Fedrick Dacres
Fedrick Dacres is never one that lacks motivation or energy which are both emotional and mental responses some professional athletes display in times of difficulties. If you ask him, he would readily tell you that it's through his numerous battles with injuries that he discovered the fighter inside him is even greater.
The lengthy and difficult recovery process from those injury setbacks over the last few seasons, brought Dacres's stubborn determination to the fore and helped the national men’s discus throw record holder, gain new perspective on a sport he fell in love with from the junior level.
"I've had a few years where I had to deal with injuries before so at this point, it (being injured or feeling a niggle) is like clockwork, so I've never majored in the minor so to speak. As an athlete, if you pay attention to the days when you get up feeling a little pain you will feel discouraged," Dacres told SportsMax.tv.
"So, it is just about taking it a day at a time and just looking to the future. Right now, I can move, once I can move that means I can do the work and once I can do the work then the performance will come and I will get better, so it's just one step at a time," he added.
The 29-year-old's revelation came, as he shared that though a bit sore, he is currently in the best shape of his life with his mind firmly set on making Jamaica's team to the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary scheduled for August 19-27.
To get there, Dacres, who achieved the national record of 70.78m in 2019, will first have to navigate the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) National Championships, where he is expecting fierce competition from a number of the country's rising prospects.
In fact, it is United States-based college senior Roje Stona that is currently the top-ranked Jamaican man with 68.64m, for sixth place on the World Championships ranking system, just ahead of Dacres, whose lone throw of the season, 68.57m, is seventh.
Traves Smikle is in ninth place with 68.14m, with the likes of Brandon Lloyd who threw 65.32m this year, Olympic finalist Chad Wright, Kai Chang, as well as Ralford Mullings, also showing great promise, which should make this event one of great entertainment value at the four-day Championships, scheduled to start on Thursday at the National Stadium.
Still, Dacres is no strangers to tough competition, having had success at both the Commonwealth Games and World Championships where he won gold and silver in 2018 and 2019 respectively, and he is no doubt aiming to put himself into medal contention in Budapest, next month.
"I think this will be the best National Championships in a while with good competition, so I can't complain. I'm feeling great, my preparation has been a bit slow based on a small groin injury, but it hasn't really stopped me. I just take it a step at a time, so just pacing myself and getting better for the trials and hopefully World Championships," he declared.
Throughout the conversation Dacres's body language and a wry smile every now and again, exuded immense confidence, which he said comes from the fact that he has recovered well and has also glimpsed a few of his national rivals in competition.
"The confidence comes from preparation time because as I said, I am feeling good so I can't complain, I went and competed overseas and I also saw my competitors, so I guess that's why I am oozing confidence. So again, I feel good, I am doing what I am supposed to and, all in all, it’s just about keeping it up and executing on the day," he ended.
Sherdon Cowan is a five-time award-winning journalist with 10 years' experience covering sports.
Caribbean athletes shine at USATF Bermuda Grand Prix as Noah Lyles takes 100m dash
Caribbean athletes showcased their exceptional talents at the USATF Bermuda Grand Prix on Sunday, delivering outstanding performances despite challenging conditions marked by heavy winds.
Perhaps, the most impressive of those performances came in the men’s triple jump where Jaydon Hibbert of Jamaica delivered a remarkable leap of 17.33m, claiming first place using an unconventional eight-step run.
Jah-Nhai Perinchief from Bermuda secured second place with a jump of 17.13m, and fellow Jamaican Jordan Scott took third place with a jump of 17.05m.
On the track, in the women's 400m, Stacey-Ann Williams of Jamaica surged to victory with a commanding time of 51.71 seconds, outpacing her competitors to claim first place. Behind her, Jessika Gbai from Ivory Coast secured second place in 53.00 seconds, followed closely by Paola Moran of Mexico in third with a time of 53.21 seconds.
The men's 400m event saw Kirani James of Grenada exhibit his prowess with a winning time of 46.00 seconds, leading the charge for Caribbean athletes. Behind him, Alonzo Russell from the Bahamas claimed second place with a time of 47.05 seconds, followed closely by Demish Gaye of Jamaica in third with 47.15 seconds.
Shian Salmon displayed sheer excellence in the 400m hurdles, triumphing with a swift time of 56.59 seconds. Cassandra Tate of the United States secured second place with a time of 57.04 seconds, while Aminat Jamal from Bahrain finished third in 57.94 seconds.
In the men's 200m dash, Jereem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago blazed to victory in 20.39 seconds, showcasing his speed and skill on the track. He was closely followed by Matthew Boling of the USA in second place with a time of 20.42 seconds, while Udodie Onwuzrike from Nigeria secured third place with a time of 20.61 seconds.
