What pressure?

WITH THE RJRGLEANER Sportsman of the Year, as well as the People’s Choice awards added to his growing trophy cabinet, expectations are high for Antonio Watson heading into a new and important season.

But the 22-year-old sprinter says he is under no pressure as he prepares for the Paris Olympic Games.

Watson capped off an impressive 2023 season with the big award at Friday’s RJRGLEANER Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards ceremony and also grabbed the best performance of the year when he ran home to victory in the men’s 400-metre final at the World Athletics Championships last year. Watson clocked 44.22 seconds, just off the 44.13 personal best he ran in the semifinals.

With his trophies in hand and a smile on his face, Watson said his success is due to the work he has been putting in over the years.

“It’s an overwhelming feeling, but it goes to show that with hard work and persistence then anything is possible. It’s really exciting but it’s from the hard work that I’ve been putting in.”

Watson is no stranger to success, however. He has been achieving at high levels even as a junior.

In 2017, he won the under-18 world 400-metre title in a then-personal best of 46.59s. He also enjoyed an impressive ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships career for Petersfield High School, despite injury setbacks and the pandemic.

Now training at the Racers Track Club under the guidance of seasoned coach Glen Mills, Watson says it is surreal that someone from the ‘countryside’ is now earning the recognition and success that he has, early in his career.

“It’s a massive achievement and also a great feeling. Coming from the countryside we don’t really get much recognition, so actually getting the recognition now, from competing at Champs for Petersfield up to now, it just feels good.”

With the Paris Olympics later this year, all eyes are now on the youngster to replicate the form he showed at the World Championships.

When asked about the weight of expectations on his shoulder, Watson said he feels no pressure, and that he will be preparing for the Olympics with the same mindset he has had since his days at Champs.

ALL ABOUT PREPARATIONS

“There is not a big difference for me when it comes to preparing for Champs and for the World Championships. It’s just how you apply yourself from the previous event, how you prepare for the next one and making sure you’re ready to execute,” he said.

“I’m not really focusing on any pressure or expectations or what the outsiders are saying. I’m just training, being ready for when the time comes and getting the job done. I want to go out there and achieve more from last year, and do bigger and better things.”

Watson also acknowledged his fellow young athletes. Making special mention to his national teammates who performed well at the World Championships, Watson said that the future of Jamaica’s athletics is in safe hands.

“For me, every young athlete coming up has the opportunity to be great. It comes down to how they apply themselves throughout their preparation and stuff but, surely, this generation has the chance to be something great.”