Pinnock inspired by 2017 mishap.
KINGSTON COLLEGE’S Wayne Pinnock is on a high following his record-breaking performance on Saturday in the High School Championships of America long jump at the Penn Relays. Pinnock broke a 24-yearold record of 7.69m, set by former Calabar High athlete Maurice Wignall, with an impressive new mark of 7.88m.
Pinnock, known more for his hurdling exploits, has been having a dream season so far in the horizontal jump following winning efforts of 7.99 and 7.77m earlier this year at the Digicel Grand Prix and the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships (Champs). He also went on to win gold at the Carifta Games in the Under-20 age group.
Pinnock said that he was inspired by his disappointment a year ago when he was favourite to win the event in Class 2 at Champs. Then, he was derailed by a serious injury that caused him not to compete in the final and also caused his withdrawal from the 110m hurdles, where he was also a favourite to win.
“I am happy for the win, and the condition was just great as I liked it,” said Pinnock, who got the record with his first attempt.
“I was determined to do well this year, and I was highly motivated because of the mishap I had at Champs. I just went back and put in some serious training,” he said.
Pinnock also defended his performance at the Grand Prix finals.
“I knew many thought that my effort then was not genuine, but I knew that I was in fantastic form as I was feeling it in my training sessions as my coach told me that I can go 8.00m,” he continued.
Despite his ability in the sprint hurdle, Pinnock said that he will now concentrate on the long jump.
“I love the hurdles, but this is World Junior year, and I want to do well for myself and country,” Pinnock explained. “This is where my focus is now as I really want to do something special.