Levell finds challenge adjusting to pro ranks
THE last six months in the track and field life of sprinter Bryan Levell have not been easy, as he is still struggling to adapt to life at the professional level.
Levell, 20, made the jump from Edwin Allen High School to join the Optimum Performance track club, led by Shanikie Osbourne, at the end of last season. He told the Jamaica Observer that although it is challenging, he is nevertheless trying his best to excel in training at all times.
“It [training] has been up and down, but I am still trying to manage the training and to improve as I go along,” he said. “The senior level is a lot of work, and I am just trying to adjust my body to more work and to be more dedicated and disciplined.
“I am not 100 per cent there yet, but I am trying to cope as best as possible.”
Levell, who finished sixth in the final of the men’s 200m at the World Under-20 Championships in Cali, Colombia, last August, has personal best times of 10.21 seconds in the 100m and 20.34 in the 200m events. He ran a personal best time of 6.59 seconds to finish second in the men’s 60m event at the Queen’s/ Grace Jackson Development Meet at the National Stadium on Saturday.
The event was won by Ackeem Blake of Dynamics Athletic Club in 6.49. Levell says he is pleased with the performance because his execution was solid throughout the event.
“It was a good race and I think it was a good execution, but nevertheless, I am just taking it race by race and trying to improve as I go along,” he said.
“I am not really putting a limit on myself because I am just working every day and putting in more work and working smart and just getting back to my old self by going out there and enjoying track and field.”
Levell says he has also had to adjust his eating habits as a professional athlete to ensure that he remains fit and healthy to challenge for a spot on Jamaica’s team to the Olympic Games, in Paris this summer.
“I am not really 100 per cent on diet, but I think that I am improving my diet because I have been eating a lot healthier now,” he said. “I have not set any specific goals this year because I don’t want to put a limit on myself. But one thing I want to achieve this year is to compete at the highest level, and that is the Olympics Games,” he said.