‘I’m not here to make up numbers’

LONDON, England: TRIPLE JUMPER Clive Pullen says he is not in London to make up numbers at the IAAF World Championships, but is looking to show his quality against the world’s best in the English capital.

“I am not here to make numbers, this now will be my profession so it’s work from here on out and I will treat it as such. I am here to do my best and in doing so I will be among the best where the results is concerned,” Pullen said.

Pullen competed at last year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro but could only manage a 17th place finish overall after jumping 16.08m.

However, with that experience now under his belt, the University of Arkansas man is hoping for a more positive result in London when he bows into competition on Monday at 6:35 p.m. (12:35 p.m. Jamaica time).

“I am actually looking forward to this experience. I was off to a slower start this year than I was last year. Last year I was actually performing on fumes so to speak but this year the World Championships would actually be like my fourth real competition so I am pretty fresh and I am looking forward to it,” said Pullen.

GOOD SEASON

“This year I had a really good indoor season, I got hurt at the beginning of the outdoor season and had to taper down, was out for six weeks but thanks to the Arkansas medical crew, I was able to bounce back and compete,” he shared before pointing to the improved performances by Jamaican field event athletes in recent years.

“The field events overall has really escalated and to be a part of that is a good feeling. So we all have to continue to represent well and make the country proud,” Pullen added.

Pullen, a former Kingston College team captain, won his second straight national title at the National Senior Championships in June with a 16.83m effort.