OregonGoldRush |Anderson wants debut to mean something
Published:Wednesday | July 20, 2022 | 11:01 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
When Navasky Anderson takes the field tonight for the men's 800m first round at 7:20 p.m Jamaica time, he will do so hoping that he can carry the torch for the island in the distance for years to come.
Anderson makes his senior team debut at the World Athletic Championships after a strong collegiate season for Mississippi State University, finishing second in the collegiate championship, and in the process erasing a national record that stood since 1977.
Anderson will be the first Jamaica since Marvin Watts to compete in a World Championship in the discipline and hopes that this is the start of forging a legacy that puts middle distance running on the island firmly in the spotlight.
"It is something that I have been looking forward to doing for a long time. To shine the spotlight on Jamaica because there is a lot of sprinting in our country. I just want to do what I came here to do and represent to the best of my ability," Anderson told The Gleaner.
While it may be his first major global championship appearance, he is no stranger to Hayward Field having competed here weeks ago at the college outdoor championships. Anderson's record-breaking run came here as he clocked 1:45.02 seconds, the 43rd fastest time in the world this year. The stage may be bigger, but Anderson says that he feels comfortable in familiar environs
"I feel like this is somewhere that I am used to. It is good to know that I am used to the environment and I'm pretty much ready to go to work," Anderson said.
Anderson is keeping his plans on how to attack his first heat close to the vest, however, he says that no matter the outcome, he is hoping that the local fans will continue to follow his journey and believes that his strong mentality will keep him focused.
"It's all about confidence, having faith and a strong mind. I'm here for that and just to keep developing and moving forward," Anderson said.
"I just hope that Jamaica will continue to support me throughout my career knowing that this is just the start."
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