Wright hunting Games mark

DOHA, Qatar:

After struggling to make the qualifying standards to compete at these World championships, Chad Wright is aiming to throw the required 66 metres in the men’s discus to qualify for next year’s Olympic Games.

“One of my main goals is to get the Olympic qualifying mark so that I can prepare freely next year instead of trying hard during the season to meet the qualifying mark,” Wright told The Gleaner yesterday.

‘I finally got it’

“I was struggling to hit the mark (World Champs qualifying), and in the latter part of the season, I finally got it.”

The former Calabar High star managed to throw over 60 metres consistently throughout the season, but could not get to the required 65 metres.

But on August 10, the big man sailed his disc 65.13 metres at a meet in Belgium and ensured that Jamaica, for the second time, will field three entrants in the event as national record holder Fedrick Dacres and Traves Smikle had made the qualifying mark already.

“I am happy to be able to join Fedrick and Traves here. We have been representing from high school,” Wright said.

Apart from achieving the Olympic standard, Wright is also aiming to make the final of the event.

“I am looking, at a minimum, to make the top eight. Wherever that takes me, I am happy with that,” Wright said.