Shawn D Thompson close in a Tokyo 2020 qualification
Shawn D Thompson wins big

Shawn D Thompson enjoyed a fantastic day at Saturday’s (8 Feb) 42nd staging of the Milo Western Relays (Link to full results) held on at GC Foster College in Spanish Town.

The GC Foster student, though missed the Toyko 2020 automatic qualifying mark of 8.22m in the men’s long jump, could still make his first Olympic Games team. The IAAF makes allowance for athletes who did not make the qualifying standards to be included on the quota list of 32.

Asked about finishing two-centimetre short, “the 2020 Gibson Relays will speak for itself; hopefully, everything will be all right by then.”

Thompson leapt a big personal best 8.20m to dismantle MVP’s Tajay Gayle old record of 8.00m to win the men’s long jump. However, it was Thompson’s series of hikes that stood out to many.

“I am really surprised about this (performance) today, to be honest, but as I said, I am just taking it step by step,” said the 23-year-old.

He opened with 7.97, 7.95m and got 8.16m on his penultimate attempt. He also has a foul and a pass.

Thompson’s previous personal best was 8.13m done in 2019.


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Anthony Foster is a renowned Jamaican sports journalist, honored twice as the Jamaica sports journalist of the year (in 2004 and 2005). His journalistic achievements are globally recognized. Notably, he authored an award-winning article on Usain Bolt, the iconic 6-time Olympic champion, 11-time World champion, and record holder for the sprint double. This significant piece was published in the Jamaica Gleaner in 2004. Anthony's extensive coverage includes prestigious events such as the Olympic Games in Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016. He has also provided coverage for seven (7) World Athletics Championships held between 2007 and 2022, alongside various other international sporting events. Noteworthy mentions comprise his coverage of the 2007 World Cup of cricket and his cherished experience reporting on the 2004 clash between his favorite football team, Argentina, and the USA.

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