After smashing shot put record, Jamaica's Brown looking 'to become a force'

Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:

Calabar High School's fourth former, Christopher Brown, came good on his debut appearance for Jamaica, when he broke the Under-17 shot put record on yesterday's second day of the 40th CARIFTA Games at the Montego Bay Sports Complex, at Catherine Hall in St James.

"Honestly, I can't explain how I feel," said an elated Brown. "It feels real good ... this is exactly what I had been working towards in preparing for this championship."

Brown first threw 17.35m to smash the previous record of 16.99m, which was established by Trinidad & Tobago's Chadrick DaCosta in the 2010 staging of the championship. He went on to break his new record, with a longer throw over 17.42m.

While he is accustomed to success on the local high school circuit, winning at the CARIFTA level has increased Brown's faith in his own ability as he sees winning as a good indicator that he is heading in the right direction in terms of his long-term aspirations.

Looking forward to a good streak

"Winning here is telling me that with more hard work and dedication I can become a force in this sport," said Brown. "I am definitely looking forward to a very good streak in the CARIFTA Games."

In explaining his preparation, Smith said at lot of time was spent on getting his technique right because he was confident that all the other aspects of his training were in order.

"I was not worried about the distance I could go because I have been putting in the work in practice," said Brown. "I knew I would win once my technique held up."

Now that he has won so handsomely at the CARIFTA level, Brown said he will now be switching his focus to the next staging of the World Youth Championships, where he hopes to make a mark on the larger stage.

Brown can actually end the CARIFTA Games with more than one medal, as he is also listed to contest the Under-20 discus, an event in which he is hopeful he could take another medal.

'It (the discus) is really not a strong area for me, but I have prepared well and I will give it my best shot," said Brown.

Brown was not the only Jamaica hero yesterday morning, as Sashagay Marston and Kellion Knibb were in medal-winning mood in the girls' Under-20 discus, taking gold and silver, respectively. Marston threw 45.46m, while Knibb threw 42.49m.