Herbert Morrison’s Daley eyes Olympic berth
IF his confidence is anything to go by, Herbert Morrison’s Deandre Daley will be making some noise — not only at the junior level but he could also do so at the seniors as he eyes a spot on the Olympic team.
Daley, who turns 19 years old on Thursday, opened his season in the 400m at the Youngster Goldsmith Meet, and he is oozing with confidence.
“Based on how the season progresses, if I am in that shape I will definitely go for it,” Daley told the Jamaica Observer after struggling to catch his breath following a gruelling 400m run.
The athlete was asked if he believes he can realistically qualify for Paris seeing that Jamaica has quality 100m runners vying for only six spots.
Daley would have to get by Oblique Seville, Ackeem Blake, Rohan Watson, Yohan Blake, and other promising sprinters.
“I am not worried about the competition. I am out there to do my own damage,” Daley said.
Daley has a personal best of 10.08 seconds and was the second-fastest junior athlete behind Bouwahjgie Nkrumie, who became the first schoolboy to go below the 10-second barrier with 9.98s.
Daley looked sharp and strong in his 400m, holding a lead down the backstretch, but was caught close to home by Roshane Symister of Jamaica College (JC) who finished in 48.69s. Daley, who said he felt stronger than last season, clocked a personal best 50.44s and was 17th overall.
“Today’s race was mainly for training for the 100m further down,” Daley said. “Fans are expecting great things so that’s all [what’s] left to do, show them great things.”
As for his attempt at the 100m record during which he finished second last year in 10.14, he said, “Only time can tell. Once the work is being put in, then I am pleased with any time I run.”
Hector Benjamin is a challenger to Daley, and the JC athlete’s coach said last week that he can set the record after opening his 100m with 10.36s. If Benjamin is to get the record he will have to go through Daley first, and that will be no easy feat.