In her first 200m run in a year, the USA's Abby Steiner blazed to victory in 22.71. Her countrywoman Kynnedy Flannel took second in 23.01. Ashanti Moore of Jamaica was third in 23.12.
While Caribbean athletes shone brightly, world champion Noah Lyles of the USA stood out in the men's 100m dash, overcoming challenging wind conditions to clock 9.96 seconds and secure first place. Aaron Brown of Canada was the runner-up in 10.09 followed closely by Pjai Austin of the USA who ran 10.10.
Tamari Davis of the USA also impressed in a dominant victory in the women’s 100m. The young American stormed to a time of 11.04. In her wake was compatriot Kortnei Johnson who ran 11.27 just ahead of Jamaica’s Alana Reid (11.29).
Amber Hughes of the USA comfortably win the 100m hurdles in 12.57 with Ebonie Morris of Liberia and Yanique Thompson of Jamaica finishing second and third, in 12.80 and 12.86, respectively.
Monae Nichols of the USA jumped an impressive 6.91m to win the long jump. Jamaica’s Chanice Porter took second place with her effort of 6.62m while Jasmine Moore finished third having jumped 6.60m.
Honouring Hubert Lawrence: Jamaica Observer’s Paul Reid accepts Jesse Abramson Award on behalf of late colleague
In a poignant moment during Saturday’s final day of 128th edition of the Penn Relays, veteran sports journalist Paul Reid accepted the prestigious Jesse Abramson Award on behalf of his late friend, brother, and colleague, Hubert Lawrence. The ceremony, tinged with both celebration and remembrance, highlighted Lawrence's unparalleled contributions to track and field journalism and his lasting impact on the sport.
"It's an absolute honour to receive the Jesse Abramson Award for excellence in track and field journalism on behalf of Hubert Lawrence," expressed Reid, who was the first Jamaican sports journalist to receive the award in 2010.
"This award was long overdue given Hubert's outstanding body of work, particularly at the Penn Relays, which he covered for over 25 years. Hubert would have cherished this moment, especially witnessing Excelsior's historic win after nearly 60 years."
Excelsior High School won the Championship of America High School Boys 4x100m in a time of 40.45. It was the first time they were winning the event since they last claimed victory in 1967.
Reid's emotional words encapsulated the deep bond shared with Lawrence, who passed away suddenly on February 23, 2024. The Penn Relays marked a poignant occasion for both friends, whose coverage of the event spanned more than three decades. "He (Lawrence) would have pulled up a long list of statistics and facts," Reid remarked in reference to Excelsior historic win. "It was surreal standing there on the infield during the ceremony as I had missed my award in 2010 because I had no idea that I was being awarded and was busy working at the time. Hubert leaves a massive legacy and he is missed every day, especially at track and field meets."
The decision to honour Lawrence posthumously was prompted by Irwin Clare of Team Jamaica Bickle, a longstanding supporter of Jamaican and Caribbean athletes at the Penn Relays.
"With his untimely passing, we felt this was an extremely appropriate time to honour someone who had such a profound impact on track and field in Jamaica and at the Penn Relays," remarked Aaron Robison, the meet director of the Penn Relays. "Hubert was universally respected and admired, not only by athletes and coaches but also by the entire media fraternity. His integrity and dignity in reporting earned him admiration from all quarters of the sport."
Lawrence's legacy transcended journalism, resonating deeply with athletes and coaches who held him in high regard for his professionalism and genuine passion for track and field.
The posthumous recognition underscores the enduring influence of his work and the profound loss felt by the athletics community. As Reid stood on the infield, accepting the award, the void left by Lawrence's absence was palpable, a testament to the indelible mark he made in the world of sports journalism.
In honouring Hubert Lawrence with the Jesse Abramson Award, the Penn Relays celebrated not only a remarkable journalist but also a cherished friend and colleague whose legacy continues to inspire and resonate within the track and field community.
KC wins third straight Championship of America 4x400m title at Penn Relays; JC wins 4x800m
Kingston College made it three Championship of America 4x400m titles in a row with a comfortable win in the event on the third and final day of the 128th Penn Relays at Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Their quartet of Antonio Forbes, Amal Glasgow, Roshawn Lee and Marcinho Rose combined to run 3:11.86 to win ahead of Excelsior (3:12.94) and Bullis School (3:13.10).
Elsewhere, Jamaica College won their second Championship of America 4x800m relay in three years.
Their team of Nellie Amberton, Samuel Creary, Rasheed Pryce and Kemarrio Bygrave produced a time of 7:42.37 to win ahead of St. John’s College (7:44.66) and Central Bucks West (7:45.99).
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