Dacres turns to volleyball for Olympic preparation
FIVE-TIME NATIONAL discus champion Fedrick Dacres believes a change in approach could work magic for him during the 2024 track and field season. Dacres, while speaking with RJR Sports, stated that he and his handlers have opted for a “conservative” method which they hope will bring forth the well-needed rewards.
“We’re taking a very conservative approach this year as we’re not trying to do too much. I’m in good shape, so it’s actually to get fit in terms of movement,” he stated.
The powerfully built Dacres, who finished fifth at last year’s World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, stated that he has been using the sport of volleyball to get in peak physical shape in preparation for the season ahead. Dacres is enjoying life playing volleyball and was recently voted the Most Valuable Player at the UWI Mona Volleyball Champions League tournament. He added that his team and himself are “cherry-picking” meets this season as part of their change in preparation approach.
“We’re picking our meets and will be going to the ones that matter. I used to play football a lot when I was younger but I realised that volleyball was the way to go. It’s not a contact sport so I use it as exercise, so it’s just to get the body ready,” he added.
The former Calabar High School standout, who has had his fair share of injuries, shared that based on how he feels currently there aren’t any injuries hampering his preparation thus far.
“I can’t complain as I only have niggles in the knees because of surgeries but nothing really major. If I can jump up and down because of volleyball, then I’m good enough to turn in the circle,” Dacres said.
The 29-year-old, who is also Jamaica’s national discus record holder at 70.78 metres, is eyeing his first medal on the Olympic stage having had two unsuccessful attempts while competing at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He said that based on past history, the upcoming Paris Olympics set for July 26-August 11 should be challenging but he’s hopeful that he’ll break the jinx if he safely navigates his way through the national senior trials.
“Based on the track record I’m not the Olympic man but the World Championship man but this year is the best that I’ve felt in a while, so in terms of being ready, I’m supposed to be good,” he said.