Morgan Uncorks Another Solid Throw

Leighton Levy, Gleaner Writer

National discus record holder, Jason Morgan, continues to rack up the wins. The burly Calabar High alum yesterday recorded his second-best mark of the season, 64.65 metres - a new meet record - at the Golden Eagle Classic at the University of Southern Mississippi.

So far this season, Morgan has set five meet records in his eight wins as he continues to prepare for the Olympic trials in late June. He is also the only Jamaican thrower this season to achieve the Olympic 'A' standard of 65 metres.

"This is my best year so far, obviously, and I have to be humble and thankful," he said.

"My hard work and determination are giving me these victories; eight victories and five meet records I consider a blessing. I am looking forward to breaking down barriers in spite of the lack of funding," he added. "Good people are on my side and they have advised me to stay positive and keep focused so I want to say thank you. I know greater things await me."

Exciting season

Morgan, who had four throws over 60 metres on Saturday, including one foul well over 67 metres, said he is excited by what he has been able to produce so far this season. On several occasions he has flirted with much greater distances, but concedes that he may have been pressing too hard.

"I know it's going to happen in a meet so I just have to be patient," he said.

The national record holder, who stands at 6'3" and tips the scales at 288lbs, said he has been working hard on his throwing technique.

"I am getting sharp from the back to the middle. I am already fast on the front, so that's a plus for a big man like me," he said.

He also reveals that he has been lifting heavy in the gym since he broke the national record on Good Friday.

"My workouts are on overload now and I also added two new exercises to my weightlifting programme and that's coming along good. Things are connecting well. I am going to start a new cycle next week. Light and speed; clean, smooth throws that go really far," he said.

Morgan said his plan under the programme is for him to set a personal record each month right up to the Olympics in London this summer.

"It's going to be a good look," he said.