Pullen hopes to soar to long jump final

LILLE, France:

Kingston College jumper Clive Pullen produced the best jump of his life in his first attempt during the boys long jump qualifying at the IAAF World Youth Championships, Lille, France, inside the Stadium Lille Metropole, to book a spot in the final.

Pullen posted 7.29 metres en route to winning his group in qualifying action, booking a place in the final of the event which is scheduled for 6 p.m. (11 a.m. Jamaica time).

However, Pullen, who only recently bounced back from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Associa-tion/Supreme Ventures Limited National Junior Championships, is not getting carried away with his early performance and is focused on lowering his mark even further in the medal round.

"I knew I could do it so I'm not surprised at all, it wasn't a big issue for me actually," Pullen said moments after competing in the qualifying round. "I just wanted to come out here and qualify and then take it another step further tomorrow (today), where I am hoping to jump even better and get a better distance."

Bad weather

Pullen, who had to overcome chilly, wet and windy conditions throughout the round, noted that the weather was a factor and believes he could have done better if it was more favourable. He is, however, expecting to be better prepared for any condition in today's final.

"I'm still kinda adjusting to the atmosphere, it's a bit cold and reminds me of the Penn Relays, and I kinda felt my legs closing up on me and stuff, but I came through and did my best and hopefully I'll be able to do even better in the finals," Pullen shared.

"The weather certainly affected me negatively as I'm not used to these conditions, it was a little colder than I am used to, plus it started to rain in the latter part of the competition, but I did my best and hopefully I will be able to adjust better in the finals and do even better," he added, before pointing out that he has full confidence in his ability heading into the finals, where he is giving himself a chance to do something special.

"I am very confident, I believe in myself a lot and I believe in God and I know with God I can do all things; all things are possible," said Pullen.

-A.L.