By Anthony Foster, TrackAlerts.com writer
Killion Knibb described as “I am elated and joyful” the feelings after breaking Jamaica’s national discus record. Friday night at the NCAA East Preliminary meet in Jacksonville, Fla., Kellion Knibb’s sixth and final discus throw of the night sailed 61.34m, breaking the previous Jamaican National Record of 61.21, set by Allison Randall in 2012.
With it Knibb advances to her first NCAA Championships meet June 11-14 in Eugene, Ore. In addition to the Jamaican mark, the five-meter PR set the Atlantic Coast Conference and University of North Florida facility records. Of course it also broke her own Florida State school record. It is the No. 2 throw collegiately this season.
Knibb, sophomore at Florida State, explained “breaking the 60m barrier is an exceptional accomplishment. Not only that, but making it to the NCAA championships is also a big deal for me and my coach.”
Knibb, who graduted from St. Jago High two years ago, is being coached by Jamaican shot put national record holder and ’12 Olympic finalist Dorian Scott:
In 2012, she ended her high school career a then national junior record of 51.02m, which signaled great things were in store for the thrower.
“My last year in high did go to way I wanted but I did end up surpassing 50m. For that I was extremely thankful. It restored my confidence and my faith in the talent God blessed me with. Additionally, first year of college didn't end well. My season ended at this meet last year. My performance at this meet last year, was the push factor of my work ethic for my entire sophomore year thus far.
Knibb, who is ranked 2nd in the US, said “besides going to the NCAAs next week, my coach wants me to compete at senior trials in June. Hopefully, we will move on to the Commonwealth Games.”
The meets this summer for seniors are Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland: July 23 – August 03 and Pan American Senior Championships, DF Mexico, July 31 – August 02.