Stona ended the Games in sixth position after a best throw of 62.15 metres at the Birmingham, Great Britain event.

Early this year, Stona became one of four Jamaicans over the 65 metres mark in the discus, after a personal best throw of 65.11m at the Penn Relays in the United States, where he also got a personal best in the shot put with a throw of 18.44m.

With these performances, the former St Jago High School athlete said the 2022 season is his best so far.

“I classify my 2022 season to be my best year yet. I crossed a lot of new barriers, learned and grew throughout every competition and became a better athlete and person. I think my biggest take away this season is that I am capable of competing amongst the best of the best in the world, while having confidence and fun,” he said.

Stona, who graduated from the Clemson University in America, hailed the school for their role in his development as a discus thrower.

“Coaching and mentoring played an important role in my growth as a senior athlete. Big shout out to the Clemson University track and field team, coaches and assistant coaches for their guidance that assisted me along my journey,” he said.

He said he had hopes of having a longer season in 2022, but with that not happening, he looks to the future in hope of continuing his growth in athletics.

“It was a long season for me. I wouldn’t have minded taking it a bit further to the NCAC championships. However, I wasn’t selected for that so the close out of my season was at the Commonwealth Games,” Stona said. “At my age in the sport, in order for me to keep excelling in my athletic goals I must keep a determined mind and not set limits for the things I can achieve.”

– Sharla Williams