Jamaican athlete Jermaine Gonzales aims to go top of the world

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

HAVING taken a major step towards recognising the potential he showed as a junior athlete, Jermaine Gonzales is now looking to conquer the world.

In 2001, the gangly quarter-miler captured bronze at the World Youth Championships in Athletics, and in the process broke the national 400m record, which had stood for 13 years.

Injuries, however, have slowed his progress, until last season when he competed at nearly full fitness and made a rebirth of sorts with some very outstanding performances.

On July 22 this year, he took a major step towards recognising the potential that he showed as a junior athlete, when he sped to victory in 44.40 seconds at the Monaco Diamond League meeting to erase the old mark of 44.49 seconds, which was set by Roxbert Martin on June 21, 1997, at the National Stadium.

That was Gonzales' fourth consecutive personal best, which indicates a rich return to form and health.

However, the 25-year-old is not content with being the national record holder as he is determined to grab a hold of world dominance with Olympics and World Championships successes high on his radar.

"The national record is an achieve-ment, but for me it is no major achievement because I think the record was soft," said Gonzales. "World Championships and Olympics is where you really put your name out there as one of the best in the world and prove yourself. I am looking forward to it.

"I was able to finish the season healthy and running fast, so it is going to be easy to push on from here. I am really looking to become number one next year and win the World Championships," added Gonzales.

Congratulatory party

As a reward for his achievements, Gonzales' manager, Clive 'Busy' Campbell, along with family and friends, recognised him on Sunday at a congratulatory party held at the latter's residence.

Gonzales was very appreciative of the gesture and believes it shows that he is appreciated.

"It was a good feeling and I really appreciated it," said Gonzales. "My family and my close friends were there and it just shows that people appreciate what I am doing. I am just looking to continue and hope for their continued support as well," he added.

The Racers Track Club member attributes his success to finally being injury-free, as well as the work he has done with his new coach, former World champion Bert Cameron.

"We have an understanding, he is a motivator and he is the one who is really pushing me to do this," said Gonzales, in reference to Cameron. "I think he has more belief in me than what I have in myself and it is working out well."