Sky-high after silver win
Geelong shot putter’s celebration of Comm Games success
GEELONG shot putter Marty Jackson admits he is finding it hard to come down after claiming silver at the Commonwealth Games.
The para-athlete was yesterday celebrating on the Gold Coast after throwing his way into the medals in the F38 event late on Wednesday at Carrara Stadium.
Jackson, who suffered a serious knee injury in a gridiron accident, produced a season best 13.74m with his final throw of the event to finish be- hind fellow Aussie Cam Crombie (15.74m).
Jackson admits he still cannot believe he has a Commonwealth Games silver medal sitting on his bedside table.
“I’m still amped up. I was so excited to go out there and do well in the comp,” he said
“To be honest, I’m still up there in the clouds. It’s very emotional. The medal is on the bedside table next to me, it’s pretty awesome.
“In London (at the world championships) I finished fourth and promised myself I wouldn’t do that again.
“I really feel like I can build on it (my silver medal now).”
The victory was made even more special with Jackson’s parents Val and Neil sitting in the stands watching.
It was the first time in 30 years Val and Neil had been on a plane. And Jackson made it worth the trip.
“To have them up in the stands was a very, very proud moment,” he said.
“Mum was so excited, to see the big smile on her face . . . and Dad got all nervous and dropped his phone. It was a big night for them.”
The 40-year-old produced a brilliant first throw, recording 13.29m to help calm the nerves.
In hindsight that would have been enough to still claim silver, but he used the energy from the crowd to best that with his last throw of the night.
“In London I let the crowd get to me and put me off my game. I’ve spent so much time on getting the mental game right,” Jackson said.
“I pulled back on chasing distances and just letting it happen. It worked for me.
“I went out there, opened OK, and just worked off what the coach was giving me. We got to the fourth throw and I said, ‘I’m going to go for it, I’m going to get the crowd involved’.
“Cam was firing them up as well, and that just lifts you. I put a bit of pepper on that last throw.”